Best, Worst and Most Unlikely Lines of the Vice-Presidential Debate

In a vice-presidential debate notable for its largely civil tone and serious focus, Senator JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz managed to rewrite bits of history, studiously circumnavigate facts, land some zingers and sing the praises of Minnesota. There was a lot of Minnesota.

Here is a look back at the moments that stuck out for us.

Least catchy coinage. Mr. Vance, seemingly pioneering a new term of art, described the vice president as waving a “Kamala Harris open border wand.”

Bravest fashion choice. Mr. Vance’s patterned fuchsia tie.

Sharpest zinger. Mr. Walz, responding to Mr. Vance’s repeated efforts to parry questions about the Jan. 6 riots with claims that the Biden administration and social media companies censored free speech. “January 6 was not Facebook ads.”

Most blatant nonanswer. When asked by his opponent whether he accepted that Mr. Trump lost the election in 2020, Mr. Vance replied, “I am focused on the future.”

Most unfortunate gaffe. Mr. Walz, saying “I’ve become friends with school shooters.” (He was discussing meeting with victims of gun violence.)

Worst-prepared answer. Mr. Walz’s effort to explain why he has falsely said he was in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square protests. After a windup about his background, sports teams and trips to China, he said: “I’ve not been perfect. And I’m a knucklehead at times.” Pressed again to answer, he said: “All’s I said on this was, is I got there that summer and misspoke on this, so. I will just — That’s what I’ve said.”