On Politics

Wed Oct 2 2024

Rebecca Morin | Senior National News Reporter

@RebeccaMorin_

Happy Wednesday! It's Rebecca Morin, senior national news reporter at USA TODAY. I'm in a "Midwest emo" mood and have been playing this song on repeat.

34 days until Election Day. 9 days until Charli XCX's brat remix album is out. (Yes, I am excited for it!)

5 takeaways from Vance-Walz showdown

Did you think the gloves were going to come off between Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz during Tuesday's vice presidential debate? Well, the two turned to their Midwestern roots and kept it largely civil. One of the warmest moments came after Walz said his teenage son witnessed a shooting, and Vance stopped to share sympathy.

Both candidates' were most passionate when asked about the central issues for their party: Vance on immigration and Walz on abortion. Read more.

•	The winners (and losers) from VP debate between JD Vance, Tim Walz
•	Who won the VP debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz? Here's what a new poll found
•	Watch: Vance, Walz surrogates 'spin' vice presidential debate performances

Another takeaway from Tuesday's debate? JD Vance 2.0

Vance used the debate as an opportunity to rebrand himself. During the debate, Vance presented himself as a candidate willing to work across the aisle, softened his party's stance on abortion and showcased empathy for his Democratic opponent. Few insults and elbows thrown between the candidates. Read more.

A politics pit stop

•	Why an old photo of Trump, Longshoreman's president returned to prominence with strike
•	Who has better odds to win the election, Harris or Trump? The VP debate nudged them.
•	Will gas prices, supplies be affected by the port strike? What experts say
•	An 'October surprise' could still spell trouble for Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton warns
•	ACLU sues feds, questions infrastructure for mass deportation

Israel plans 'significant' and swift response to Iran missile attack

Israel's military intends to retaliate "significantly" and swiftly against Iran after the latter country fired around 180 missiles at Israel's territory, but it is still weighing what form this reprisal will take, according to a person briefed on the matter. Read more.

Las Vegas recommendations?

Next week, I'll be heading to Las Vegas ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris' town hall with Univision. Trump will have his town hall with the network in Miami. Got any recommendations for local restaurants or areas I should check out (bonus points for places with voters who would want to chat!)? Send them my way!

Got a burning question, or comment, for On Politics? You can submit them here or send me an email at rdmorin@usatoday.com.