ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Local elected officials are reacting to the first and only vice presidential debate before the Nov. 5 election.

Some say the debate between Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and U.S. Senator JD Vance of Ohio could serve as a lesson in civility at a time when American politics have become contentious. There were no screaming matches or personal attacks, just cordial hits on policy.

The two candidates even came together on Hurricane Helene but otherwise criticized their opponent’s policies on abortion, the rising Middle East tensions, climate change, and immigration.

New York State Senator Samra Brouk (D) praised Walz for his performance in the debate, saying the Democratic party is the only true family-first party.

That drew pushback from many including the Monroe County Young Republicans, which said “Families First. Public Safety First. America First. Vote Republican.”

Another comment from many republican voters was directed toward the moderators, saying they were biased. CBS anchor and moderator Norah O’Donnell wasn’t afraid to use the mute button when candidates spoke out of turn. Patrick Reilly, chairman of the Monroe County Republican Party said “the clear losers in this debate are these awful moderators.”

Monroe County legislator Rachel Barnhart (D) said “Walz won the democracy exchange hands down.”

The vice presidential debate in New York City took a different tone from the presidential debate on Sept. 10 in Philadelphia. Vice President Kamal Harris had agreed to a second debate but Former President Trump said he wouldn’t do what for him would be a third debate. His first debate was against President Biden.