By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
Grinning and smiling are tactics used by some to create an illusion. It is kind of like the devil in sheep’s clothing. You know it’s the devil, but he just changed his image.
I watched some of the debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz on last week. Each time I tuned in, I saw Vance smiling and agreeing with Walz. When I saw that posture, I knew something was up.
The JD Vance America knows makes inappropriate and hurtful statements about women. The JD Vance the country knows is one who cannot come to grips with the fact that his running mate lost the 2020 presidential election.
I think JD is still shell shocked that Kamala Harris is the Democratic presidential candidate. Further stressing him out is the fact that his vice-presidential rival, Tim Walz is a former governor and is both well liked and well respected.
Going into the debate, his Republican Party suggested that Vance would hit a homerun in the square off against Mr. Vance. That prognostication did not happen.
In baseball terms, he only hit a single. Polls from major sources said there was no clear winner. At best, JD Vance had a one-point advantage.
In a CBS poll, Vance was viewed attacking Kamala Harris. On the other side, Walz was seen as explaining his positions on the issues. In my opinion that is not sur- prising. Since the GOP started with Trump and Vance, they have been long on fear and attacks. That is pretty much their go to move.
The Republican operatives told JD Vance to be more agreeable and show some compassion. Unlike former president Trump, Vance followed their advice. The CBS and CNN polls showed that to be true. Did JD Vance move the political needle in any way? I don’t think so.
Here’s why. It is a classic case of bait and switch. JD Vance baited the American people into thinking he was kind and empathetic. The day after the debate, he returned to his bland and insensitive self. Vance is simply an unfeeling character now.
I say now because I believe at one point in his life, he was a kinder and gentler person. Mr. Trump gave him a script and a persona to follow. He has followed it to a “T’’.
Because Mr. Vance tried to hoodwink America in the debate, it begs the question, can he be trusted? The answer of course is no. Would you vote for someone that you can’t trust? Character really does count in leader- ship. JD Vance wants to lead, but he’s only being led by Donald Trump.
Like you, I have watched enough of his television interviews to gain a perspective about him. He is inexperienced and not an effective communicator. America, can you see JD Vance being the vice president of our nation? Of course, you can’t.
The weeks are drawing near as we approach the election day of November 5th. This will be a test of our democratic ideals. Will we uphold our democracy or succumb to tyranny?
The Democratic Party has an increasing number of action groups. One of them is Republicans for Harris. One of those Republicans is Liz Cheney. She said, “I don’t believe that we have the luxury of writing in candidates’ names, particularly in swing states. As a conservative, as someone who believes in and cares about the Constitution, I have thought deeply about this. And because of the danger that Donald Trump poses, not only am I not voting for Donald Trump, but I will be voting for Kamala Harris.”
If you are still undecided, listen to two things. First, listen to the many false statements made by Donald Trump every time he opens his mouth. Second, listen to a few of the lyrics of the song, Smiling Faces Sometimes. It goes, “smiling faces sometimes pretend to be your friend. Smiling faces show no traces of the evil that lurks within”
Dr. James B. Ewers, Jr. is a longtime educator who hails from Winston Salem, N.C. Ewers is a life member of the NAACP and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
