Sen. J.D. Vance's performance in Tuesday's debate against Gov. Tim Walz earned him praise from members of the Republican Party, marking a turning point in his campaign.

Initially facing doubts about his role as Donald Trump’s running mate, Vance used the debate to silence critics and strengthen his standing within the party, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Vance's debate showing highlighted his ability to appeal to a broad audience, addressing both populist and conservative values while presenting a stark contrast to Trump’s more combative style.

The senator's selection as Trump’s running mate had been met with skepticism. Early in the campaign, he struggled with low favorability ratings and negative headlines.

Polling data, including from FiveThirtyEight, showed that at one point, Vance had the lowest favorability rating of any modern vice-presidential nominee.

Initial Skepticism Surrounding Vance’s Candidacy

The debate presented Vance with a critical opportunity to prove himself. Republicans had been closely watching the event, particularly because of his struggles in the polls. His past controversial comments had been a source of concern, casting doubt on his ability to connect with voters.

Despite these concerns, Vance’s debate performance was well-received by many within the Republican Party. His polite tone and respectful approach stood out, in contrast to the more brash style often associated with Trump.

Presidential historian Craig Shirley noted that the debate was a significant moment for Vance, validating Trump’s decision to choose him as a running mate. “This validates Trump’s pick, doesn’t it?” Shirley said, acknowledging his initial doubts. “He’s certainly vindicated the pick.”

Vance Wins Over Skeptical Republicans

Russ Jennings, a former supporter of Doug Burgum to become Trump's running mate, was among those who changed their views on Vance after the debate. Impressed by Vance’s performance, Jennings described him as “sharp as a tack,” adding that he believed Vance represented the future of the Republican Party. “That’s the future of the Republican Party. And I couldn’t see a better future if that’s our choice,” Jennings stated.

Meanwhile, Bob Darden, who attended a Vance rally in Auburn Hills, Michigan, noted how Vance’s background helped him connect with a diverse audience. Vance’s ability to resonate with voters, Darden said, stemmed from his upbringing and education, which allowed him to “carry himself” with confidence.

Vance's Performance Positions Him as Compassionate Conservative

While Vance received praise from many Republicans, he still faced challenges from the Democratic side. Democratic strategist Brad Bannon pointed out that a CNN poll showed Gov. Walz holding a 59% favorability rating, compared to Vance’s 41%. Bannon highlighted how Walz’s likability gave Kamala Harris the flexibility to focus on swing voters in battleground states, while Vance remained focused on energizing Trump’s base.

Mark Caleb Smith, a political analyst at Cedarville University, described Vance’s debate performance as a balancing act between traditional conservative values and MAGA populism.

“He sounded as much like a ‘compassionate conservative’ as he did a MAGA populist,” Smith said, noting that while Vance’s message was fluid, his ideology was not always clearly defined. This approach mirrors Trump’s own style, but it remains to be seen how it will shape Vance’s political future.

Deadlock in Swing States Raises Stakes

As the election draws closer, both parties are focusing on key swing states, where the race is considered deadlocked. Any positive boost for the Republicans, such as Vance’s improved image following the debate, could prove crucial in deciding the outcome of the election. Vance’s ability to resonate with both populists and conservatives may help the Republican ticket reach beyond its traditional base.

Throughout the campaign, Vance has criticized both Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris. At his rally in Auburn Hills, Vance took a sharp jab at Walz, commenting that some of the governor’s statements during the debate were among the “dumbest” things he had heard. He also expressed some sympathy for Walz, noting that the governor had to defend positions Vance deemed indefensible.

Conclusion

Sen. J.D. Vance's strong debate performance has helped address doubts about his role as Donald Trump’s running mate, earning him praise from members of the Republican Party and even winning over former skeptics.

His ability to strike a balance between compassionate conservatism and populism, while contrasting his approach with Trump’s more aggressive style, has positioned him as a key figure in the campaign.

However, with swing states deadlocked and Democrats holding a favorability edge, the road ahead remains challenging for Vance and the Republican ticket.