Vance rips Walz on economy, says he's forced to 'pretend' Trump didn't lower inflation

' I think he got a tough job here because you've got to play Whac-A-Mole' Vance said

JD Vance and Tim Walz to face off in first and only VP debate

Fox News' Bryan Llenas reports the latest on the CBS News Vice Presidential Debate in New York City.

Ohio Sen. JD Vance ripped Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for the Democratic Party's economic record, remarking Walz has a "tough job" simultaneously defending Vice President Kamala Harris' "atrocious economic record" while attacking former President Donald Trump on the economy. 

"Honestly, Tim, I think he's got a tough job here because you've got to play Whac-A-Mole. You've got to pretend that Donald Trump didn't deliver rising take home pay, which of course he did. You've got to pretend that Donald Trump didn't deliver lower inflation, which of course he did," Vance said Tuesday evening during the CBS News Vice Presidential Debate in New York City. 

Vance was responding after Walz slammed the GOP ticket as one that protects billionaires with tax cuts and pledging that he's a "union guy" who wants to keep jobs in the U.S.

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Walz and Vance in debate

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 01: Republican vice presidential candidate, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), and Democratic vice presidential candidate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, participate in a debate at the CBS Broadcast Center on October 1, 2024 in New York City. This is expected to be the only vice presidential debate of the 2024 general election. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Vance continued by saying Walz has to juggle defending Vice President Kamala Harris' economic record while slamming Trump. 

"And then you simultaneously got to defend Kamala Harris's atrocious economic record, which has made gas, groceries and housing unaffordable for American citizens," Vance continued. 

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"I was raised by a woman who would sometimes go into medical debt, so that she could put food on the table in our household. I know what it's like to not be able to afford the things that you need to afford. We can do so much better. To all of you watching, we can get back to an America that's affordable again. We just got to get back to common sense economic principles." 

Walz in Debate

Minnesota Governor and Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz speaks during the Vice Presidential debate with US Senator and Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance, hosted by CBS News at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City on October 1, 2024. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images) (Getty Images)

The economy is a top voter concern this election cycle, ranking alongside issues such as the immigration crisis, abortion and national security. 

"I hope we have a conversation on health care then, senator," Walz said as Vance wrapped up his points on the economy. 

jd Vance

Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaks during a campaign rally Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Newtown, Pa. (AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson) (AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson)

"Please," Vance responded. 

The debate marks the first time the pair have squared off against one another, and will likely be the only vice presidential debate this cycle. 

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.

Authored by Emma Colton via FoxNews October 1st 2024