Maybe Civility Isn't Dead.....

Last night's Vice Presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz reminded us that civility in American politics is not lost. Despite the overwhelming noise and coarseness that often emanates from certain corners of the political sphere—specifically, the Donald Trump corner—there remains a space for thoughtful discourse. Vance and Walz offered a robust exchange of ideas that, while partisan, did not devolve into the mudslinging that has come to characterize much of the Republican Party under Trump’s shadow.

In a political landscape increasingly marred by insults and grievance, both candidates stood as a testament to the fact that American politics can still be conducted with dignity. Tim Walz, with his steady Midwestern calm, demonstrated that one need not resort to bombastic rhetoric to engage voters. He tackled policy questions with precision and nuance, focusing on education and healthcare with the seriousness those issues demand. JD Vance, for his part, did not launch into personal attacks or attempt to emulate the Trumpian approach that has sadly become synonymous with Republican discourse. Rather, Vance leaned on his policy positions and intellect—traits that once defined the GOP.

This, of course, raises a crucial point: civility isn’t dead; it’s merely obscured by the Trump effect. The Republican Party of today seems trapped in a cycle of incivility, brought down by the gravitational pull of Trump’s rhetoric. The man who once gleefully hurled insults from debate podiums has cultivated an atmosphere in which policy takes a backseat to personality. Trump’s method, driven by grievance and name-calling, has infected a sizable portion of the GOP, leading to the erosion of what used to be a party of serious, policy-driven conservatives.

Yet, as Vance showed last night, not all is lost for the Republican Party. There are still those who, even under the looming presence of Trump, are capable of engaging in meaningful dialogue. Vance’s performance was a reminder that it is possible for Republicans to return to a more principled, issue-focused approach to politics.

Tim Walz, representing the Democratic ticket, has never embraced the politics of personal destruction. His arguments last night were devoid of the venom that so often clouds today’s political debates. Instead, he demonstrated the power of civility as a tool for persuasion. His message was clear: Americans are tired of the chaos and disorder that Trump has injected into the body politic. What they seek is stability, order, and competence.

Vance, despite being a Republican who once spoke critically of Trump, now finds himself aligned with Trumpism. But his debate performance showed that this alignment is not necessarily ideological; rather, it may be a strategic compromise. The core of Vance’s arguments last night were rooted in traditional conservative principles—smaller government, economic growth, and personal responsibility—rather than the culture war theatrics that dominate Trump’s rallies.