Staff Reports
It turns out that JD Vance has not only surpassed expectations as Trump’s running mate but he’s also been hailed as the articulate voice of Trumpism, even outdoing the big man himself in a recent vice presidential debate. The Ohio senator engaged in a showdown with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and by most analyses, he came away as the clear winner. Vance successfully managed to turn Trump’s sometimes chaotic message into something that everyday Americans could digest without choking on the rhetoric.
Viewership numbers were a bit underwhelming with only 43 million people tuning in, a statistic that would trigger a sigh of collective disappointment at any self-respecting cable news network. In contrast, Trump’s previous debates have attracted far larger crowds, but it seems that perhaps America is simply seeing a bit of debate fatigue after a riveting campaign season. Nevertheless, a plurality of viewers declared Vance the victor, asserting his charismatic communication skills as a boon to the GOP’s message.
Media, Republicans say JD Vance skillfully articulated Trump’s campaign platform in VP debate https://t.co/qhgstOsgKb
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) October 3, 2024
One cannot help but be amused by the fact that CNN’s audience, traditionally not leaning toward Republicans, had initially expected Walz to crush it. Still, they were left reconsidering their life choices after Vance’s performance. A significant number of people who tuned in shifted their perceptions post-debate, with Vance overtaking Walz in their estimation. It appears that Vance’s debate prep was significantly more robust than his Democrat counterpart’s, leading many to wonder if Walz has been hiding under a rock instead of preparing for a national stage.
Particularly entertaining were the takes from the media giants, including The New York Times. Among a panel of columnists, the majority rallied behind Vance, begrudgingly admitting he managed to package Trump’s often-misunderstood policies in a way that seemed “polite, calm, and coherent.” It seems that while the left may not openly admit it, they recognize that Vance’s performance was nothing short of a masterclass on how to position the Trump agenda with finesse.
Critics of Walz couldn’t help but draw humorous contrasts between his demeanor on stage and Vance’s composure. While Vance appeared polished and prepared, Walz seemed as if he’d rather be anywhere else, potentially undergoing a colonoscopy in the back room. This stark difference in preparation and presence highlights the importance of engaging with media and answering tough questions, a skill that clearly showed on that debate stage. As Huckabee noted, Vance’s effective communication of the Trump message was further amplified by dragging the heavy baggage off Walz and onto the shoulders of Vance’s calm and calculated delivery.
The general takeaway here is that JD Vance is muscling his way through this campaign season as more than just a sidekick; he’s proving to be a formidable force and an increasingly strong advocate for Trump’s America First agenda. In a landscape where clarity is often overshadowed by noise, Vance displayed the kind of debate prowess that can breathe new life into a campaign and, who knows, perhaps even set a new path for Republican candidates in the years to come.
