Milwaukee, July 15, 2024 – Former President Donald Trump announced on Monday his selection of Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate, choosing a onetime critic who has since become a steadfast supporter. This marks the first time a millennial has joined a major-party ticket, amid growing concerns about the age of America’s political leaders.
“After extensive deliberation and considering the remarkable talents of many others, I have chosen Senator JD Vance of Ohio as my Vice Presidential candidate,” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform as the Republican National Convention commenced in Milwaukee.
Vance, 39, gained national attention with his 2016 memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” Elected to the Senate in 2022, he has emerged as a key advocate for Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda, focusing on trade, foreign policy, and immigration. However, his national political experience is limited, and he joins the ticket during a tumultuous period, following an attempted assassination of Trump at a recent rally.
Vance faced backlash for a post on X attributing the attack to President Joe Biden’s rhetoric. “The central premise of the Biden campaign is that Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped, which led to this attempted assassination,” Vance wrote. Law enforcement has not yet confirmed a motive for the shooting.
Trump praised Vance’s dedication to American workers and farmers, particularly in key Midwestern states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Minnesota, which are crucial for the upcoming election. Trump and Vance discussed the nomination in a call shortly before the announcement. Other potential candidates, including Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, were informed earlier on Monday that they were not selected.
Vance’s addition to the ticket is expected to energize Trump’s loyal base. Known for his frequent appearances on conservative media and confrontations with Capitol Hill reporters, Vance is seen as a potential future leader of the Trump movement, with an eye on the 2028 presidential election.
However, the choice of Vance means the GOP ticket will be led by two white men, at a time when Trump has sought to appeal to Black and Latino voters.
In his memoir, Vance chronicled life in Appalachian communities and their shift away from the Democratic Party. The book, while a bestseller, has been criticized for oversimplifying rural life and neglecting the role of racism in politics.
Initially a harsh critic of Trump, Vance once described him as “a total fraud” and “America’s Hitler.” Over time, however, Vance changed his stance, praising Trump’s presidency and securing his endorsement in the 2022 Senate race, where he won a heated primary and general election. Vance remains close to Trump’s son, Donald Jr.
As a senator, Vance has questioned the legitimacy of criminal prosecutions and civil verdicts against Trump, and has cast doubt on the 2020 election results. In an interview with ABC News, Vance stated he would have supported alternative slates of electors on January 6, 2021.
Despite his partisan loyalty, Vance has collaborated with Ohio’s senior senator, Democrat Sherrod Brown, on several key issues, including funding for a major chip facility and rail safety legislation.
Source: AP News
