In this episode of Wicked Problems, a guest contributor - Senior Demon and Experienced Tempter, Screwtape - praises Senator JD Vance's climate responses in a recent vice-presidential debate, in order to instruct his nephew Wormwood to learn from Vance’s example.
Screwtape elaborates on how Vance used emotional appeals, subtle racism, and misdirection to deflect from critical issues.
00:00 Introduction to Wicked Problems
00:08 Climate Change in the Vice-Presidential Debate
00:44 JD Vance's Response and Misdirection
01:32 Screwtape's Analysis of Misdirection
02:26 Emotional Appeal as a Shield
03:38 Subtle Racism and Division
04:47 Clean vs. Dirty Economy
06:10 Creating an Illusion of Agreement
07:18 Replacing Complex Truths with Simple Half-Truths
08:14 Reframing the Debate with Economic Patriotism
09:13 Casting Doubt Through Opponent's Inconsistency
11:13 Conclusion and Call to Action
Here’s a link to the full debate, with only mortal moderators involved:
And our playlist is getting pretty long:
Exclusive Audio: JD Vance's Screwtape Tape