In a candid interview, Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance opened up about his feelings regarding his recent debate, even admitting he wasn’t entirely sure how it went in real-time.
Speaking on the Ruthless Podcast, Vance shared some humorous and genuine insights into the experience, making it clear that even seasoned politicians get nervous in the spotlight.
Admitting to Debate Jitters
Vance didn’t shy away from acknowledging his nerves. “I’m nervous as hell, right? I get nervous at these things,” he admitted during the podcast.
The debate, which featured him and his opponent, Gov. Tim Walz, took place on Tuesday evening, and while Vance was uncertain during the event, he later gained some reassurance in a surprising way.
The Unspoken Confirmation: Usha’s Expression
For Vance, the confirmation of a solid performance came after the debate ended, courtesy of his wife, Usha.
“I looked at Usha’s face, and I just knew,” he explained. “I was like, ‘Holy sh*t, we must have done a very good job,’ because Usha doesn’t lie to me, and her face especially doesn’t lie to me.”
This candid and humorous moment highlighted the couple’s close bond and gave Vance the confidence that he had done well.
The Viral Camera Glance: An Unintentional Jim Halpert Moment
During the debate, Vance unintentionally created a viral moment when he glanced at the camera, reminding many viewers of Jim Halpert from The Office.
However, Vance clarified the situation, saying, “I wish I could take credit for it, but I guess the timer is right by the camera, so I was trying to pay attention.”
As his opponent was speaking, Vance kept an eye on the clock, making sure he was prepared for his turn to speak.
Observing Walz’s Nervousness but Staying Silent
While Vance noticed that his challenger, Tim Walz, seemed flustered during the debate, he chose not to take advantage of the moment.
He referenced a strategy often attributed to Sun Tzu: “When your enemy is making a mistake, don’t interrupt him.”
He explained his internal dialogue, saying, “I was like, ‘Shut up, JD. Don’t say a damn thing. Silence!’” This self-discipline was part of his broader debate approach.
Targeting Kamala Harris Over Walz
Vance shared that his strategy wasn’t focused on debating Walz but rather on taking on the record of Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I really don’t have to debate Tim Walz. I really want to debate Kamala Harris,” he said, underscoring his intent to challenge the current administration’s policies.
Looking Ahead to the Election
When asked about the road to the election, Vance admitted there was still a lot of work to be done in key battleground states.
“I’m just in those states all the time,” he said, referring to Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.
For Vance, these Rust Belt states will play a crucial role in the upcoming election, and he remains focused on winning over voters in the region.
What’s Next for Vance?
As the campaign moves forward, Vance will likely continue to hone his message and appeal to voters, especially in the Rust Belt.
With his debate performance now behind him, his focus shifts to the next phase of the election and the challenges that lie ahead.