Last Week Tonight host John Oliver criticized JD Vance for his behavior during a recent debate with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Oliver highlighted Vance’s apparent willingness to dispute election results, as well as his history of spewing right-wing hate and perpetuating the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen. Despite some commentators praising Vance’s “civil tone” during the debate, Oliver argued that manners were irrelevant when important issues such as mass deportations and reproductive rights were being discussed.
Oliver also called out Vance for his participation in an event hosted by far-right Christian nationalist Lance Wallnau, where he allegedly made bigoted remarks. He also criticized Vance for providing a non-answer when asked about Trump’s loss in the 2020 election, choosing to focus on the future instead. Oliver used Vance’s own words against him, emphasizing the importance of Trump losing the upcoming election in just four weeks.
The special counsel Jack Smith’s 165-page brief describing the extreme measures Donald Trump took to avoid leaving office in 2020 was also mentioned by Oliver. This brief raised concerns about the potential for Trump to dispute election results if he loses again, with Vance indicating that he would support such disputes. Oliver argued that Vance’s stance on this issue alone should disqualify him from consideration as a candidate for political office.
Oliver highlighted the hypocrisy of those praising Vance’s civility during the debate, pointing out that etiquette should not overshadow the harmful policies and rhetoric being discussed. He compared it to admiring the handwriting on a ransom note rather than focusing on the threat it contains. Oliver suggested that some people were overlooking Vance’s problematic beliefs and actions due to his outward politeness during the debate.
In his remarks, Oliver underscored Vance’s history of promoting right-wing hate and spreading misinformation. He criticized Vance’s willingness to align himself with extreme figures and engage in revisionist history when discussing Trump’s loss in the 2020 election. Oliver painted Vance as a candidate with dangerous beliefs and a lack of transparency when it comes to important issues, such as election integrity and the future of American politics.
Overall, John Oliver’s comments on JD Vance’s behavior and beliefs during the recent debate with Tim Walz were scathing and critical. Oliver condemned Vance for his far-right views, his willingness to dispute election results, and his lack of accountability when discussing important issues. By spotlighting Vance’s history and rhetoric, Oliver aimed to caution voters against supporting a candidate with divisive and harmful ideologies.