JD Vance’s ominous debate dodge

“A damning nonanswer”                                                                                                                                THENLW REPUBLIC {{#if }} Dear Reader, {{/if}} Viewers who tuned in to this week’s debate only heard one significant mention of what’s really at stake in this year’s presidential election. There was no mention of Trump’s felony conviction, no mention of Trump’s threats to jail journalists and political rivals, and no mention of his promise to be a dictator on "day one" if he takes office again. About 90 minutes into the debate, Tim Walz finally managed to bring up Trump’s role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, asking JD Vance directly: "Did he lose the 2020 election?" Vance dodged, and his "I’m focused on the future" line rang hollow considering Project 2025’s designs for the next Republican administration and Vance’s ties to the Heritage Foundation, who authored the project’s proposals, which include destroying the Department of Education, "the largest deportation program in American history," and even further restrictions on abortion. Responding to Vance’s performance on X, Sarah Longwell, the founder of the anti-Trump Republican Accountability Project, wrote, "The more *normal* one sounds when saying insane things, the more alarmed we should be." The New Republic is doing everything a small but mighty independent press can to raise awareness about Trump’s dangerous ideas—from exclusive reports on Project 2025 to incisive daily analysis to hosting large-scale live events like the Stop Trump Summit. But to prevent a second Trump presidency, we need your help to reach Americans still on the fence about whom to vote for, or whether to vote at all. If you believe that Trump and his MAGA army are a danger to America, please support our independent journalism today. Yes, I’ll help! We appreciate your support. Any donation helps, and, as a heartfelt thank-you, supporters in the United States who give $100 or more will receive a gift: a free TNR tote bag. Sincerely, Michael Tomasky, editor The New Republic Contributions to the Fund for The New Republic are not tax-deductible as charitable donations.  Update your personal preferences for [email protected] by clicking here.  Our mailing address is: The New Republic, 1 Union Sq W , Fl 6 , NY , New York, NY 10003-3303, United States Do you want to stop receiving all emails from TNR marketing list emails?  . If you stopped getting TNR emails, to resume receiving them.