MILWAUKEE — Former President Donald Trump announced Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate on Monday. Vance, who once criticized Trump but later became a loyal supporter, is the first millennial to join a major-party ticket amid growing concerns about the age of America’s political leaders.
Trump made his decision public via a post on his Truth Social network as the Republican National Convention began in Milwaukee, stating, “After lengthy deliberation and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio.”
Vance, a 39-year-old former Marine and Yale Law School graduate, rose to prominence with his 2016 memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” and was elected to the Senate in 2022. He has become a strong supporter of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda, focusing on trade, foreign policy, and immigration.
During the convention, Trump and Vance appeared together, with Trump sporting a large bandage on his right ear following an assassination attempt two days earlier. Vance faced backlash for suggesting in a social media post that President Joe Biden’s rhetoric was responsible for the violence. Law enforcement has not yet determined the motive behind the shooting.
Trump’s decision to choose Vance energizes his loyal base. Vance is well-known in conservative media and has been vocal against Democrats, making him a capable leader to carry forward Trump’s legacy into the future, including the next presidential election in 2028. The choice, however, places two white men at the head of the Republican ticket during a time when Trump aims to attract Black and Latino voters.
Trump praised Vance for his focus on American workers and farmers and noted their strong personal rapport as a key reason for the selection. Vance accepted Trump’s offer in a phone call just 20 minutes before the public announcement and expressed his readiness to help win Midwestern swing states like Michigan.
The Biden reelection campaign criticized Vance for saying he might have supported multiple slates of electors to challenge Biden’s 2020 victory over Trump. Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden campaign chair, stated that Vance would enable Trump’s extreme agenda, even if it meant breaking the law.
Vance, initially a harsh critic of Trump, shifted his stance over time, praising Trump’s presidency for its achievements. His alignment with Trump earned him a Senate seat in 2022 after receiving Trump’s endorsement. Vance’s book and his background have been credited with helping explain Trump’s appeal in middle America, despite some criticism for oversimplifying rural life.
As a senator, Vance has shown a capacity for bipartisanship, working with Ohio’s senior senator, Democrat Sherrod Brown, on several key issues, including funding for a major chip facility and rail safety legislation.
The announcement of Vance as Trump’s running mate marks a significant development in the 2024 election landscape, highlighting the dynamic and sometimes controversial nature of American politics.
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