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After Tuesday’s vice-presidential debate between Ohio Republican Sen. J.D. Vance and Minnesota Democrat Gov. Tim Walz, many viewers felt that Vance delivered a standout performance.
While Republican supporters praised Vance for his calm and surprisingly pleasant demeanor, even some of Walz’s own aides admitted that they were caught off guard by his approach.
According to Axios, an unnamed member of the Walz team said they “expected more MAGA mode, given what [Vance has] been saying repeatedly on the stump.” This expectation stemmed from Vance’s previous remarks on the campaign trail, where his fiery and confrontational style reflected the polarized nature of today’s politics.
In contrast, during the debate, Vance took a much more measured approach. A Vance advisor told Axios, “We figured it would throw him off,” explaining that “Democrats and much of the media bought their own false caricature of J.D., that he was just some heartless fire-breather.” This shift in tone marked a sharp contrast to previous high-profile debates, such as the clash between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in September, where Trump was on the offensive.
Vance’s debate strategy aimed to highlight the differences between Trump’s accomplishments and Harris’s shortcomings. Despite a friendlier approach, Vance still succeeded in drawing attention to Harris’s failings, particularly her border policies and rising costs since taking office.
Observers also noted the visual contrast between the two candidates. Vance appeared composed and relaxed, offering a memorable moment when he smirked at the camera during one of Walz’s statements. Walz, in contrast, looked tense and appeared unsettled, with wide eyes and a frown.
While appearances may seem superficial, they play a significant role in shaping voter perceptions. As The Smithsonian has noted, the televised debate between Vice President Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy in 1960 significantly influenced the election’s outcome. Similarly, Vance’s approach may benefit Trump in the upcoming election, even though Vance and Walz aren’t vying for the top office themselves.
