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    • Why JD Vance leaned toward “Midwest nice” during the vice presidential debate
    Michigan

    Why JD Vance leaned toward “Midwest nice” during the vice presidential debate

    Caradoc Wyn Posted on

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    WASHINGTON — For Republican JD Vance, Tuesday night’s vice presidential debate was an opportunity for rebranding.

    Vance presented himself as a candidate willing to work across the aisle. He focused on softening the GOP’s stance on abortion and showing empathy for his Democratic opponent, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. There were hardly any insults or elbows thrown.

    Vance’s reversal comes as his running mate Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris are locked in a razor-thin election and Republicans are gaining ground in some key battleground states.

    Vance appealed to voters through his biography by advocating bipartisanship and limiting personal attacks against Walz.

    Before answering the first debate question, Vance introduced himself to the public “because I know that many Americans don’t know who any of us are.” The best-selling author said he grew up in a working-class family and grew up on the GI Bill went to college.

    “I stand here asking to be your vice president with extraordinary gratitude for this country, for the American dream that has allowed me to live my dreams,” he said.

    House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., praised Vance’s performance for sticking to the guidelines and facts.

    “JD was so good last night because he brought answers and solutions,” Johnson said Wednesday on Fox News. “He showed his depth. And he just seemed very sensible and likeable.

    “I just thought he was at his best.”

    Ahead of the debate, Democrats called Vance “weird,” criticized him for past comments about women who don’t have children, and criticized his overly confident manner. He was also heavily criticized for spreading false rumors that Haitian migrants were in Springfield , Ohio, pets ate, causing riots and violence in the community.

    “He seemed very smart,” Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison told reporters after Tuesday’s debate. “Every time JD opened his mouth he was telling a lie.”

    Vance appealed for work across the aisle at times throughout the debate, for example by advocating for bipartisan work to combat paid family and medical leave.

    He also appeared to agree with Walz on certain issues and showed empathy after the Minnesota governor said his teenage son Gus witnessed a shooting at a community center.

    Vance immediately shook his head. When it was his turn to answer, he said, “Tim, first of all, I didn’t know your 17-year-old witnessed a shooting,” Vance said. “I’m sorry for that. Christ, have mercy. It’s terrible.”

    The biggest change, however, was in abortion. Vance sought to soften Republican views on abortion, a key issue that Harris and Walz have raised in key battleground states.

    Vance highlighted the story of a woman he said “was very close to my heart” who had an abortion because she was in an abusive relationship.

    “I think what I take from this as a Republican who proudly wants to protect innocent life in this country, who proudly wants to protect the vulnerable, is that my party – we have to do a so much better job. “We’re winning the trust of the American people on this issue when, quite frankly, they just don’t trust us,” Vance said.

    Trump said Tuesday that he would veto a nationwide abortion ban if one came to his desk as president. The former president has praised the Supreme Court’s ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade.

    But Vance’s appearance on Tuesday shows he hopes to change his image to appeal to a broader swath of voters who are still deciding who to vote for in November.

    Trump, Harris in a dead heat

    Vance’s aim to improve his image comes at a time when Trump and Harris are locked in a tough battle for the presidency.

    Harris, who entered the race after President Joe Biden left office in June, took a hit after being pushed to the top of the list. But Trump has since made progress in battleground states like Arizona.

    According to a USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll released last week, Trump leads Harris by 6 percentage points in Arizona (48% to 42%).

    In Michigan, another key state, Harris leads Trump by three percentage points, 48% to 45%, according to another USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll.

    Harris has a small lead over Trump nationally, according to an Ipsos poll released Wednesday. Of likely voters, 48% said they would vote for Harris and 44% said they would support Trump.

    But with fewer than 35 days remaining, it’s unclear whether the vice presidents will play a role in how voters cast their ballots.

    Only 1% of viewers said the vice presidential debate made them change their mind about their choice, a CNN poll after the debate showed. Thirteen percent said the debate made them rethink but did not change their minds.

    And 86% said the debate had no impact on their choice of president.

    Contributor: Haley Bemiller, USA TODAY Network

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    Caradoc Wyn
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