Earlier this week, I jotted down my expectations for the CBS-sponsored Vice-Presidential debate. I described J.D. Vance as arrogant, unprepared, and undisciplined. I described Governor Tim Walz as unflappable, noting that as a former high school teacher he could handle an unruly child.
Boy, was I wrong. The J.D. Vance who debated Walz last night was remarkably articulate and disciplined. He shook Walz’s hand and, after the debate, introduced his wife to Walz and his wife. He avoided name calling. Never once did he call Walz a communist or suggest that he quit his National Guard unit when it became clear it would be deployed overseas.
That is not to say that Vance was truthful in the debate or that he answered the moderators’ questions. Vance incredibly argued that Donald Trump saved Obamacare as president, failing to acknowledge that Trump campaigned to repeal it in 2016. He also tap-danced around a discussion of climate change, repeating Trump’s focus on jobs while effectively denying that carbon emissions are changing the environment.
On the issue of gun violence, Vance reiterated the Trump administration position that gun violence results from mentally disturbed people. He also suggested that illegal immigration contributed to the problem because violent migrants are importing guns. No evidence was offered in support of the claim.
Walz responded to some of Vance’s misstatements, but frequently spoke in generalities. He repeated some Harris campaign slogans, things like “an Opportunity Economy” and, with only a few exceptions, did not directly challenge Vance. He also responded to Vance on several issues by emphasizing agreement with him. In doing so, he legitimized much of the Trump agenda.
The low point of the debate for Vance was the discussion of the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The discussion came towards the end of the evening. Walz challenged Vance on Trump’s actions suggesting Trump is a threat to democracy. Vance responded by suggesting that “censorship” by the Democrats was the real threat. That claim rang hollow.
Vance also boldly offered that there was a peaceful transfer of power after Trump lost the election (which Vance refused to acknowledge). Trump left the White House voluntarily on January 20, 2021—that, according to Vance—was the peaceful transition of power.
Walz’ low point of the evening came at the hands of CBS moderator Margaret Brennan. Minnesota Public Radio and others have recently challenged Walz’s claim that he was in Hong Kong during the student revolt in Tiananmen Square in 1989. He wasn’t. Brennan asked Walz to explain the discrepancy. In response, Walz offered a convoluted history of his own upbringing and expressed pride in his trips to China before admitting that he was mistaken.
Vance did not have to add a word to the discussion. Walz had shot himself in the foot. The expression on his face during his response did as much damage as the response itself.
After watching the debate, I wrote down why I thought Vance had won.
Avoided name-calling. Never once did Vance mention communism or call Walz “dumb.”
Pronounced Kamala Harris’ name correctly.
Remarkably disciplined, rarely interrupting Walz.
Expressing agreement or at least a willingness to discuss policy on some issues.
Expressed sympathy for Walz after Walz mentioned his son had witnessed a shooting.
Avoided attacking Walz personally on his military service or claiming that he was a coach. (Walz was an assistant coach).
Carefully avoided repeating controversial Trump or Vance statements.
Avoided contradicting Trump policies.
Smoothly brushed off past statements, such as calling Trump “America’s Hitler.”
Shook Walz’s hand at the end of the debate.
Vance was too slippery for either Walz or the CBS moderators.
So, what impact will the debate have on the election going forward?
Nothing said in the debate is likely to materially change votes in November, but Vance succeeded in doing something that his running mate has been unable to do in recent months—sound sane and civil. Trump’s aides must have been ecstatic last night.
I had hoped that the debate would be the forum where voters could see what an unqualified and dangerous politician Vance is. That did not happen and is unfortunate.
The 2024 election remains close. Last night’s debate did nothing to change that.
J.E. Dean is a retired attorney and public affairs consultant. He writes on politics, government, and, too infrequently, other subjects.
Chris Gordon says
Neither Vance nor Walz proved themselves, in this debate, to be unqualified to become President should that become necessary. That’s the good news. Only one of the four at the top of the ticket is clearly unqualified. We can only hope that Vance’s qualifications remain irrelevant.
John Dean says
Agreed on the hope that Vance’s qualifications remain irrelevant. I still don’t want him, ever, to be president (or vp).
Thanks for reading the piece.
Marjorie Fick says
Yes, and her name is Kamala Harris.
Bob Yeager says
I strongly disagree. Vance’s refusal to answer, “did Donald Trump lose the last election” and his refusal to say he would accept the results of the election certified by all 50 Governors if they indicated a Trump/Vance loss disqualifies him from holding any office of trust, National, State or Local. Would Trump or Vance say that despite recent law changes, Kamala Harris has the power to send Certified results back to State Legislatures where she could get a better result or are those powers only reserved for the Trump chosen few.
John Dean says
Thank you for commenting. Many other readers agree with you that Vance’s refusal to admit that Trump lost in 2020 should have disqualified him from anyone calling him the winner.
Gren Whitman says
Vance likes to pretend that:
• January 6 didn’t happen; and
• Trump is a normal candidate.
John Dean says
Thank you for reading the piece and your comment.
Vance also likes to pretend many other things, including nonsense about Haitians eating pets in Ohio and that he is qualified to be VP.
Rich Caldwell says
I concur 100% with your analysis, thank you. I wish I could report that Governor Walz was relaxed and answered all simple questions with simple answers, but he was not (at the start) and did not. His answer to the Hong Kong question marked a missed chance to simply say “I misspoke” and then zip it. I was not disappointed in Walz’s performance, though admit I had hoped for more simplicity and authenticity. On the other side, Vance’s clever portrayal of a civil and decent person relaying simple truths may have fooled some undecideds at the margin. I imagine very few minds or votes were changed, either way.
Maureen Syracuse says
I almost never comment on articles, but this one demands it. In deciding Vance “won” the debate you express approval for his style and manners. Nowhere in your rating system do I see any concern whatsoever for honesty or truthfulness. You might as well count up the “misstatements” (lies) and give him points toward winning for the number of times he managed to avoid telling the truth. I think these “won” or “lost” discussions of the debates are unhelpful.
John Dean says
Thank you for your comment. You are right. I should have noted that my conclusions did not include consideration for the lies and unanswered questions. You make a good point.
Beryl Smith says
Clearly Vance had the best marks for glib and smoothness but his continual lying to prop up the menace that he is running with hardly makes him a winner in my eyes. if rated on ability to tell lies with a straight face and an ability to segue to good manners when situations require that, he wins. But Walz was Mr. Everyman who flubs sometimes and admits that he makes mistakes but has the goodness in his being to show that he is open to listen to all sides of an argument before committing and he is a negotiator as clearly shown when he pointed out his points of agreement with Vance while offering the places where he disagreed.
So, Vance a winner? I think not.
John Dean says
Thank you for your comment. As you may have noticed in other comments, many readers agree with you.
Thanks for reading the piece.