Anthony W. Haddad

The Millennial View

Despite being the youngest on the presidential ticket and the first millennial ever nominated by a major party, JD Vance appears to be struggling with his appeal, especially among younger voters.

His candidacy was expected to lend some youthful energy into the Republican bid, but instead, the 40-year-old appears to be pushing away the very demographic he was supposed to attract.

I mean, he is the least likely I would want to find myself sitting at an empty bar with.

The Disconnect

Vance, as a millennial, should resonate with younger audiences, bringing a fresh perspective to the presidential race. Yet, his political stance and controversial remarks have seemingly alienated the younger voters. According to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, Vance’s favorability lags behind that of 60-year-old Gov. Tim Walz, with only 27% of Americans holding a positive opinion of Vance compared to Walz’s 36%.

This disparity makes sense given Vance’s positions on key issues. His comments about women, opposition to abortion (including dismissing exceptions for rape and incest), and the controversial idea that parents should have more voting power than child-less adults have not only raised eyebrows but also driven younger voters away.

In stark contrast, Walz has managed to garner a more favorable reception among the younger demographic, especially when he called positions like Vance’s “weird.”

Even when JD Vance tried to have one of those “cool” moments where a ‘celebrity’ goes into a shop to do “normal people things,” it fell flat. Vance introduced himself saying, “I am JD Vance, I am running for Vice President,” but the worker responded in the most millennial way with a disinterested “OK.” It must have been a blow to Vance’s ego, especially since he had just asked if there was anyone else in the shop to get more eyes on him.

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As the internet ran with “Tampon Tim” regarding Walz enforcing tampon availability in schools, the internet crowned Vance “Donut Boy.”

MSNBC did a comparison between JD Vance’s strange donut interaction and Walz’s visit to a sandwich shop that shows more of the contrast between the two in everyday interactions.

The Clash of Priorities

Younger voters tend to prioritize issues like climate change, social justice, economic inequality, mental health, and political integrity. These concerns often contrast sharply with the traditional GOP focus on immigration and national security.

Vance’s alignment with GOP positions, which include restricting education, opposing LGBTQ+ rights, and a disinterest in global issues like Gaza and Ukraine, runs counter to the values and concerns of many younger voters.

The gap between Vance’s platform and the priorities of younger voters also highlights a significant issue: GOP messaging doesn’t address the issues that matter most to this group.

So, Vance’s attempts to bridge this gap are further stifled by his party’s broader policies, beyond even his own controversial statements.

The “Childless Cat Lady” Generation

Alright, Vance, do you really think we can afford to have children after everything we’ve been through over the past decade? While your comments play into an outdated sexist trope that many modern women are reclaiming, they also touch on a critical issue.

We’re not avoiding parenthood because we’re out of touch; we’re doing so because we’re genuinely concerned about bringing a child into a world where the political climate feels like a live-action Sunday political cartoon.

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With reproductive rights under attack, LGBTQ+ stability in jeopardy, and a persistent housing crisis, starting a family seems like a nightmare rather than the American dream. We expect our politicians to address these issues and improve our living conditions — not to blame us for our reluctance to have children.

Remember, JD, you’re here to serve the people. Taking advice from your running mate that suggests attacking your audience will make them like you more is misguided. It doesn’t work that way.

The Reality Check

The ultimate challenge for Vance — and by extension, the GOP — is whether they can adapt to the evolving concerns of younger voters or continue to struggle with a disconnect that hampers their appeal.

If Vance and the Republicans cannot address the priorities of younger voters, their efforts to engage this demographic will likely remain ineffective, leaving them on the outside looking in. What the GOP will need to do is shift their policies to have a chance at the highest growing voting bloc in the nation and run the risk of losing some of their current base.

But, due to our election system, Republicans will always have a chance at the White House with help of the electoral college. Even when they lose the popular vote by millions.