I don’t know the exact viewership numbers from the vice presidential debate between Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, but I can tell you this much: they didn’t get the numbers they should have.

What we witnessed was one of the most compelling debates in recent political memory, and that’s saying something for someone who’s been around the block more times than I can count.

JD Vance didn’t just dominate his opponent, Walz, but he also took the CBS News moderators to task. More than once, the so-called “neutral” moderators tried to play the fact-check game with Vance, only to be fact-checked right back by him in real-time.

Vance refused to let them control the narrative, exposing the thin veneer of media neutrality for what it is—biased, agenda-driven noise. It’s refreshing to see someone on stage who can not only handle an opponent but also push back effectively against the media machine when it oversteps.

CNN: “JD Vance came to land a bunch of punches, and he DID!”

“Tim Walz did NOT seem prepared for it!” pic.twitter.com/AdaHENuT5q

— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 2, 2024

Make no mistake, there was no question about who won that debate. Pollsters, pundits, and even some of the mainstream media begrudgingly admitted that Vance came out on top. He was sharp, focused, and more than prepared, while Walz floundered and failed to deliver any solid blows. It was a clear, decisive victory for the Ohio senator.

ABC’s Jonathan Karl: “I’ve got to say…Walz did seem unsteady and, frankly, what I saw in Walz is somebody who has not faced questions on…He was simply out of practice…JD Vance was very smooth. He took the arguments…to Kamala Harris. Overall, a tone of civility” pic.twitter.com/hxxUUtMWFO

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) October 2, 2024

This debate was far more important than the usual vice presidential sparring matches, though. Why? Because we’ve all seen over the last few years just how consequential a vice president can be.

The Biden administration has put that on full display with Kamala Harris’ outsized influence and frequent gaffes, reminding us that the VP pick is not just an afterthought—it can become critical, sometimes faster than anyone expects. Given Joe Biden’s obvious decline, it’s no longer a question of “if” the VP will matter, but when. And Vance proved that he’s more than ready for that moment if it comes.