Morning Jolt: For J. D. Vance, the Stakes Are Higher Than One Election

WITH JIM GERAGHTY

October 01 2024

For J. D. Vance, the Stakes Are Higher Than One Election

On the menu today: It's October 1 — happy fiscal new year to all who celebrate. Tonight brings the lone vice-presidential debate, probably the last nationally televised debate of the year; I consider the stakes for J. D. Vance and just what role a Vice President Tim Walz would play in a Kamala Harris administration. Also: eye-popping numbers about Josh Shapiro's popularity in Pennsylvania; America's ports on the East Coast come to a halt; and a welcome book review.

Get Ready for Pulse-Pounding, Edge-of-Your-Seat, VP Debate Action!

Tonight is likely to bring us the last nationally televised debate of the 2024 cycle, as Donald Trump does not seem inclined to participate in another presidential debate. Trump, who declined to participate in Republican primary debates, joined in two debates this year — one with Biden, which effectively ended the latter's candidacy and presidency, and one with Kamala Harris. Unless something changes, this year will feature the fewest debates between the presidential nominees on the ballot — one — since 1980 ...

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