In the weeks since he was announced as Donald Trump’s running mate, some of JD Vance’s past remarks have resurfaced. He is now at the centre of a number of bizarre rumours and jokes.

 They’ve been picked up by some Democrats, who are labelling the two men on the republican ticket as ‘weird’.

Kamala Harris has chosen the man who started the ‘weird’ line of attack, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, as her running mate – 17 days after Harris herself became the presumptive Democratic nominee for president.

Walz has been described as a plain speaker with ‘dad appeal’ – a stark contrast to his opponents.

So, is being ordinary enough to win over American voters?

Today, senior researcher at The Australia Institute, Dr Emma Shortis, on the tactics of the two VP candidates and what their nominations say about their respective parties.

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Guest: Senior researcher at The Australia Institute, Dr Emma Shortis.