LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In a move that sent shockwaves through the political landscape, former President Donald Trump made what many have called a bold announcement on Monday. He chose Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, an author, Iraq War veteran, and former venture capitalist, as his running mate for the upcoming presidential election.
Trump announced his pick on his social media platform Truth Social as Republican delegates were gathered in Milwaukee for the RNC Convention. Trump said, “After lengthy deliberation and thought, 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.”
VP announcement made first day of convention.
The news, unveiled during a raucous RNC convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ignited reactions from both supporters and critics alike. Vance, known for his compelling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” and his rapid ascent in the political arena, stood beside Trump Monday evening, as they attended the end of the day’s convention activities, beaming with a mix of pride and determination.
Strategic alliance for the campaign.
The alliance, blending what many call Trump’s bombastic charisma with Vance’s intellectual prowess and Appalachian roots, could be just what the Trump campaign needs to reshape the contours of the campaign, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle for the White House. Many are citing Vance as being an asset to galvanize voters in the midwest, especially Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan.
Vance’s background is an interesting story that supporters say will help him relate to the “unforgotten” men and women who support Trump. When Vance was growing up, his mom was an addict (she is now 10 years sober), his dad left when he was six, and Vance and his sister were mostly raised by their grandparents who used “Meals on Wheels” to help feed the family. He overcame many obstacles in his childhood that led him to where he is today, a success story of a man who rose from poverty in rural southeast Ohio.
Democratic criticism and Vance’s response.
Critics on the Democratic side are pointing out two competing narratives about Vance saying that, on one hand, he is a MAGA clone of Trump – but also exposing his former “never Trump” comments in 2016. Vance has previously been very vocal about his opposition to Trump eight years ago, calling him a “moral disaster,” a “total fraud” and comparing him to Hitler like Democrats often do today.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity last night at the convention, after receiving the nod for the VP slot, Vance said about his past Trump comments, “I was certainly skeptical of Donald Trump in 2016 but President Trump was a great president and he changed my mind. I think he changed the minds of a lot of Americans because, again, he delivered that peace and prosperity.”
Vance went on to explain that he bought into the media’s lies and distortions at the time that Trump was going to be so different and a “terrible threat to democracy.”
Praise from Michigan Republicans.
Michigan Republicans largely celebrated the selection of U.S. Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio as former President Donald Trump’s running mate. Michigan Republican Party Chairman Pete Hoekstra was quick to express his support on X, stating, “Vice President JD Vance! A son of the Midwest, he will be great for Michigan and help to carry Michigan for the Trump Vance ticket in November!”
GOP Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01) said about Vance, “JD is a fellow U.S. Marine, and has been a solid fighter in the Senate since taking office. I was proud to support JD in his race for Senate and look forward to having him join President Trump on the campaign trail.”
GOP Congressman John James (MI-10) also voiced his enthusiasm about Vance referring to him as a “strong conservative” who will address key issues affecting Michiganders. James also joked while giving a speech in the convention, pointing out that Vance is an Ohio State Buckeye, saying, “He’s going to need some help when he comes up to Michigan.”
U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Tipton) said on X, ”Congrats to J.D. Vance on joining the Trump ticket. J.D. is a fighter, veteran, and understands the concerns of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Wisconsin. United, we’re going to Make America Great Once Again!”
Former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers of Brighton, who has Trump’s endorsement for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, echoed these sentiments, saying, “Sen. J.D. Vance will be a tremendous vice president and President Trump’s selection of him as his running mate is another sign that he is focused on helping middle class Americans achieve the American Dream.” He added that Vance understands firsthand about the “high cost of groceries, gas and rent do to a struggling working family.”
Mixed reactions among voters.
Among Michigan voters, reactions to Vance were more varied. Karen Beckman from Rochester Hills expressed optimism, saying to WXYZ, “I love him. I think it’s a great idea. I think he’ll appeal to more people and I’m hopeful we can be more cohesive as a country and come together, and I think JD Vance will help us do that.”
Similarly, Armand Coallier from Rochester Hills and Zaid Arabo from Bloomfield Hills praised the pick, with Arabo noting the importance of having a young vice president.
On the other hand, some Republicans like Jeff Litten from Oakland County, who supported Nikki Haley, felt uncertain about the choice. Litten remarked that the pick might not appeal to Haley supporters.
Political science professor Jeffrey Bernstein from Eastern Michigan University pointed out that Vance balances the ticket geographically, ideologically and with his age, but he remained skeptical about Vance’s overall impact on the election outcome, given the polarized nature of the Trump-Biden rematch.
Democratic criticism.
Michigan Democrats were quick to criticize Trump’s choice of J.D. Vance. Michigan Democratic Party Chairwoman Lavora Barnes labeled Vance an extremist, accusing him of pushing a far-right agenda. Barnes emphasized the importance of reelecting President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to counteract the Trump-Vance ticket. She said, “As the junior senator from Ohio, Vance has shown that he doesn’t care about anything other than pushing rhetoric and policies to take full control of our bodies, economy and democracy.”
Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden-Harris 2024 Chair, argued that Vance’s selection was aimed at furthering Trump’s extreme MAGA agenda, even at the expense of breaking the law and harming the American people. She highlighted Vance’s support for conservative changes to the federal bureaucracy and his stance on abortion, which the Democrats have been misrepresenting. Vance has said that he supports the president’s stance on abortion and he even said on CNN that Republicans must “accept that people do not want blanket abortion bans.” He also has said that he supports access to abortion drugs.
As of the posting of this article, Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer hadn’t made a statement about Trump’s VP choice.
Overall, while Michigan Republicans hailed Vance’s selection as a strategic move to secure the Midwest, the state’s Democrats and some moderate Republicans voiced concerns about the implications of a Trump-Vance administration. Whether Vance will ultimately benefit or hinder the Trump ticket remains to be seen.
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