**Climate Change Steals the Spotlight in White House Debate**

In an unprecedented moment, a White House debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz brought climate change to the forefront, sparked by the devastating effects left in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The topic emerged early in Tuesday night's debate, marking the most timely discussion on climate science and policy in any general election debate to date.

JD Vance attempted a nuanced approach by tentatively accepting the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change, albeit "for the sake of argument." This acceptance is significant, given that the scientific community firmly attributes climate change to the emissions of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels.

Tim Walz countered Vance’s stance with a focus on the current state of U.S. energy production, highlighting that both oil and natural gas outputs are at peak levels. Vance, however, steered the conversation towards economic concerns, specifically criticizing Kamala Harris for policies he claims have increased home heating costs.

The debate underscored how climate change, often considered a secondary issue in electoral politics, could not be sidelined this time. The catastrophic impact of Hurricane Helene has undeniably shifted the political landscape, compelling candidates to address environmental and economic ramifications more directly.