Donald Trump picks Ohio senator JD Vance as 2024 running mate
Get access to the US Election Countdown newsletter at no cost
The important tales about finances and government in the competition for the presidency
Donald Trump has chosen Senator JD Vance as his vice presidential candidate. Vance, a former US marine who came from humble beginnings, could potentially attract more votes for Trump in the key swing states of the industrial Midwest.
Trump revealed that he has chosen Vance, the senator from Ohio who is relatively new to his position, as his running mate at the start of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. This decision came shortly after an assassination attempt on Vance by a gunman.
Trump announced his choice on his new social media app, Truth Social, on Monday. After thinking and considering many talented individuals, he believes Vance is the right person to be vice-president.
Vance, who previously called Trump names like "idiot" and identified as a "never Trump guy", has now become one of the ex-president's biggest fans and most forceful advocates during his recent political campaigns.
In a post on Saturday, Vance stated that language used by President Joe Biden's team to describe Trump as an "authoritarian fascist who must be prevented at any expense" had directly caused the assassination attempt.
The news put an end to many rumors and finalized the Republican party's 2024 election lineup with less than four months left before November's vote. Trump is ahead of Biden, his Democratic opponent, in the majority of national and battleground state polls.
Trump's choice represents a quick and impressive ascent for Vance, who was voted into the Senate for the very first time only two years ago. If Trump, who is 78 years old, is elected for another term, Vance, who is 39, would be next in line for the presidency. The vice president is the initial successor to the president in the event of a vacancy.
Vance gained national recognition in 2016 when he published Hillbilly Elegy, a memoir detailing his experiences growing up in white, working-class America amidst struggles with substance abuse. After serving in the US Marine Corps and graduating from Yale Law School, Vance worked in venture capital before shifting his focus to politics.
After Trump made his announcement, Biden asked for donations to his campaign. He posted on X, saying, "Let me tell you about JD Vance. He says he cares about working people, but now he and Trump are trying to increase taxes for middle-class families while giving more tax cuts to the wealthy."
Trump said on Monday that Vance's experience would make him popular with voters in the industrial parts of the Midwest. In a post on social media, Trump mentioned that Vance would be devoted to the people he has supported before, such as American Workers and Farmers in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, and beyond.
Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin are considered crucial swing states that Trump must win in order to secure a second term as president.
Scott Reed, an experienced Republican strategist, spoke highly of the selection, stating: “Vance will assist Trump in breaking through the Democratic stronghold in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania - ultimately leading to victory in the presidential election.”
After Trump made a social media post, his campaign quickly released a one-minute ad showcasing the Ohio senator with the logo "Trump-Vance 2024".
Vance's style of politics that appeals to the general public has received praise from the Republican supporters and Trump. However, it has caused disagreement among more conventional Republicans who are uncomfortable with his foreign policy beliefs and support for a higher minimum wage, trade protectionism, and stricter antitrust laws.
One New York businessperson commented that after two months of the Trump-Vance administration, Wall Street will be eagerly hoping for the comeback of Lina Khan.
Republican consultant Ken Spain stated that Vance proudly represents the rising working-class faction of the GOP that is wary of big business. Spain also mentioned that Vance is not meant to be a contrast to Trump in order to create balance on the ticket. Rather, he is seen as a possible successor to Trump.
Trump had waited until the very last moment to share his decision, comparing the process to his old reality TV show, The Apprentice. Just last week, he had mentioned that he was considering "four or five" potential vice presidential candidates.
Trump and his former vice-president Mike Pence had a falling out following the events of January 6, 2021. During the attack on the US Capitol, a group of Trump's supporters threatened Pence for certifying Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election.
Pence has not supported Trump's latest attempt to become President again, but he did express his hopes for Trump's complete healing after the incident at a rally in Pennsylvania.
More information gathered by James Fontanella-Khan in New York and Alex Rogers in Washington.
Join our US Election Countdown newsletter for all the latest updates on the unpredictable 2024 presidential election.
