The Bulwark: JD Vance blamed Trump's Iran war for Republicans getting wiped out in the midterms.

C: Mixes in the reporter's opinion.

• Adds the reporter's own opinion or claims as fact (minus 24 points): hosts' own speculation after quoting Vance: 'Is there like not a one in five chance that J.D. Vance resides as vice president within the next two or three months?' and character analysis of Vance's 'M.O.' (Bulwark hosts' unsourced analysis; transcript)

Splits: The Bulwark's Sam Stein, Bill Kristol and JVL dig into Vance's statement blaming the Iran war for midterm losses

Same story: Reuters, PBD Podcast

More graded coverage

• This story from the left, center and right
• More from The Bulwark: Republicans warned that losing the midterms would send markets crashing. Instead, the Dow had its best day in over a year and oil prices plunged. (C)
• More from The Bulwark: .@SarahAMatthews1 reacts to Karoline Leavitt blaming the media for the GOP’s devastating midterm losses and suggesting Americans don't realize they're financially better off under Trump. (F)
• More from The Bulwark: In 2018, @SonnyBunch warned Democrats not to waste their money trying to flip Texas. In 2026, he says it's a different story. After attending a Vance rally, Sonny explains why Republicans are pouring resources into a state they've dominated for decades. (D)
• Also graded November 5, 2026: Washington Examiner: UK court convicts Russell Brand of rape and sexual assault (A)
• Also graded November 5, 2026: Washington Examiner: Trump dismal approval ratings track gas prices almost 1-for-1 (C)
• Also graded November 5, 2026: The Hill: Trump signs proclamation making Oval Office, Cabinet Room national monument (A)
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