VanceandTim Walzwasnt much of a brawl; in fact it was often quite cordial.
In a rare direct exchange, Walz challenged Vance to contradict Trump: Did he lose the 2020 election?
Vance did not answer.
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) on October 1, 2024 in New York City. This is expected to be the only vice presidential debate of the 2024 general election.(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
He visibly could not answer.
Walz interjected: That is a damning non answer.
In that moment, Vance was revealed as a callow politician and coward.
America, Walz warned, looking directly into the camera.
The vice presidential debate may not move the needle on the election VP debates rarely do.
But the debate showcased wildly different men in both style and substance.
In a word, he came off as slick.
Vances debating style was far more polished and sophisticated than Walzs.
But Vance also showcased a lack of a moral center.
Vance dodged questions about whether a new Trump administration would use deportation to re-enact MAGA policies of family separation.
The first encounter, between Joe Biden and Trump, knocked Biden out of the race.
The second encounter, between Kamala Harris and Trump, knocked Trump on his heels.
Senator, Bentsen said, I served with Jack Kennedy.
I knew Jack Kennedy.
Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine.Senator, youre no Jack Kennedy.
Bush still demolished Bentsens running mate Mike Dukakis 426 to 111.
The question of readiness is heightened in 2024 for obvious reasons.
Trump, meanwhile, has been the object of two assassination attempts this summer.
Walzs experience is far more credible to lead the country than Vances.
Whatever you think of his politics, Walz, 60, has the experience to be president.
Only 40 now, Vance is both young and inexperienced by any historical yardstick.
Inreality, Vance was a middle-class kid from the burbs of Ohio.
Vance proved Tuesday night that he may be ready for primetime, stylistically.
What Im concerned about is, where is the firewall with Donald Trump?
Walz said in another winning exchange.
Will you stand up?
Will you keep your oath of office, he asked Vance, even if the president doesnt?
Walz offers both avuncular likeability and governing ballast for the Harris ticket.
Vance has been tasked as Trumps attack dog.
Vance has also attacked Harris as a chameleon.
He can only hope so.
