July 16th 2024.
In 2016, JD Vance was taken aback by the sudden rise of Donald Trump within the Republican party. At the time, Vance was a venture capitalist living in San Francisco and promoting his memoir about his upbringing in suburban Ohio. During a TV interview, he openly declared himself as a "Never Trump" advocate and admitted to never having liked the man. However, in private conversations, Vance's opinion of Trump was even more scathing, as he compared him to either a "cynical asshole like Nixon" or "America's Hitler." Despite his previous disdain for the former president, Vance has since had a change of heart and has become one of Trump's most vocal supporters in Washington. So, it was no surprise when he was announced as the Republican nominee for vice president.
But who exactly is JD Vance and how will his selection impact the upcoming election? Born as James David Vance, he grew up in Middletown, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati, and his childhood was well-documented in his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy. Raised by his grandparents due to his mother's battle with drug addiction, Vance enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in Iraq as a combat correspondent. He then went on to attend Yale Law School and worked as a venture capitalist in San Francisco before returning to Ohio in 2016 after the success of his memoir. Vance, who was an atheist for most of his adult life, converted to Catholicism in 2020 and has three children with his wife Usha. In 2022, he was elected to the Senate, marking his first job in professional politics. At just 39 years old, Vance would be the youngest vice president ever elected and the first Millennial to appear on a presidential ballot. He would also be the first vice presidential candidate with a full beard since Allen G Thurman in 1888.
But why did Trump choose JD Vance as his running mate? Despite his lack of political experience, Vance has proven to be a skilled media performer and a strong defender of the former president on cable news. His previous comments about Trump are not uncommon within the Republican party, and he was considered a top contender for the vice presidential nomination. His selection is a clear indication of how the party has shifted to align with Trump's ideology, as many in the establishment were initially horrified by his rise in 2016. However, those who remain in positions of power have learned to embrace him.
As for Vance's beliefs, he has not been afraid to voice his opinions, even if they offend others. He has been particularly critical of women who do not have children, stating that they have a negative influence on the country through their support of the Democratic party and corporate oligarchs. He has also expressed his stance on issues such as abortion, stating that it should be a crime even in cases of rape and incest. Vance has also been a vocal opponent of sending aid to Ukraine and instead advocates for a settlement with Russia. On the other hand, he is a strong advocate for taking a tougher stance on China and providing more military aid to Taiwan.
Will JD Vance's presence on the ticket help Trump get re-elected? While on paper, Vance may not bring much to the table, as his views align with those of Trump's base, there is also the potential for him to alienate moderate voters with his conservative beliefs. Additionally, his home state of Ohio is no longer considered a swing state, and his winning margin in the 2022 Senate election was lower than Trump's in 2020. However, his energy and ability to attack opponents may be appealing to Trump, and his media presence could be an asset to the campaign. Ultimately, only time will tell how JD Vance's selection will impact the election.
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