JD Vance's immigration rant fact-checked, he persists, gets mic muted

During a heated exchange in the vice presidential debate, Republican nominee JD Vance had his microphone turned off by the moderators after disputing their questions regarding his statements about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio.

During a debate with Democratic rival Governor Tim Walz, Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance found his microphone muted by moderators after challenging a fact-check on his immigration claims. This incident occurred amid a heated discussion regarding Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio.

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In Short

JD Vance’s mic muted during debate with Tim Walz
Vance disputed fact-check on immigration claims
Walz criticised Vance for false statements about Haitian immigrants

Tensions escalated when Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, criticized Vance, the Ohio Senator, for reiterating a previously debunked assertion that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were “eating people’s pets.”

Walz highlighted that the immigrants had entered the country legally and emphasized that Vance’s remarks had incited terroristic threats against both the city and its schools.

Vance, however, stood firm and expanded on his argument.

“In Springfield, Ohio, and in communities across the nation, schools are overwhelmed, hospitals are stretched thin, and housing is completely unaffordable due to the influx of millions of illegal immigrants competing with Americans for limited homes,” he stated.

At this point, CBS News moderator Margaret Brennan stepped in to provide clarification: “For our viewers, it’s important to note that Springfield, Ohio, has a significant number of Haitian migrants who possess legal status and temporary protection.”

This led to a sharp response from Vance, who contended, “The rules stated that you wouldn’t fact-check, and since you are fact-checking me, it’s essential to clarify what’s really happening.”

As Vance continued to speak over the moderators while addressing the asylum system, they chose to mute his microphone. “Gentlemen, the audience can’t hear you because your mics are cut,” Brennan explained. “We have so much we want to cover.”

The decision to mute Vance’s mic incensed Republicans, including his running mate, former President Donald Trump, who vented his frustration on Truth Social. “Brennan cut off JD’s mic to prevent him from correcting her!” he wrote.

However, the moderators’ action was consistent with the debate rules previously established by CBS News, which retained the authority to mute microphones to ensure decorum. This moment became one of the most chaotic exchanges in an otherwise civil debate.

Moderators Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan also pressed both candidates about their past statements. Walz faced questions regarding his claim of being in China during the Tiananmen Square crackdown, while Vance was questioned about his earlier critical comments about Trump.

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