Dignity Wins at the VP Debate

 

Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo

Panel Notes the Impact of Dignity in the Candidates’ Exchanges

UNITE, the non-profit founded by Tim Shriver to ease the country’s political divisions, today released its Dignity Index scores on this week’s Vice Presidential debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz.

UNITE’s 80-member bipartisan national citizens panel – selected to represent the rich political diversity of the United States – issued high dignity scores for both candidates, registered very high levels of bipartisan agreement on the scores, and expressed bipartisan support for the dignified tone of the debate.

“We have long said that contempt makes it hard to talk to each other – and if you can’t talk to each other, you can’t solve problems together,” said Shriver, a co-creator of the Dignity Index. “The image of the two candidates lingering on the stage after the debate, introducing their wives to each other and enjoying a short conversation, teaches us a lot about the power of dignity in shaping relationships.”

“[This] shows what grown ups should act like,” said one panelist from the center, echoed by another moderate who said “This is how leaders should be.” “Can this become a new normal?” asked a third.

One statement from Senator Vance on gun violence found a positive reaction that was typical for the scores. Ninety-five percent of the panelists agreed it was on the dignity side of the scale. One strong conservative noted: “The key sign of a substantive debate is when most of the answers offer an assessment or a critique of the problem and/or a solution to the problem. This particular debate had much more substance to it then the Trump/Harris debate, and that is a good thing. This quote is a clear example of Vance stating his opinion of the problem without any expression of contempt. That is the first step to finding common ground.”

A strong liberal said: “Senator Vance expressed his opinion in an open manner with no expression of contempt. He didn’t try to point fingers rather he acknowledged the problem and left an opening for discussion on the topic in the future.”

In Governor Walz’ statement on gun violence, 95 percent of the panelist scored it on the dignity side. A strong conservative said: “appears to be the epitome of cooperation with this passage.” A moderate wrote: “Can this become the new normal?” Another voice in the center wrote: “it’s extremely refreshing to see two politicians on the opposite sides of the aisle actually converse with each other in a polite manner. If only the presidential candidates could behave as these two did.”

Tom Rosshirt, co-creator of the Index, noted the striking contrast between the Vice Presidential debate and what the public has become used to. “When we talk about a dignity strategy, people often ask us for examples,” said Rosshirt. “They want to know what dignity looks like in political debate because they haven’t seen it. Now we just saw it, and we hope this means we will see more.” 

 

THE LATEST SCORES

Panelists score by matching language from the speech passage with descriptions in the Dignity Index scoring guide, which is available here. 

 
 
