Following the vice presidential debate, former President Donald Trump publicly congratulated Ohio GOP Senator JD Vance, declaring on his Truth Social app, “GREAT JOB JD — We will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Vance’s performance seemed to resonate well with Trump, who expressed his approval.
Despite feeling nervous during the debate, Vance acknowledged that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had a “tough job” representing Vice President Kamala Harris’s policies. “Honestly, I didn’t notice it, man. Adrenaline’s going so much, I was nervous,” Vance shared with Fox News. He emphasized focusing on Walz’s words rather than his demeanor, saying, “It’s the biggest stage of my life.”
Republicans were optimistic after the debate, praising Vance’s composed and thoughtful approach against Walz. This positive reception marked a shift for the GOP, which had previously questioned whether Vance and Trump could create an appealing ticket for the upcoming election. Donald Trump Jr. celebrated Vance’s performance, calling it a “masterclass.”
On the Democratic side, allies of Vice President Harris praised Walz for his authenticity but accused Vance of dishonesty. Despite this, Harris remained silent on social media regarding the debate. Harris-Walz Campaign Chair Jen O’Malley Dillon commented, “Tonight, Governor Walz showed exactly why Vice President Harris picked him: he is a leader who cares about the issues that matter most to the American people.” She contrasted Walz’s straightforward approach with Vance’s defense of Trump’s policies.
Co-campaign managers for the GOP, Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, echoed the sentiment that Vance’s performance highlighted why Trump chose him as his running mate. Republican lawmakers reacted positively to the debate, with Trump 2024 national press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating, “Senator JD Vance spitting the cold hard TRUTH on the debate stage.” Rep. Tom Emmer criticized Walz’s immigration stance, while Senator Tom Cotton questioned his responses on Israel.
