Jeffrey A. Tucker on Vance's Erudition

Jeffrey A. Tucker recently shared his thoughts on the Vance/Walz vice presidential debate. He began by recounting a conversation he had with an older, well-educated gentleman who lamented the decline of proper English among younger generations. He noted that this was not due to a lack of intelligence or experience, but rather a shift in communication style heavily influenced by influencer culture and podcasting.

The New Language of Younger Generations

Tucker pointed out that the language spoken by many under 40 is not standard English or even charming slang. Instead, it is a new form of language born of oral transmission and heavily influenced by buzzwords. He criticized the frequent use of words like “literally,” “so,” “annoying,” and “actually,” and the incessant deployment of the word “like.” He also noted the use of repeated phrases such as “go” instead of said or did, “you know” and “know what I’m saying?” as random fillers, and ending most sentences with “right?” He argued that this language conveys an attitude of indifference and a lack of meaningful content.

Erudition in the Debate

Tucker was struck by how JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential candidate, rejected this new way of speaking during the debate. He praised Vance's erudite manner of speaking, which he believed made his points stand out. He suggested that Vance's clear and concise language, devoid of filler words or verbal tics, was a refreshing reminder of how Americans used to speak before the digital age.

The Importance of Clear Communication

Tucker emphasized that the ability to speak clearly and without unnecessary additions is crucial for success in any profession. He warned that the younger generation, who often speak in what he calls "influencer" language, may not realize that their habitual gibberish could be professionally disastrous.

Improving Language Skills

Tucker offered some advice for improving language skills. He suggested consciously working to eliminate unnecessary filler words from conversations, taking a moment to think before speaking, reading more books, and practicing speaking exercises. He believed that these steps can significantly enhance one's language skills and provide an advantage over peers.

Appreciation for Vance's Performance

Laura Ingraham praised Vance's performance in the debate as the best she had seen in her 18 years of covering politics. Tucker agreed, attributing this to Vance's ability to speak plainly, cleanly, coherently, and cohesively.

Bottom Line

The decline in the use of proper English and the rise of a new form of language heavily influenced by influencer culture and podcasting is a concerning trend. JD Vance's performance in the vice presidential debate highlighted the power and importance of clear, concise, and meaningful communication. It's a reminder that the ability to articulate thoughts and ideas effectively is a crucial skill that can significantly impact one's success. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you agree with Tucker's observations? Share this article with your friends and let us know your thoughts. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.