Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance faced off in a vice presidential debate on Tuesday, discussing the Middle East crisis, immigration, taxes, abortion, climate change, and the economy.

While they typically clash on the campaign trail, both maintained a cordial tone, directing their critiques primarily at their opponents, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

Vance criticized Harris for her handling of inflation and immigration during her time in the Biden administration, while Walz condemned Trump’s leadership as unstable and ineffective in addressing immigration issues.

The debate opened with tensions in the Middle East, with Walz questioning Trump’s reliability in foreign policy and Vance supporting Israel’s decision-making on potential preemptive strikes, Reuters has reported.

Both candidates presented their contrasting Midwestern backgrounds and ideologies, while Trump monitored the debate closely, posting reactions on social media.

Written by B.C. Begley