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NPR Senior Political Editor/Correspondent Domenico Montanaro Join today’s newsletter as we break down the vice presidential debate.
In this debate between Republican J.D. Vance and Democrat Tim Walz, there’s going to be a lot to like and a lot to not-so-feel about for both parties. While it probably won’t move the needle on this campaign, here are some takeaways from an interesting night.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance shake hands after the vice presidential debate Tuesday at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
- Will the real JD Vance please stand up? Vance has been pushing hard as a MAGA warrior, but on Tuesday he emerged as a much more likable person. Will people buy it?
- Waltz was clearly less polished and more nervous on the domestic stage. After a weak start, she picked up steam as she talked about domestic issues, particularly abortion, health care, and January 6th.
- Mr. Vance has made it clear that he believes people should not trust experts, but only Mr. Trump. Declining trust in expertise and people’s inability to agree on common facts has been one of the biggest problems in American politics over the past decade.
- There were a lot of potentially explosive topics that weren’t covered. Childless cat women, military service, Ukraine, and the coronavirus.
- Will President Trump reconsider another debate? Does he really want Vance to say his final words in front of a huge crowd?
NPR fact-checked last night’s debate in real time. This is what we found.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate against Iran for last night’s missile attack on Israel. Iran launched around 180 missiles, forcing millions of people across the country to flee to air raid shelters. This comes after Israel recently killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah.
- 🎧 NPR’s Hadir al-Sharchi in Tel Aviv says. first The city became eerily quiet after the US warned Israel about the Iranian threat and the Israeli military confirmed it. A few hours later, an air raid siren sounded. Prime Minister Netanyahu said of Israel: Anyone who attacks them will attack them. He also thanked the United States for its support. A US Navy destroyer shot down the missile alongside Israel. Iran’s mission to the United Nations said there would be an “overwhelming response” if Israel retaliated.
President Biden visited North Carolina today to assess the slow recovery from Hurricane Helen. The death toll continues to rise in the flood-hit southeast. Tens of thousands of people still lack electricity, water, mobile phone service, or all three.
- 🎧 The hurricane hit multiple states over hundreds of miles, straining resources and staff.says NPR’s Jennifer Ludden. The Biden administration says thousands of federal responders are on the ground and hundreds more are on their way to help. First responders are asking people to be patient, but residents are frustrated because they don’t know enough about what’s happening behind the scenes. Some people feel like they have to deal with it alone. Search and rescue officials told Ludden yesterday that the disaster was extremely large. The only way to overcome it is Neighbors help neighbors. Power has been restored and cell phone towers have been repaired, but it could be weeks before water is restored.
How to listen today
Zelda is the main character in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.
Nintendo
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Nintendo
The Zelda series has been around for nearly 40 years, but the game’s namesake princess has remained out of the spotlight until recently. Instead, Link, who wears a green hat, plays the main character, saving the world from evil and rescuing Princess Zelda. Now, she’s flipping the script by grabbing her wand to rescue a trapped Link in the series’ latest installment, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.
- 🎧 Please listen and see morning paper Host Leila Fadel talks about the importance of this role reversal and “ Game Sexism: Gender and Identity in the Age of Casual Video Games.
Kamishibai
Former President Jimmy Carter attends Maranatha Baptist Church and will begin teaching Sunday school in April in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Carter was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday after being treated for an infection.
NurPhoto/NurPhoto (via Getty Images)
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NurPhoto/NurPhoto (via Getty Images)
Former President Jimmy Carter attends Maranatha Baptist Church and will begin teaching Sunday school in April in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Carter was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday after being treated for an infection.
NurPhoto/NurPhoto (via Getty Images)
Former President Jimmy Carter was born on October 1, 1924, and yesterday marked his 100th birthday. The 39th president, who has been in home hospice care since February 2023, received birthday wishes from many, including President Biden. A parade was held in his honor in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Mr. Carter is the longest-serving U.S. president.
3 things to know before you go
President Claudia Sheinbaum hangs the presidential sash during the swearing-in ceremony of Mexico’s new president in Mexico City, October 1, 2024.
Eduardo Verdugo/AP
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Eduardo Verdugo/AP
- Former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum becomes Mexico’s 66th president And yesterday, our first female leader was born. She won with almost 60% of the votes. Here are five things you should know about her.
- Fat Bear Week, which celebrates brown bears’ survival instincts, has been postponed. On Monday, a 469-year-old male bear killed a 402-year-old female bear in Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve.
- In 2001, Nora Durkin decided to pick up the phone and call 311 to tell her secret. She’s had it since she was a child. Her unsung hero, the Operator, helped give her the affirmation she needed for years and provided guidance that brought her peace. Editor’s note: This story mentions child sexual abuse. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, you can receive free and confidential support by calling the number below. National Sexual Assault Hotline Call 800-656-HOPE.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuen.
