Shall we dance: The Veep “Debate”

Larry Smith In an era that yearns for authenticity, truth, and political courage, the poignant intonations of The Staples Singers calling for “no more smiling faces lying to the races” in their 1972 hit “I’ll Take You There” has particular resonance. The first, and likely only, Vice Presidential Debate between Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz illustrated not just a divergence of policies, but a profound schism in adherence to foundational truths and the reality presented to the public. Hippocrates, who is often referred to as “the father of modern medicine,” famously implored physicians to “First, do no harm.” This dictum, while primarily medical, could very well serve as a guiding beacon for those who stand a heartbeat from the presidency. The role of the vice president, ideally, is to complement and not overshadow, to assure rather than alarm. As the debate unfolded, it became clear that the strategies employed by the candidates diverged significantly. Sen. Vance entered the stage burdened by very abysmal favorability ratings, carrying the weight of his past controversial stances and a political identity that has shifted substantially over time. (Initially, he was a “Never Trumper.”) Unfortunately, his ambition and lust for power...