JD Vance enters tonight’s debate as the most unpopular VP nominee — ever

When it comes to describing Sen. JD Vance’s (R-OH) tenure as the Republican nominee for vice president, one of the only words that analysts use is “repelling.”

The junior senator from Ohio has been pummeled daily by one of the longest streaks of self-induced gaffes and blunders that any candidate has seen since Sarah Palin in 2008, who actually polled much higher than Vance, at only -2.0 unfavorable. 

This has left JD Vance as the most unpopular nominee for vice president, ever.

His time as Trump’s running mate has been marred by a series of bizarre statements and questionable choices from the past and present that have left pundits and voters scratching their heads. From calling America’s single women “childless cat ladies” to describing rape as “inconvenient”, Vance’s apparent contempt for women — arguably the most crucial voting demographic this election — has been unabashedly clear for many voters. 

Moreover, his social media presence has been nothing short of a spectacle. Vance has repeatedly taken to Twitter to engage in feuds with political rivals, often resorting to personal insults rather than policy discussions. This approach, while generating a buzz, appears to have entirely alienated moderate voters who crave substance over spectacle. In a world where online persona can make or break a campaign, Vance’s choice to prioritize petty squabbles over serious discourse has been a glaring misstep in attracting moderates.

Vance’s attempts to connect with working-class voters — from being seemingly unable to order a donut in Georgia to being denied entry to a deli in suburban Pittsburgh — have also been replayed constantly on the internet.

Tim Walz, the Democratic nominee, has been leading JD Vance by a considerable margin, underscoring the growing concerns within the GOP about Vance’s electability. Recent surveys show Walz Walz capturing the support of nearly 45% of likely voters compared to Vance’s disappointing 35%. This stark divide reveals not only the challenges Vance faces in garnering support from moderates but also highlights Walz’s ability to resonate with a broader audience, at least relatively.

As the candidates head to the debate stage Tuesday night, the pressure mounts for Vance to shift gears and refocus his messaging, lest he risk becoming an afterthought in a race that’s rapidly tilting against his ticket, primarily due to his own actions.