A ‘Midwest Nice’ Debate

“Let’s start by saying that vice presidential debates generally don’t swing elections. But the 90-minute tilt between Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was a throwback to debates of yesteryear, where two pols with Capitol Hill experience gently traded statistic-laced barbs,” Punchbowl News reports.

“Vance and Walz didn’t talk over each other — for the most part. They didn’t talk about immigrants eating pets. They did some ‘Midwest nice,’ especially Walz. They talked about their humble middle-class roots. The pair repeatedly said that they agreed with each other on basic policy points.”

“Overall, Vance probably came out of this ahead — to the extent it matters. Vance, the Yale Law graduate who has only been in public office for two years, had more to gain, and he got there. They both had strong moments, and they both stumbled.”

Playbook: “The two men went out of their way to soften their blows as they sparred.”