National Report
The debate scored points with the electorate by being a civil engagement between two professional politicians. There nearly genial exchange was not as billed or as expected because of the tenor and tone of the conversation was not a series of personal attacks or venal digs at one another, but rather a discussion of two far different perspectives for America.
By most indicators, the debate was a draw, and somewhat of an underwhelming exercise in democracy. In what is normally seen as a required event, but never viewed as having a high impact on the outcome of the Presidential race, the debate was a wash. There was no distinct or clear winner. It was pretty much a virtual tie. It was an educational lesson in civics, although each candidate was appealing to a different audience.
Contrary to what prior to the night, people in the punditry class believed, US Senator JD Vance (R-OH) was the pit bull, or the attack dog, appealing not just to an audience of one, Donald J Trump (R), but also his wife, mother, and the 33 Class I incumbent US Senators and candidates, plus the Nebraska Class II seat vacated by US Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE), and the Republican House incumbents and candidates. This politicians in this limited audience continue look for the lead from Trump and his primary surrogate in Vance for their direction. With Trump the Republican party is no longer the party of Abraham Lincoln, and without Trump it is rudderless.
For Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) he appeared to be attempting to not make any unforced errors, and instead of having poignant, impactful comments like “These guys are just weird” he sounded more like the Social Studies Teacher giving a civics lesson. His lack of playing the attack dog, and staunch advocate for Vice-President Kamala Harris (D) seemed to be clearly lacking. He started a bit unsettled, but gained his stride as the discussion turned to questions about differences in the two public policies. His audience was the Independent voters who have not signed up for either camp yet.
If we were to make a sports analogy, Walz was reminiscent of the Minnesota Gophers under Jim Wacker, which we swear his offense would sit on the ball in the fourth quarter, play prevent defense and frequently lost.
In the end, the few takeaways are Vance sees Trump as his meal ticket should their side win, and win or lose, his route to his own Presidential Candidacy in 2028, unless Trump causes—as a we expect—a Constitutional Crisis and refuses to vacate. He seems to differ from Vice-President Mike Pence (R) and though we will never truly know, but can only speculate, would have not certified the election. He falsely said Trump acceded to a peaceful transfer of power, which the Insurrection he caused on January 6th, proves to be a lie.
Since Walz called him out on this point, and the fact it occurred late in the debate, may have provided the Independent voters with the comfort they needed to hear and information to secure their vote on November 5th.
As a result, the Harris/Walz Campaign has put out an ad utilizing this debate exchange.
MSNBC has a segment on this clear takeaway on the new ad. https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/watch/harris-campaign-releases-ad-on-vance-s-response-to-trump-s-2020-election-loss-220664389524