Grapevine

Vance versus Walz: Five takeaways from the US vice presidential debate

The Republican and Democratic candidates for vice president confronted one another in New York at a televised debate.

It was a battle royal between two Midwestern politicians, both vying to be vice president of the United States.

But Tuesday’s debate between Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance was overshadowed by events unfolding in the Middle East, where – hours earlier – Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles in response to Israel’s deadly attacks in Lebanon and Gaza.

“There will be consequences,” Walz, a Democrat, said of Iran’s actions. The Republican candidate Vance, meanwhile, underscored the unwavering US support for Israel.

“It is up to Israel what they think they need to keep their country safe, and we should support our allies wherever they are when they’re fighting the bad guys,” Vance said.