Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance debated on crucial issues like the Middle East crisis, immigration, and the economy during a vice presidential debate on Tuesday.
Despite heated policy disagreements, both candidates avoided personal attacks and instead criticized their party’s presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Vance blamed Harris for not addressing inflation and immigration, while Walz attacked Trump for his unstable leadership and failure to solve immigration during his presidency.
The debate touched on foreign policy as tensions escalated in the Middle East. Walz argued that Trump’s erratic nature made him unfit to manage the crisis, while Vance credited Trump with improving global security during his term.
On the topic of Iran, Vance leaned toward supporting Israel’s decisions, while Walz avoided a direct response. Both candidates presented contrasting views on domestic issues like abortion, with Walz criticizing Trump’s role in overturning Roe v. Wade, and Vance, though strongly conservative, downplayed a national ban on abortion.
With the election just five weeks away, both candidates sought to gain an edge, but vice presidential debates rarely sway elections.
Walz admitted he misspoke about his involvement in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, while Vance defended Trump despite having criticized him before 2016.
Polls show the race is tight, with voters divided in key swing states that will decide the November election.