Tim Walz Wears a Taylor Swift-Style Friendship Bracelet, Viewers Scrutinize J.D. Vance’s ‘Pink’ Tie in VP Debate

Mar. 15, 2025

Tim Walz wears friendship bracelet during vice presidential debate.Photo:Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty; ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty

Tim Walz Friendship Bracelet

Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty; ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty

The Minnesota governor wore the bracelet on his right wrist as he debated against Ohio Sen.J.D. Vanceat the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

It’s not clear if Walz’sbraceletwas the one the Harris-Walz campaign began selling on theirwebsitefollowing last month’s presidential debate, after which the singer publicly endorsed Vice PresidentKamala Harris.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at the 2024 vice presidential debate.Chip Somodevilla/Getty

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 01: Democratic vice presidential candidate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, smiles during 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.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty

In his closing statements, Walz made several entertainment references.

“Thank you to all of you, if you’re still up, and the folks who missedDancing with the Stars, I appreciate it. But look, the support of democracy matters. It matters that you’re here,” he said, referring to the ABC competition show that was pre-empted for the debate.

“And I’m as surprised as anybody of this coalition that Kamala Harris has built. FromBernie Sandersto Dick Cheney to Taylor Swift, and a whole bunch of folks in between there. And they don’t all agree on everything, but they are truly optimistic people,” continued Walz, name-dropping the singer and politicians on both sides of the aise.

“They believe in a positive future of this country, and one where our politics can be better than it is,” he added.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance at the 2024 vice presidential debate.Chip Somodevilla/Getty

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 01: Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) participates 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

While Vance didn’t mention the Grammy winner, viewers online called out one of his own style choices— a pink tie.

“I’m usually not this superficial…but whoever decided #Vance should wear a glittery hot pink tie (also accentuates the guy-liner) should be fired and never work in politics again #vpdebate,” one X userwrote.

“Vance looking FABULOUS in tonight’s eyeliner and pink tie,“another wrote. Some also noted itcould be in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which began on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Taylor Swift performing on August 9, 2023.John Shearer/Getty

Taylor Swift performs onstage for the opening night of “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” at State Farm Stadium on March 17, 2023

John Shearer/Getty

Swift endorsed Harris for presidentmoments after Harriswrapped her first debate with her opponent, former presidentDonald Trump, on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer.

source: people.com