OPINION:
Sen. J.D. Vance gave the greatest vice presidential debate performance in American history. By the end, it seemed that even Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was impressed by his opponent.
Smart but not cocky. Calm but filled with passion. Speaking to the points made by his opponent without losing track of communicating with the audience at home, Mr. Vance was able to speak effectively to the highlights of the Trump-Vance ticket while sounding like he was sitting at the kitchen table having a normal conversation with your family. An A-plus performance for the Ohio Republican.
Hours before the debate, I was honored to campaign with former President Donald Trump at Dane Manufacturing in Wisconsin. In my comments, I suggested to the crowd that they remind undecided voters that, while they might not always like how he says things, life was better when Mr. Trump was president.
When Mr. Trump was president, prices were lower, the border was more secure and public safety was less of a concern. The more we repeat these truths, the more likely he will be elected on Nov. 5. My hope was that Mr. Vance would make these points in the debate. He did that and more.
It was awesome when he clearly articulated their commonsense agenda to lower prices and increase take-home pay by boosting domestic energy production, cutting taxes on working families and small-business owners and eliminating unnecessary red tape. As Mr. Vance aptly said, “We can get back to an America that is affordable again.”
One of the Harris-Walz ticket’s weakest arguments is that the vice president would “lower prices on day one.” Mr. Vance effectively and repeatedly stated what should be obvious: Kamala Harris is the one in office. If she were going to do something that would lower prices, why haven’t she and President Biden done it since Jan. 20, 2021? The answer is that she will not.
Similarly, Mr. Vance effectively questioned Ms. Harris’ recent trip to the southern border. She is and has been President Biden’s point person on immigration. Her recent trip to the border reflects poll numbers showing her vulnerability on this important issue, not a profile in courage.
When things started going against Mr. Walz, the CBS News moderators inserted themselves into the debate. Mr. Vance called them out on their violation of the established rules and fact-checked them on their misleading attempt to fact-check him. It was so effective that they shut off his microphone. As the debate went on, the two moderators seemed to become increasingly frustrated that they could not bully Mr. Vance. He was ready for their every attack.
Some observers said that Mr. Vance prepared well for the debate. As someone who was involved in many debates and who helped other candidates prepare for these high-level exchanges, I believe he did engage in excellent preparation for this night.
Still, I think there was something bigger at play on the stage. Mr. Vance will go on nearly any show and take on any host. He is more than willing to talk to often hostile media gaggles on the campaign trail. He has been tested, and he is ready.
In my early days as governor of Wisconsin, the press was after me every day. Eventually, the national media came to my state and challenged my every move. Instead of retreating, we took them head-on. This allowed me to hone my message and talk more clearly to voters. Mr. Vance has certainly done the same thing on the campaign trail.
In contrast, the strategy to hide Ms. Harris and Mr. Walz from even friendly media failed. It was clear in the debate that Mr. Walz was uncomfortable talking about many of these issues. It looked like his team compensated for that lack of interaction with tough questions from the media and voters by over-preparing him with policy facts and rehearsed phrases that fell flat.
Mr. Walz and the moderators were also tone-deaf regarding their obsession with Jan. 6. Most Americans are focused on issues related to high prices, border security, public safety and free speech. Mr. Vance was right to say he is focused on the future. He was passionate about his country and served himself well in the debate.
Mr. Vance clearly showed he has what it takes to serve as vice president, and if necessary, president of the United States. Mr. Walz left serious questions in the minds of objective voters. It also allowed Mr. Vance to effectively articulate how life would be better if he and Donald Trump are elected on Nov. 5.
Mission accomplished to the man who served his country in the Marine Corps.
• Scott Walker is president of Young America’s Foundation and served as the 45th governor of Wisconsin from 2011 to 2019.
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