Ohio Senator JD Vance was at a high point after his debate with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz—a debate that was broadly lauded as substantive and civil—but his popularity has since suffered a steep collapse.
According to a poll from The Economist/YouGov published on Wednesday, just after the October 1 vice presidential debate Vance was enjoying an all-time high (-2) in his favorability rating since former President Donald Trump announced him as his running mate in July. Subsequent data from the poll suggests this did not last.
By October 12, the Republican‘s favorability had slumped to -10, one point lower than it had been on September 28 before the debate.
Newsweek has contacted Vance for comment via email outside of standard working hours.
Vance was praised by several pundits for his performance, including the majority of political analysts consulted by Newsweek, and was broadly found to have emerged in better standing than Walz following the debate.
Former George W. Bush adviser Karl Rove hailed Vance following the debate, writing in a column for The Wall Street Journal that his “anti-Trump” demeanor was key to his success.
“Mr. Vance won the night by coming across as a much different person from the one we’ve seen campaigning,” the former senior adviser and deputy chief of staff wrote at the time. “Rather than a combative culture warrior, he was warm, upbeat, empathetic and agreeable. He was a happy campaigner—the anti-Trump.”
Republican vice presidential candidate Ohio Senator JD Vance listens to a speaker during a campaign rally at 2300 Arena on August 6, 2024 in Philadelphia. A poll by YouGov/The Economist found that Vance’s favorability ratings have fallen since peaking after the vice presidential debate.
Getty Images/Drew Hallowell
A majority of Newsweek writers also found that Vance came out on top following the debate.
“Ohio Senator JD Vance emerged as the victor in a refreshing debate that was heavy on substance and light on bombastic behavior. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz came across as likable but ill-prepared to go up against a skilled debater,” wrote Darvio Morrow, CEO of the FCB Radio Network and co-host of The Outlaws Radio Show.
“Vance was able to beat back the caricature of himself presented by the media, Democrats and his own earlier missteps. But, most importantly, both candidates behaved like adults and gave the country a much-needed break from vitriol.”
Not all deemed Vance the winner though.
“Tim Walz, who is clearly more comfortable at a state fair than in a debate setting, more than held his own against a flood of lies and misinformation from JD Vance,” said Democratic strategist and cofounder of UpShift Strategies Doug Gordon, calling the debate for Walz.
“The debate was substantive but likely will not do much to change the trajectory of this race. Vice presidential debates rarely matter much, and I doubt tonight will be the exception to that rule. With the Harris/Walz ticket leading in the key metrics that matter at this stage—money, momentum and organization—tonight served its purpose for Democrats. Continued the momentum. A win for Walz and Democrats,” Gordon added.
It is not immediately clear why Vance’s ratings fell following the debate and why Walz’ ratings have since risen again.
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