The CBS television channel hosted a debate between two candidates for US vice president – Republican J.D. Vance and Democrat Tim Walz. They took place in an emphatically correct and business-like atmosphere; politics was discussed without getting personal.
The debate focused largely on domestic policy, but the first question asked of the candidates was about the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, which took place hours after an Iranian missile attack on the Jewish state.
Walz echoed Kamala Harris’ statement about her unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. Vance quoted Donald Trump, saying that when he was president, there were no wars in the world. Both candidates avoided answering questions about their support for a pre-emptive strike on Iran.
“It’s up to Israel. It must decide what is required to ensure its security. We must support our allies,” Vance said. Walz blamed Trump for Iran’s closeness to nuclear weapons.
Throughout the 90-minute debate, Vance felt more confident than his opponent. He sharply criticized the administration on the issue of migration. To this, Walz noted that Trump, as president, helped torpedo a bill proposed by both parties that would tighten controls on the border with Mexico.
Vance was asked about Trump’s claim that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are kidnapping and eating pets, a view shared by the vice presidential candidate. When Vance began repeating conspiracy theories, the host cut off his microphone.
Vance also did not answer the question of whether Trump lost the last presidential election. Walz sharply criticized this avoidance of a murderous response and recalled the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Vance responded that Trump was calling for peaceful protest.
An important part of the debate was the issue of abortion and the overturning by the US Supreme Court of a decision that guaranteed this right at the federal level. Walz recalled Amber Thurman and Candy Miller, two Georgia residents who died due to restrictions on access to abortion. Vance said he is willing to be more flexible on this issue.
Politicians also discussed the economy, school gun violence, and climate change. The war between Russia and Ukraine was not mentioned. Whether the debate will affect the outcome of the presidential race remains an open question.