Country Teacher VS Silicon Valley Worker Showdown
Despite Fierce Policy Battle, Personal Attacks Are Restrained
With the U.S. presidential election just a month away, the competition between the Democratic and Republican parties is heating up. Following the recent presidential candidate debate, the vice-presidential candidates faced off this time. On the 2nd at 10 a.m. (Korean time), Democratic Governor Walz of Minnesota and Republican Senator Vance participated in a vice-presidential candidate TV debate lasting about 90 minutes, which attracted more attention than expected.
Vice-presidential debates usually receive less attention than presidential debates, but this one was an exception. Both candidates come from humble beginnings, with different backgrounds and careers, sparking public curiosity. In particular, Walz has a friendly image as a former teacher and soccer coach, while Vance is a "rags-to-riches" case, having graduated from an elite university and succeeded as a venture entrepreneur, highlighting their contrasting social trajectories.
The first question of the debate concerned the military conflict between Israel and Iran. Since the clash occurred early that morning, it was a surprise question. Neither candidate explicitly stated direct support, but each expressed their stance. Governor Walz emphasized Israel's self-defense capabilities and stressed the need for the U.S. to protect its allies. Vance said Israel should make its own decisions but added that America's role is to support its allies. He also strongly criticized the Biden administration for unfreezing Iranian assets, claiming that the funds were used for attacks against Israel.
![US Vice Presidential Debate 'Heuksujeo Showdown'... No Mudslinging Occurred [AK Radio]](https://cphoto.asiae.co.kr/listimglink/1/2024100409463247469_1728002792.jpg)
Major social issues such as illegal immigration and border policies, gun control, and abortion rights emerged as key points in this debate. Vance criticized the current Biden-Harris administration's border policies, arguing for the reinstatement of deportations of illegal immigrants and the construction of a border wall. In contrast, Walz highlighted Vice President Harris's achievements as California Attorney General and advocated for the Biden administration to push forward comprehensive border control legislation again.
The candidates also held contrasting views on gun control. Vance pointed to the problem of illegal firearms inflow and called for strengthened border security, emphasizing the importance of enhancing school security. Walz, despite being a gun owner, expressed the need for gun regulation, stressing that regulating firearms is necessary to protect schools.
Abortion rights were another major issue. Walz criticized former President Trump's policies and argued for the restoration of the Roe v. Wade decision. Vance supported a partial federal ban on abortion and criticized the Democratic stance as radical.
During the debate, the two candidates engaged in intense discussions over their opposing policies but generally refrained from personal attacks. In fact, they expressed agreement with each other's points more than nine times during the debate, creating a relatively amicable atmosphere compared to previous presidential debates. Notably, both candidates shook hands and introduced their families to each other at the beginning and end of the debate, showing courtesy.
Post-debate polls showed Vance with 42% support and Walz with 41%, indicating almost no gap between the two candidates. Although there were significant policy differences, the mutual respect displayed during this debate stood out more than expected.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
