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The Political Scene | The New Yorker

Will J. D. Vance’s Debate Victory Matter on Election Day?

Oct 2, 2024
J. D. Vance, a rising star in the 2024 campaign and political figure, joins Clare Malone and Vinson Cunningham, both New Yorker staff writers, to dissect the recent Vice-Presidential debate. They dive into Vance's strategies to soften Trumpism, addressing pressing issues like climate policy, gun control, and January 6th. With the election tightening, they ponder whether his debate performance can counteract Donald Trump’s lackluster showing. The trio also explores evolving debate styles and the GOP's shifting dynamics in a critical election year.
37:43

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Quick takeaways

  • J. D. Vance’s polished performance in the debate aimed to soften Trumpism, portraying a relatable image while navigating contentious issues.
  • The debate highlighted a shift in voter priorities towards candidates' competencies and policy details, rather than personal likability.

Deep dives

Debate Dynamics and Candidate Performance

The recent debate showcased contrasting performances between JD Vance and Tim Walls, highlighting Vance's agility in navigating questions and avoiding his more extreme rhetoric while presenting a polished front. Walls, despite his significance as a candidate, appeared less impactful, failing to capitalize on opportunities to challenge Vance's previous statements effectively. The perception emerged that Walls conducted himself as if it were a traditional debate, rather than adapting to the more charged political climate shaped by Vance’s style. This allowed Vance to maintain control of the narrative, cleverly co-opting compatibility with Walls to bolster his image.

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