10/02/2024
Hello Folks! So, did you see the Vice- Presidential Debate last night?
The matchup was between The Mayor of Mayberry AKA Governor Tim Walz versus Megamind AKA Senator JD Vance.
Unlike the theatrical Vice President Harris and the eternally vengeful and angry former President Trump, these two men were actually cordial.
Vance's delivery was as smooth as a pre-owned automobile salesperson. Where Walz struggled to keep his nervousness in check.
Both candidates exhibited a folksy Mid-Western amiability. Whether practiced or genuine, this attitude projected Vance as being more acceptable than the extreme candidate often seen on the stump. However, one wonders whether under that well-mannered projection lies the beating heart of absolutism. As is displayed in his frequent support for the Heritage Foundation's totalitarian guide Project 2025.
Walz further established himself as the family friendly neighborly candidate; not unlike the Mayor of Mayberry portrayed by Parley Bear in the old Andy Griffith Show.
However simultaneously, Walz came across as less serious overall. Additionally, he only seemed at ease when he spoke about his home state and the functions of state government therein.
Although the debate itself was only minimally substantial in terms of policy, at least some pertinent issues of the day were addressed.
First on the minds of most voters is the economy and immigration. To an extent these issues were addressed. Walz harped on Trump's practice of pressuring lawmakers to kill the immigration reform bill in order provide him with a cudgel in the campaign. While Vance depicted VP Harris as culpable for not only immigration problems, but all the problems of the Biden years.
Further, Vance blamed the rising cost of groceries and housing on Harris. While Walz mentioned Harris's proposal of housing deposit grants and tax breaks.
This assignment of guilt is erroneous. The role of the Vice-President is to be the taskmaster of whatever chores are delegated to him or her from the president or chief of staff. VPs do not make policy! Vance ignored this conspicuous reality for political gain in his rhetoric.
Beyond what we voters already knew, not much added enlightenment was garnered by last night's debate.
Yet, unlike the first 2 presidential debates this election season, at least the two participants in the Vice-Presidential debate were civil.
The Senator and the Governor certainly and expectantly used opposing rhetoric. Nevertheless, they delivered their messages as gentlemen.
In the modern era, manners in politics are such a rarity; it is refreshing.
In my opinion, both candidates marginally improved the perception of the viability of their candidacies. Perhaps currently that is all we can hope for.
What do you think folks?
Chris the Furniture Man
