Very few people decide to back a presidential candidate based on their running mate, but I have been fascinated by the contrasts between Tim Walz and JD Vance.

JD Vance is kind of an enigma (who comes across like an alien waring a human suit).

• He grew up in Appalachia and served in the military, but seems to have a very hard time connecting with people.
• In 2016 he was rabidly anti-Trump, calling Trump “reprehensible” and “America’s Hitler” and called himself a “never Trumper”, but endorsed Trump in 2021 when he decided to run for the senate.
• He is well educated (Ohio State and Yale Law School), but has called universities “the enemy.”
• He seems to have no sense of humor, but frequently tries to make attempts at jokes that aren’t really jokes (example).

Here he is connecting with the common worker (I have no idea why his campaign would release such an awkward video.)

It is unclear why Trump chose him as a running mate (he was pressured by his sons, the Heritage Foundation, Tucker Carlson, and others), but it’s clear that Trump soured on Vance very quickly. There is no room in Trump’s world for anybody but himself, but standing next to Vance only highlights Trump’s age (in a campaign that was largely based on age). They are now rarely seen together.

His campaign experiences frequently go like this.

Tim Walz, on the other hand, has a “dad energy” that many people find very relatable. He taught High School for almost 20 years while simultaneously serving in the National Guard. As a High School football coach, in three years he led his team from 27 straight losses to a state championship. He comes across as an exceptional parent and a decent person.

Here are two videos that highlight this energy: Subway Takes and Runza

It is obvious why Kamala Harris chose Tim Walz as her running mate – he brings an energy and a sense of humor that is very relatable. Unlike Trump and Vance, they often campaign together.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the two:

• Both have military service
  • Vance was full time for 4 years
  • Walz was part time for 24 years
  • Both were decorated and appear to have served well.
• Work prior to politics:
  • Vance
    • Worked for a year or so as a corporate lawyer
    • Worked as a venture capitalist
  • Walz
    • Worked as a school teacher and football coach
• Political careers
  • Vance
    • Served in the senate from 2022 – present.
      • Did some bipartisan legislation with Senator Warnock and Senator Warren.
      • Worked with Representative Marjory Taylor Greene to make gender affirming care punishable by 12 years in prison.
  • Walz
    • Served in the house of representatives from 2007 – 2019 (re-elected 5 times)
      • Was rated the 7^th most bi-partisan congressman.
    • Served as Governor from 2019 – present