From The Editor’s Desk: Sen. Vance, You’re No Jack Kennedy

Last night saw what will likely be the final debate of the 2024 presidential election cycle, as Minnesota Governor and Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz shared the stage with the Republican nominee and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance. 

While Vance proved to be a strong speaker — seemingly having spent a good amount of time in his high school debate club — his youth and inexperience was put on full display, particularly on questions relating to the January 6 insurrection and the lies he popularized about immigrants in Springfield, OH. 

Typically vice presidential debates tend to be a bit of an afterthought and hold little to no sway over election outcomes. But, due to the continued peculiarities of this cycle, last night’s debate will be one of few remaining national-scale campaign events before November. 

While Walz was definitely thrown off-kilter at times, appearing somewhat nervous in the opening minutes, his neighborly, cheerful demeanor carried him through. The difference in experience levels between the two candidates on stage reminded me of one of the more famous moments in recent American political history. 

Nearly 36 years ago to the day, 1988 Republican vice presidential nominee Senator Dan Quayle and Democratic nominee Senator Llyod Bentsen met on stage in Nebraska for a debate which, from the candidate’s appearances alone, shares many similarities to last night’s meeting. 

In an exchange regarding Quayle’s readiness for the office — he was 41 at the time — Quayle said his experience in Washington D.C. was comparable to that of 35th President John F. Kennedy when he sought the nation’s highest office. 

In response, Bentsen landed one of the most legendary political put-downs in recent memory. 

“Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy, I knew Jack Kennedy, Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator you are no Jack Kennedy,” Bentsen said to thunderous applause. 

Although Quayle and 41st President George H.W. Bush prevailed in the election, Bentsen’s jab arguably became the campaign’s iconic moment — aside from Bush’s infamous, “read my lips: no new taxes.” 

This year Vance is seeking the vice presidency, an office where he would be just a heartbeat away from the Oval Office, with even less experience than Quayle had — and certainly less than Kennedy. 

At just 40-years-old, Vance had no government experience before he began his term as a U.S. Senator in January 2023. At that, there’s no precedent for former venture capitalists to assume one of the Republic’s top jobs. On Tuesday night, he came across as thin-skinned, combative and out of his depth. 

Meanwhile, Walz brings a wealth of governing experience, having spent over a decade in the House of Representatives before spending time in executive office in Minnesota. 

While presidential elections aren’t decided by running mate selection, the vice presidency is the ultimate what-if. While you may have issues with either platform being put forth, one thing we can all agree on is the importance of a reliable, steady hand. If Vance is truly ready for this solemn responsibility, his hands need to get out of the couch.