In a recent vice presidential debate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz found himself on the receiving end of a reality check, courtesy of Senator JD Vance from Ohio.
The exchange provided a vivid demonstration of how a well-articulated argument can expose the failings of liberal economic policies. Vance skillfully challenged the very experts that Walz insisted should guide our national policies, reminding viewers of their past misjudgments, as reported by Red State [1].
[2]“You say trust the experts,” Vance began, “but those same experts 40 years ago said that if we shipped our manufacturing base off to China, we’d get cheaper goods. They lied about that. They said if we shipped our industrial base off to other countries, to Mexico and elsewhere, it would make the middle class stronger. They were wrong about that. ”
His remarks resonated with an audience increasingly skeptical of the so-called expert consensus.
Another pivotal moment unfolded when Vance pushed back against the CBS [3] News moderators who attempted to fact-check him regarding the Haitian migrant crisis in Springfield, Ohio.
The moderators had previously established that no fact-checking would occur during the debate. When they broke this rule, Vance didn’t hesitate to remind them of their own guidelines.
JD Vance refuses to accept the fake fact check and calls out the moderators on it so they shut his mic. Incredible pic.twitter.com/yuQ0QRfYsz [4]
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) October 2, 2024 [5]
“The rules were that you guys weren’t going to fact-check, and since you’re fact-checking me, I think it’s important to say what’s actually going on,” he asserted. His mic was subsequently cut, illustrating the lengths to which some media will go to suppress inconvenient truths.
[6]However, Vance’s assertiveness didn’t sit well with certain feminist commentators, who labeled his rebuttal as “mansplaining.” Amy Diehl, a so-called gender bias expert, took to social media to express her faux outrage, stating, “JD Vance talking over the female moderators. We women have all been there. Overtalked by an entitled mansplainer.”
JD Vance talking over the female moderators. We women have all been there. Overtalked by an entitled mansplainer.
— Amy Diehl, Ph.D. (@amydiehl) October 2, 2024 [7]
Unsurprisingly, her comments were met with backlash, with many Twitter users pointing out the absurdity of her claims.
Amy is the person who gets corrected in literature or a faculty meeting for claiming that 2+2=5 and her response is to play the victim of mansplaining.
Gender equality or demanding to be treated like a special snowflake who can’t be corrected. Pick one. https://t.co/R5uI1izjSB [8]
— Sunny (@sunnyright) October 2, 2024 [9]
She’s a debate moderator that incorrectly “fact checked” a very consequential debate point.
Calling that mansplaining is clown level nonsense Amy, and you know that.
— MN State Of Hockey (@MNState0fHockey) October 2, 2024 [10]
Yes women who are so over their heads they need to cut him off bc he is fact checking. Amy go cook for your family and take care of your family and stop this nonsense that he was mansplaining. You sound ridiculous. You sound insecure and frankly dumb. https://t.co/mOmStC2MHp [11]
— Patty (@mikeskoukla) October 2, 2024 [12]
MSNBC anchor Nicolle Wallace also chimed in, arguing that Vance’s actions might alienate women. “I actually think if you’re a woman, that might be the worst moment JD Vance had,” she claimed, criticizing him for allegedly disregarding the moderators’ authority.
MSNBC is struggling after the JD Vance vs. Tim Walz debate.
Nicole Wallace: Shame on JD Vance for ‘mansplaining’ to the moderators.
Rachel Maddow: Tim Walz won the debate and he only had one bad moment.
Joe Scarborough: Tim Walz would be a great neighbor.
Jen Psaki: Tim Walz… pic.twitter.com/kWGARzyVlD [13]
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 2, 2024 [14]
This line of reasoning is not only misguided but also undermines the progress women have made. It is disheartening to see women’s credibility diminished over a simple refusal to accept an alternative viewpoint.
Let’s be clear: correcting misinformation does not constitute “mansplaining.” If Vance had directed his remarks at male moderators, the accusation would likely not have arisen. This situation underscores the true meaning of equality—everyone should be held accountable, regardless of gender.
As reported by various outlets, Vance’s performance in the debate signifies a much-needed stand for truth in an increasingly biased media landscape.