During a heated moment during the debate, JD Vance put Tim Walz on the backfoot while discussing nuclear weapons. When Walz accused Trump of making Iran “closer to a nuclear weapon”, Vance countered by pointing out that Iran is closer today than it has ever been to developing a nuclear weapon.
In the first debate between vice presidential candidates, Sen.JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz, the two contrasted how former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris would approach foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East. Iran launched over 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday, escalating a years-long conflict between Israel, Iran, and its Arab allies, which could push the region closer to a wider war.
When asked about supporting a preemptive strike by Israel on Iran, Walz highlighted the importance of stable leadership in dealing with Middle Eastern affairs. He criticised Trump’s foreign policy, citing concerns raised by Trump’s former staff regarding his fitness for office. Walz praised Harris for her steady leadership and calmness in maintaining international coalitions.
In contrast, Vance defended Trump’s foreign policy, claiming that he “delivered stability in the world” through effective deterrence. He criticised the Biden-Harris administration’s Iran policies, asserting that unfrozen assets provided to Iran were used to fund weapons that threaten the US and its allies. On the issue of a preemptive strike, Vance stated, “It is up to Israel … we should support our allies wherever they are.”
The candidates also debated over the Iran nuclear deal. Walz accused Trump of bringing Iran “closer to a nuclear weapon” by withdrawing from the agreement without offering an alternative solution. Vance responded by noting that Iran is currently nearer than ever to developing a nuclear weapon, despite the current administration’s policies. Walz emphasised coalition-building and diplomatic stability, while Vance underlined the necessity of projecting strength and deterrence on the global stage.
In the first debate between vice presidential candidates, Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz, the two contrasted how former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris would approach foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East. Iran launched over 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday, escalating a years-long conflict between Israel, Iran, and its Arab allies, which could push the region closer to a wider war.
When asked about supporting a preemptive strike by Israel on Iran, Walz highlighted the importance of stable leadership in dealing with Middle Eastern affairs. He criticised Trump’s foreign policy, citing concerns raised by Trump’s former staff regarding his fitness for office. Walz praised Harris for her steady leadership and calmness in maintaining international coalitions.
In contrast, Vance defended Trump’s foreign policy, claiming that he “delivered stability in the world” through effective deterrence. He criticised the Biden-Harris administration’s Iran policies, asserting that unfrozen assets provided to Iran were used to fund weapons that threaten the US and its allies. On the issue of a preemptive strike, Vance stated, “It is up to Israel … we should support our allies wherever they are.”
The debate opened with a question on the ongoing Middle East conflict, particularly whether either candidate would back a preemptive Israeli strike on Iran to prevent its nuclear ambitions. Both candidates seemed hesitant to tackle the issue directly. Walz avoided the question by critiquing Trump’s leadership, suggesting that Trump’s age and recent debate performance showed he was unfit for the role. Walz emphasised that “steady leadership” was critical in such times. Vance, while mocking Walz’s reluctance to respond, eventually stated that a Trump administration would support Israel’s decisions regarding Iran, defending Trump’s foreign policy as one of “unprecedented peace and stability.”
Both candidates were also forced to address past misstatements. Walz had faced criticism for claiming to have been in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square uprising, later admitting he “misspoke” and was not there until that summer. He called himself a “knucklehead” in acknowledging the error. Vance, on the other hand, was reminded of his earlier criticism of Trump, including comparing him to Adolf Hitler. He conceded that he had been wrong about Trump, noting that the former president delivered on key issues.
Throughout the debate, both candidates focused their attacks more on their opponents’ running mates than on each other. Walz criticised Trump for failing to complete the promised US-Mexico border wall, stating that “less than 2% of that wall got built.” Vance argued that Walz was more solution-oriented than Harris, suggesting Harris had no intention of resolving border issues.
On domestic topics, climate change took centre stage. Vance linked climate change to jobs, advocating for increased domestic production. Walz, on the other hand, praised the Biden administration’s renewable energy investments and emphasised the potential for the US to become an “energy superpower.”