‘Two sides of same coin’: Social media reacts to US VP candidate’s unified Israel stance
On Tuesday night, just hours after Iran’s missile attack on Israel, people online reacted to the US vice presidential candidates’ unapologetic support for Israel after more than a week of its heightened attacks across the Middle East, as well as almost a year of constant bombardment in Gaza.
Ohio Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz took to the debate stage in New York City for the first and only vice presidential debate before the November elections.
As a surprise to many, the debate’s first question was not on domestic issues like the humanitarian crisis of Hurricane Helene – which has displaced hundreds and killed at least 162 Americans - or the dock workers' strike on the East Coast, but on the candidates’ support for Israel.
“If you are the final voice in the Situation Room, would you support or oppose a preemptive strike by Israel on Iran?” co-moderator Margaret Brennan asked.
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first question of the night whether either vp would allow israel to strike iran first lmao we are such a ridiculous country
— hasanabi (@hasanthehun) October 2, 2024
“Americans are suffering because of Hurricane Helene. Dockworkers are striking, threatening goods shortages across the country… so naturally, our first question will be about Israel.” #VPDebate
— Dan Savickas (@DanielSavickas) October 2, 2024
Many online commented on the framing of the question from the CBS moderator and felt that it was priming viewers for a potential strike on Iran. “This is how the media frames military action AS A SOLUTION,” one user posted on X.
The candidates’ responses to the question brought several reactions online.
Vance reiterated his support for Israel and the US's responsibility to aid the state "wherever they are when they’re fighting the bad guys". Walz echoed this sentiment and stated that viewers should “keep in mind where this started … Hamas terrorists massacred over 1,400 Israelis and took prisoners”.
Presidential candidate Jill Stein responded to this statement on X, writing: “History didn't start on October 7. Israel has already been launching 'pre-emptive strikes’ on Palestine, Iran and its other neighbors for decades, and it hasn't made anyone safer.”
History didn't start on October 7. Israel has already been launching "pre-emptive strikes" on Palestine, Iran and its other neighbors for decades, and it hasn't made anyone safer. The US can stop this war with one call to Israel demanding a ceasefire and negotiations. #VPDebate
— Dr. Jill Stein🌻 (@DrJillStein) October 2, 2024
Another line from Walz that received a round of online reactions was when he said “the expansion of Israel and its proxies is an absolute fundamental necessity for the US to have steady leadership there”.
Some online argued that he mistakenly said Israel instead of Iran, and meant that the expansion of Iran and its proxies make it a necessity for the US to have a foothold in Israel.
In answer to the very first question, Walz says the US must check "Israel and its proxies'" expansion. I assume he meant Iran. But knowing them, maybe not. Maybe this is another language inversion pitched to Dearborn.
— Lynn Chu (@lynnchu) October 2, 2024
Dingbat.
Others viewed it as either a misstatement by Walz or a Freudian slip.
Waltz said “the expansion of Israel and its proxies is necessary” and then talked about the US troops and planes deployed to help and try to shield Israel from the consequences of its actions. I guess by proxies he means us?
— Lead Actor from Pixar’s Sodas (@ByYourLogic) October 2, 2024
Walz said EXPANSION of Israel and it's proxies is "fundamental."
— Zeynab Day (@ZeynabDay) October 2, 2024
Not their normal gaslighting rhetoric of "protection" of Israel. Not "safeguard," but EXPANSION.
This is what it has always been about. https://t.co/3PoyGHlsNC
A general consensus of the reactions of the candidates’ stances on Israel’s expanding attacks and war in the Middle East echoes that of the presidential candidates. “Republicans and Democrats are two sides of the same coin when it comes to supporting genocide and apartheid,” Palestinian journalist Hossam Shabat posted from Gaza.
This is a reminder from Gaza that both these men want to continue killing Palestinians. Both of them will contribute to the deaths of more people across the Middle East. Republicans and Democrats are two sides of the same coin when it comes to supporting genocide and apartheid.
— حسام شبات (@HossamShabat) October 2, 2024
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