Trump names JD Vance as running mate following assassination attempt
Donald Trump officially announced JD Vance, the U.S. senator from Ohio, as his running mate on Monday, July 15. The announcement was made on the first night of the Republican National Convention (RNC).
Support from Ohio
Trump’s choice has garnered significant support from Republicans, particularly in Middletown, Ohio, where Vance grew up. Phil Kamaris, a local resident, told Reuters, “I think it’s great. We’ve got somebody from our area, Middletown. Yes, I’m glad. Good choice.” Kamaris added, “I’m sure he’ll be able to do best for me because he knows my life here, just like his.”
Vance’s unconventional rise in politics
JD Vance’s journey to American politics has been remarkable. Raised in poverty in southern Ohio, Vance joined the Marine Corps and later earned a scholarship to Yale Law School. He then worked as a venture capitalist in San Francisco. Vance is also the author of the bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” which brought him national attention for its exploration of the socioeconomic challenges in his hometown.
Vance’s evolving relationship with Trump
Vance was not always a Trump supporter. He once identified as a “Never Trump guy” and even questioned if Trump was “America’s Hitler” in private messages. In a 2016 NPR interview, Vance said, “I can’t stomach Trump. I think that he’s noxious and is leading the White working class to a very dark place.” He also criticized Trump following the release of the “Access Hollywood” tape.
Trump’s selection process
Speculation about Trump’s selection process has been widespread. In his first interview after being named the GOP vice-presidential nominee, Vance told Fox News, “He just said, ‘Look, I think we gotta go save this country. I think you’re the guy who can help me in the best way. You can help me govern. You can help me win. You can help me in some of these Midwestern states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and so forth.'”
Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that Vance was “the person best suited” for the position. Reports indicate that Trump informed Vance just moments before the public announcement.
Behind-the-scenes decisions
Initially, Trump was not considering Vance and was leaning towards other candidates, including Doug Burgum and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. However, Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, strongly advocated for Vance. A longtime Republican operative said “Don Jr. and Eric went bats— crazy: ‘Why would you do something so stupid? He offers us nothing.’ They were basically all like, ‘JD, JD, JD.'”
Trump ultimately chose Vance after his sons’ insistence, informing him of the decision over the phone about 20 minutes before the social media announcement. This selection marks a strategic and calculated move, contrasting with the 2016 decision that was influenced by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.
Strategic decision
This time, Trump catered fully to his MAGA followers by selecting Vance, a staunch supporter of his movement, over more establishment-friendly conservatives like Mike Pence. The choice of Vance signals a clear alignment with Trump’s base as he prepares for the upcoming election.