Italian
The vice-presidential debate: A clash of characters and policies
A reality show in politics
Donald Trump, with his dramatic flair and larger-than-life persona, has always been more than just a politician. He’s a walking TV show, a reality-based character who brings an entire series worth of drama wherever he goes. This theatrical approach to politics extends beyond Trump, influencing the 2024 U.S. presidential election and its key players, including the vice-presidential candidates, Tim Walz and J.D. Vance.
The sitcom dad vs. the corporate climber
In the campaign so far, Tim Walz and J.D. Vance have emerged as distinct characters. Walz embodies the middle-aged sitcom dad—benign, earnest, and well-meaning, with a plainspoken moral center. He’s willing to look like a goofball but can deliver a zinger, making him the show’s secret weapon. On the other hand, Vance is the smooth yuppie backstabber from a corporate thriller, a climber willing to say anything to get ahead.
The debate: A study in contrasts
The eyes have it
Watching the debate, it was clear that much could be gleaned from the candidates’ eyes. Vance’s baby blue eyes were rock-steady, exuding a Zen-like relaxation and soothing sincerity. In contrast, Walz’s eyes often popped out in a stare of boiling-kettle anger, reflecting his intense passion and agitation.
Policy points and presentation
Walz won on policy points, not just by having better policies but by having more of them. He was the Midwestern governor as proud wonk, full of numbers and stats, discussing bills and their impacts with a depth that made him seem grounded. However, his delivery was often agitated and flustered, as he tried to pack in as much content as possible, sometimes scrambling to sell his points.
Vance, on the other hand, delivered an astonishingly impressive performance wrapped in the aura of a winner. With his piercing eyes, perfectly coiffed hair, and FM-DJ-meets-Fox-News voice, he exuded confidence and calm. Even when selling pure malarkey, he did so with a touch of Ronald Reagan’s ability to make statements sound like assurances.
The art of the grand canard
Vance’s performance was marked by two grand canards. First, he blamed Kamala Harris for everything under the sun, excoriating her for issues she had little to no power over as vice-president. Second, he painted Donald Trump’s presidency as a lost utopia of rising wages, world peace, and low inflation, a shining-city-on-a-hill mythology that he seemed to believe in like a religion.
The stakes of national security
National security remains a crucial issue in this election. Trump’s rhetoric about the looming possibility of World War III, despite being unsettling, resonates with voters. Walz, while full of alarm about Trump’s potential actions, failed to enunciate a clear vision of how he and Kamala Harris would keep the world safe. This is a critical point, as the Democrats have long battled the perception of being soft on global security.
The reality of the election
The joy that followed Kamala Harris’s ascendance was multifaceted. It was a relief that Joe Biden had been successfully pushed aside and a feeling that Harris had unified the party. However, the reality is that Harris could lose, and the country remains deeply divided. The fantasy of a blue wave, a return to sanity, may just be that—a fantasy.
The significance of the debate
Vice-presidential debates rarely make a significant impact, but with the 2024 presidential contest being a dead heat, every little bit counts. This debate was an evening of political theater that could make the tiny bit of difference needed to tip the scales.
Final reflections
If you read a transcript of the debate or listened with your head, you might say that Tim Walz eked out a win. His policies are sane and progressive, and his aura is humane and compassionate. However, J.D. Vance, with his slithery matinee idol persona, proved to be a formidable opponent. His ideology might be reactionary, but his ability to make voters feel good with his statements is a powerful tool.
Did you enjoy this article? Share it on your social channels and let us know your thoughts! Don’t miss out on the latest updates! Follow us on social media to stay informed about the newest releases.
