Media portrayal of J.D. Vance reshaped ahead of vice presidential debate

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The media's portrayal of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, tapped as former President Donald Trump’s running mate, has drawn attention as he prepares for a debate with Democratic candidate Tim Walz. Over recent months, major news outlets such as ABC, CBS, and CNN labeled Vance “weird” over 1,300 times, according to data. However, this narrative shifted following Vance's debate performance, where he presented himself as empathetic and effective in discussing key issues like pro-life policies and Trump’s foreign policy.

The unsealed data also revealed how Vice President Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, Democratic candidates, were described positively in the media. Harris was often referred to as a "joy," while Walz was depicted as "moderate" and "folksy."

Vance, who gained recognition with his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, successfully navigated the debate by discussing Ohio’s recent abortion referendum and defending Trump’s doctrine of "peace through strength." Despite prior media depictions, Vance showed disciplined communication, contrasting with the narrative of “weirdness” that had dominated coverage.

His debate performance, along with his stance on key issues, demonstrated a shift from the media’s initial portrayal, surprising many political observers.