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Look, our allies understand that Donald Trump is fickle. He will go to whoever has the most flattery or where it makes sense to him.
Tim Walz
Speaking about Donald Trump
4 is the most frequently chosen score by members of the National Citizens Panel.
Why was this scored as
contempt and dignity ?
"They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us."
"Those people are evil and they're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them."
"We're the good people and they're the bad people. It's us vs. them."
"We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They're not one of us."
"The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. It's their country too."
"We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share."
"We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don't share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds."
"Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what."
Top Reasons
Will distort or re-name an opponent's position to make it sound unappealing or unintelligent.
Subtext goes here
Dismisses the other side as not really worth talking to.
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Panelist Thoughts
I cannot see what purpose there is in denigrating someone else in order to garner favor for oneself. It never works.
A panelist in the middle , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Instead of attacking his character he should be attacking his policies.
A panelist on the left , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
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, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Score Analysis
48% of all panelists
Contempt
Dignity
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Average Score
3.74
• Left Avg: 3.92
• Middle Avg: 3.68
• Right Avg: 3.62
Agreement: Strong
88%
of panelists
agree this is
CONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITY
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We're a country of doers. We're a country of explorers, but we increasingly have a federal administration that makes it harder to develop our resources, makes it harder to build things, and wants to throw people in jail for not doing everything, exactly as Kamala Harris says they have to do.
JD Vance
Speaking about Kamala Harris
4 is the most frequently chosen score by members of the National Citizens Panel.
Why was this scored as
contempt and dignity ?
"They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us."
"Those people are evil and they're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them."
"We're the good people and they're the bad people. It's us vs. them."
"We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They're not one of us."
"The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. It's their country too."
"We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share."
"We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don't share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds."
"Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what."
Top Reasons
Will distort or re-name an opponent's position to make it sound unappealing or unintelligent.
Subtext goes here
We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They don't really share our values.
Subtext goes here
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Panelist Thoughts
I scored this a 3 based on Vance's personal attack on VP Harris. If he had stopped before mention her name in a derogatory manner, I would have scored this a 5 as initially it was an open comment expressing his views on the matter.
A panelist on the left , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Started to rate as a 5 but think connecting a jail term to the Harris name sounds unappealing. Without that crack probably would have rated #5 on the scale.
A panelist in the right , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
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, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Score Analysis
41% of all panelists
Contempt
Dignity
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Average Score
3.66
• Left Avg: 3.63
• Middle Avg: 3.61
• Right Avg: 3.76
Agreement: Strong
83%
of panelists
agree this is
CONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITY
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We have way higher rates of depression, way higher rates of anxiety. We, unfortunately, have a mental health crisis in this country that I really do think that we need to get to the root causes of because I don't think it's the whole reason why we have such a bad gun violence problem. But I do think it's a big piece of it.
JD Vance
During an exchange about gun violence
5 is the most frequently chosen score by members of the National Citizens Panel.
Why was this scored as
contempt and dignity ?
"They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us."
"Those people are evil and they're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them."
"We're the good people and they're the bad people. It's us vs. them."
"We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They're not one of us."
"The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. It's their country too."
"We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share."
"We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don't share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds."
"Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what."
Top Reasons
Speaks openly, explaining their views, but never with contempt.
Subtext goes here
I share my views with no contempt so they're easier for others to hear.
Subtext goes here
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Panelist Thoughts
I scored this a 5 as Sen Vance expressed his opinion in an open manner with no expression of contempt. He didn't try to point fingers, rather he acknowledged the problem and left an opening for discussion on the topic in the future.
A panelist on the left , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
This is what is needed. More discussion on the problem, not just saying it's the major problem.
A panelist in the middle , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
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, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
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Score Analysis
63% of all panelists
Contempt
Dignity
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Average Score
5.37
• Left Avg: 5.33
• Middle Avg: 5.52
• Right Avg: 5.19
Agreement: Very Strong
95%
of panelists
agree this is
CONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITY
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Where the most firearm deaths happen in Minnesota are rural suicides. And we have an epidemic of children getting guns and shooting themselves... But I want to be very careful. This idea of stigmatizing mental health, just because you have a mental health issue doesn't mean you're violent. And I think what we end up doing is we start looking for a scapegoat. Sometimes it just is the guns. It's just the guns.
Tim Walz
During an exchange about gun violence
5 is the most frequently chosen score by members of the National Citizens Panel.
Why was this scored as
contempt and dignity ?
"They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us."
"Those people are evil and they're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them."
"We're the good people and they're the bad people. It's us vs. them."
"We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They're not one of us."
"The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. It's their country too."
"We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share."
"We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don't share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds."
"Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what."
Top Reasons
Speaks openly, explaining their views, but never with contempt.
Subtext goes here
I share my views with no contempt so they're easier for others to hear.
Subtext goes here
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Panelist Thoughts
For me I believe this is a 5 because the speaker it's giving us a point of view. and reading this I don't feel/see any type of contempt. Just telling us what he believes.
A panelist on the right , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
This seemed to be an attempt to bridge the gap in how each one perceives the issues and their causes.
A panelist in the middle , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Score Analysis
63% of all panelists
Contempt
Dignity
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Average Score
5.09
• Left Avg: 5.13
• Middle Avg: 5.29
• Right Avg: 4.76
Agreement: Strong
83%
of panelists
agree this is
CONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITY
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I think this is a healthy conversation. I think there's a capacity to find solutions on this that work, protect Second Amendment, protect our children. That's our priority.
Tim Walz
In his closing remark on gun control
6 is the most frequently chosen score by members of the National Citizens Panel.
Why was this scored as
contempt and dignity ?
"They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us."
"Those people are evil and they're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them."
"We're the good people and they're the bad people. It's us vs. them."
"We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They're not one of us."
"The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. It's their country too."
"We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share."
"We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don't share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds."
"Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what."
Top Reasons
We talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share, using them as a basis for cooperation.
Subtext goes here
We don't let our disagreements keep us from cooperating on the things we agree on.
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Panelist Thoughts
It's extremely refreshing to see two politicians on opposite sides of the aisle actually converse with each other in a polite manner. If only the Presidential candidates could behave like these two did…
A panelist in the middle , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Can this approach become a new normal?
A panelist in the middle , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
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Score Analysis
58% of all panelists
Contempt
Dignity
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Average Score
6.09
• Left Avg: 5.88
• Middle Avg: 6.26
• Right Avg: 6.1
Agreement: Very Strong
99%
of panelists
agree this is
CONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITY
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Tim Walz: "Well, I've enjoyed tonight's debate, and I think there was a lot of commonality here. And I'm sympathetic to misspeaking on things. And I think I might have with the Senator, but…"

