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Tuesday night’s vice presidential debate was a refreshing change from the combative atmosphere that has plagued our political discourse for the past eight years.
For many viewers, it was a relief to witness a civil exchange between two candidates who surprisingly seemed to respect each other. Senator J.D. Vance demonstrated his skills as an orator and debater, garnering more favorable opinions from many voters.
Gov. Tim Walz, on the other hand, seemed a little nervous and lackluster, but was able to connect with viewers through his likeability and relatability. Unfortunately, neither candidate did enough to change the vote count.
Americans learn a big lesson from the Vance vs. Waltz debate
So what can we take away from this discussion?
- deal with real problems: Dissatisfaction arose when a candidate was unable to answer a direct question. Skillful pivots are common in debates, but ignoring questions prevents candidates from moving forward effectively. Mr. Vance faced tough questions about Jan. 6, but Mr. Walz stumbled on answers related to his ties to the Chinese Communist Party, leaving voters dissatisfied.
- tell their truth: Both candidates found their best moments when they used words that resonated with the other person. Mr. Vance framed his argument using leftist language, referring to the “choice family model” and linking gun violence and mental health. Mr. Walz, on the other hand, appealed to conservative voters by emphasizing his respect for the Second Amendment and claiming, “I’m not pro-abortion.”
- Address critical concerns: To shift perspective, candidates need to directly address the biggest concerns in voters’ minds. The most difficult moment for Vance came when discussing January 6th. The challenge for Walz will be clearly spelling out how he and Kamala Harris plan to address economic issues, particularly inflation.
- focus on relevant issues: Voters wanted a more in-depth discussion of the current attacks and their broader impact, relations with Iran and Israel, climate change and concerns about the cost of living. As the country faces significant challenges, voters were disappointed that the moderators did not urge candidates to address these pressing topics more thoroughly.
- effective storytelling: Storytelling can create a connection with voters, but there’s a fine line between relatable anecdotes and contrived narratives. Vance’s attempts to connect with voters through personal stories, such as his Appalachian roots and family struggles, felt a little forced to some, and he has been criticized by Kamala Harris, who is often criticized for her middle-class upbringing. It was the same as the story. Stories are most effective when they connect to relevant issues rather than distracting from answers to difficult questions.
Despite various experts highlighting the strengths of the two vice presidential candidates, Tuesday night’s debate ultimately had little impact on undecided voters. Although Waltz’s performance was a success, a nervous start and notable gaffes left him unsatisfied in many ways. In the end, both candidates offered a little something for everyone, but for those still considering their options, there was no compelling reason to change their minds.
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As the presidential election draws to a close, the challenges for both candidates and their running mates are clear. In just 33 days, how can we gain the support of voters who are still undecided? The answer lies in two key areas:
First, we need to have confidence in our ability to combat inflation and rising costs of living.
Given the current economic climate, this task may be easier for former President Donald Trump, especially given the expected fallout from port strikes and rising energy prices due to turmoil in the Middle East.
Second, we need to provide reassurance that tomorrow will be better than today.
That there are leaders in government who will support them. Voters are understandably worried about the future, and both candidates are already capitalizing on this concern, with Vice President Kamala Harris and Vice President Walz highlighting threats to democracy and President Trump and Vance He focused on the economy and the challenges faced by immigrants.
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But what Americans urgently need right now is a guarantee, a promise that if they vote for the right candidate, their lives will get better again. In times of turmoil marked by international conflicts, soaring prices, and the aftermath of natural disasters, messages of hope and stability are not just important; It’s essential.
As voting day approaches, the ability to inspire confidence and reassure voters will determine the next leader of this country.
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