NBC News anchor Kristen Welker reveals that Democrats were "panicked" over Senator JD Vance's performance in the Vice Presidential Debate, citing concerns about his likability and potential impact on low favorability ratings.
NBC News anchor Kristen Welker has divulged that Democrats were gripped by anxiety during Tuesday night's CBS News Vice Presidential Debate, particularly in response to Senator JD Vance's captivating performance. Welker shared that Democrats expressed concerns through text messages, conveying their unease over how Vance's demeanor could potentially shift the dynamics of his low favorability ratings.
Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, squared off against his Democratic counterpart, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, in what was widely regarded as their first and only debate before the impending November election. Subsequent media analysis favored Vance, attributing his success to his composed demeanor in contrast to Walz's perceived nervousness.
Vance's Likability Sparks Panic Among Democrats
Welker, who hosts NBC's "Meet the Press," acknowledged that Democrats recognized a vulnerability in Vance's evasion of a question posed by Walz regarding his stance on former President Trump's denial of the 2020 election results.
"They're going to try to make that into a flash point," Welker predicted. "They're already in the process of turning that into an ad. They believe that is going to be a way to really try to appeal to that very small sliver that is still undecided, but moderate, independent, suburban voters."
Vance's Likability Sparks Panic Among Democrats
Reactions from a Fox News focus group revealed mixed sentiments on this exchange. Republican participants exhibited indifference towards Walz's line of questioning, while independents and Democrats expressed disapproval as Vance disregarded the inquiry.
Liberal media commentators have repeatedly highlighted the clip from the debate, citing it as a pivotal moment for Walz amidst a night largely dominated by Vance. Despite this, several pundits concurred that Vance emerged victorious overall.
Vance's Likability Sparks Panic Among Democrats
"Vance is going home tonight with Walz's wallet. Vance didn't even have to snatch it, Walz just handed it over, along with a bunch of unearned compliments to Vance's fine character," opined David Frum of The Atlantic.
New York Times columnist Ross Douthat praised Vance's performance, declaring it "the most successful Republican debate performance of this century, eclipsing Romney in the first debate with Obama in 2012."
This report was contributed to by Fox News' Adam Shaw, Brian Flood, and Joseph Wulfsohn.