JD Vance: "Me too, man."
JD Vance and Tim Walz
In a final exchange during the debate
7 is the most frequently chosen score by members of the National Citizens Panel.
Why was this scored as
contempt and dignity ?
"They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us."
"Those people are evil and they're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them."
"We're the good people and they're the bad people. It's us vs. them."
"We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They're not one of us."
"The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. It's their country too."
"We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share."
"We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don't share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds."
"Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what."
Top Reasons
Has a great deal of humility, especially in their ability to be self-critical, admit mistakes, and even consider how they might be contributing to the problem.
Subtext goes here
Offers genuine apologies and forgiveness even after painful conflicts.
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Panelist Thoughts
This is a good example of a 7 as both speakers admit to making mistakes and bringing them to light and say how they set a bit of a bad mannerful example on their parts and excuse themselves for doing so. They both agree on the fact and end things well and in good faith with one another.
A panelist in the middle , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
I thought this was a meaningful exchange and it gives me some hope.
A panelist on the left , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Score Analysis
41% of all panelists
Contempt
Dignity
1
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8
Average Score
6.36
• Left Avg: 6.33
• Middle Avg: 6.32
• Right Avg: 6.43
Agreement: Very Strong
97%
of panelists
agree this is
CONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITY
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We are going to shake hands after this debate and after this election. And of course, I hope that we win and I think we're going to win but if Tim Walz is the next vice president, he'll have my prayers, he'll have my best wishes and he'll have my help, whenever he wants it.
JD Vance
In his closing statement
6 is the most frequently chosen score by members of the National Citizens Panel.
Why was this scored as
contempt and dignity ?
"They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us."
"Those people are evil and they're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them."
"We're the good people and they're the bad people. It's us vs. them."
"We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They're not one of us."
"The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. It's their country too."
"We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share."
"We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don't share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds."
"Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what."
Top Reasons
We don't let our disagreements keep us from cooperating on the things we agree on.
Subtext goes here
Finds it deeply satisfying to cooperate with the other side.
Subtext goes here
Believes they have a duty to talk to the other side, find common interests and values, and use them as a basis for cooperation.
Subtext goes here
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Panelist Thoughts
This debate was filled with some very nice comments of each other. Not a rude name calling critical debate. A nice refreshing tone to it.
A panelists on the left , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
A very refreshing contrast to Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. If this is any indicator of how politics in America could possibly right itself, where candidates treat each other with dignity and respect, than I'm all for it.
A panelist in the middle , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Score Analysis
59% of all panelists
Contempt
Dignity
1
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5
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7
8
Average Score
6.32
• Left Avg: 6.21
• Middle Avg: 6.42
• Right Avg: 6.29
Agreement: Very Strong
100%
of panelists
agree this is
CONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITY

All of the National Citizen Panelist quotes have been attributed verbatim to retain the authenticity of the language.

Press Contact: press@unite.us

 
Kate Larsennational citizens panel