Shillbilly weirdo likes beer. Do not drink beer with people who do not like beer.

Given the response it sparked, it was a perfect question.

I can't speak for the reporter, but I expect a question like that to trigger a memory in a person. A memory of that great time last month, where you got together with some old friends, you had a couple of beers, had tons of fun watching some stupid thing, and you did that other thing where everyone just laughed and laughed. This memory is the foundation for the response.

Or, it sparks nothing, because this memory doesn't exist at all.

Professionals usually shouldn't be caught off guard by any question. A proper dishonest politician has to dissect every question as it is spelled out. Then you respond instantly with a filler, while you mentally pick the correct memorized response to lead into.

Either he has nobody to drink beer with, is unprepared, or secretly an alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

1. I grew up in a rural area and have thoughts about cows
2. I hate the Chicago Bears
3. You have excellent roads and I want to talk about them

It's not hard to answer for me and I'm just some guy

Um, in Wisconsin this is the easiest question to answer. Some easy options:

“Because I’m breathing.”

“Because it’s daytime.”

“Because it’s nighttime.”

“Because I’m buying.”

“Because we’re in Wisconsin.”

Admittedly, that last one probably won’t get votes, but ironically is why most people drink in Wisconsin.

Only for people who take the question too literally. One of my favorite people is sober and I can drink and have fun with them.

The question is about the stereotypical vibe and experiences that happy hours encourage. It's about being honest, friendly, and relatable. It's asking how you contribute to that vibe, what makes you a trustworthy person, what makes you you, after you've gotten off work and can be yourself.

People seem to like me because I am polite and I am rarely late.

If anything this is a softball question which Vance wiffed.

Again.

He doesn't seem to answer softball questions very well.

It is kind of a shitty question with no good answer.

Here's my shot at an answer. No way Vance would ever say this though:

"Honestly? They might not want to. My life is public service and politics, and politics is not the most attractive occupation. Its dealing with policy and compromise. You set high hopes for what you believe you can accomplish for America, but the reality is that you might come away with a fraction of that, at best. However, I'd certainly want to have a beer with them. Washington is far removed from Main street. Those of us in government that get too disconnected forget that our whole job is to make life better for the American people. That doesn't mean talking at voters. That means listening to them. Understanding the challenges that occur in someone just trying to get through the day and make sure their family is taken care of. Those candid conversations can and do happen over a beer. That conversation with a voter over a beer is the most important event of my day because it guides me in my job to make their lives better."