Newsline

Elections , Newsline

TRUMP VP PICK: The Kid From Middletown

Posted on Tuesday, July 16, 2024
|
by Shane Harris
|
51 Comments
|
Print

In one of the most eagerly anticipated vice presidential picks in recent memory, former President Donald Trump tapped Ohio Senator J.D. Vance to be his running mate on Monday.

“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 of the Great State of Ohio,” Trump posted on Truth Social. The former president then went on to list Vance’s credentials, from his time serving in the Marines to his meteoric rise from Yale Law graduate, to venture capitalist, to successful author and eventually United States Senator – all before his 40th birthday.

Although Vance was not on the radar of many beltway insiders as a potential VP pick when Trump announced his comeback bid two years ago, his stock rose as he quickly established a reputation in the Senate for being an eloquent and effective defender of Trump’s America First platform. In the days leading up to Monday’s announcement, he emerged as a slight betting favorite to get the nod.

An America First Vice President

While Trump’s pick may have surprised some given Vance’s relative political inexperience, his personal story and Rust Belt background meld perfectly with Trump’s core message to Americans and will likely receive plenty of air time in the final months of the race.

As I wrote in a VP preview piece earlier this year, “Vance’s firm grasp of populist policies, molded by his upbringing in a blue-collar Rust Belt town in Southwest Ohio, could make him especially appealing as a vice-presidential candidate as Trump looks to retake Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania this year. Vance has demonstrated a deep understanding of the political and societal forces which led to the economic struggles of this region, and he would likely prove an especially effective communicator to voters there.”

Moreover, Vance’s background as a writer and experience as a media pundit likely carried weight with Trump, long a master of public image. As a writer, Vance developed the critical thinking faculties necessary for persuading voters – a powerful tool when combined with the crash course in consensus-building he has no doubt received during his short time in the Senate. Trump will need to work with Congress to implement his agenda if he is elected, and Vance’s relationships there will play a pivotal role in making that happen.

According to recent media reports, Vance has also helped rally public support for Trump in, of all places, Silicon Valley. This seemingly impossible feat likely also helped prove to Trump that Vance had ability to forge deals and agreements that will be necessary to revitalize the American economy after four years of malaise under Biden. Like Trump, Vance recognizes that making the American economy competitive in the 21st century will mean investing in new technologies and keeping the United States on the leading edge of innovation.

Less than two years into his Senate tenure, Vance has also already solidified himself as a leading voice on emerging issues like cryptocurrency regulation as well as the bread-and-butter of Trump’s America First agenda, namely reshoring manufacturing jobs and ending the unwonted influence of globalist elites in American government – most notably through his strident opposition to sending American tax dollars to Ukraine while the United States faces so many pressing issues at home.

I had the opportunity to briefly meet Vance on two occasions during his 2022 campaign, and quickly understood what Trump saw in him. Here was a man who had attended a top law school in America, made millions in Silicon Valley, soared to the highest levels of political stardom, yet carried himself with the humility of a kid from Middletown who was simply grateful for everything he has. His down-to-earth mentality and basic self-awareness are two characteristics utterly lacking in most politicians that will quickly endear him to many Americans and make him a valuable asset to Trump’s candidacy in the final crucial months of the campaign.

Ultimately, J.D. Vance is what the left fears the most – a true rags-to-riches story who proves that the American Dream is not dead, that the United States is still the land of opportunity, and that the America First brand of conservatism is the best way to make that opportunity available to everyone and restore a culture in decline.

A Promising Future

For conservatives, there is much to be excited about in J.D. Vance, both from the standpoint of his vice presidency and continued leadership in the Republican Party beyond 2024.

First and foremost, Trump’s choice of Vance re-affirms the new direction of the GOP away from the old guard establishment and toward the new America First vision Trump pioneered eight years ago. While Vance and Trump have disparate backgrounds, they are united by a unique ability and willingness to challenge the status quo, establishment group think, and D.C. Swamp mentality that have been disastrous for everyday Americans while unjustly enriching and empowering a favored few.

Perhaps nothing evinces this better than Vance’s unapologetically and undeniably America First approach to foreign policy. Vance has seen first-hand the crises America is facing at home, from the opioid epidemic to the border invasion, and voters can be confident that he will prioritize the needs of the American people.

As venture capitalist David Sacks succinctly put it on X, “When the Twin Towers came down, J.D. Vance enlisted in the Marine Corps, gung-ho to exact justice on America’s enemies. Subsequently he came to believe the Forever Wars were a mistake. This is who I want by Trump’s side: an American patriot, with the courage to fight America’s wars but the wisdom to know when to avoid them.”

Vance has also proven himself particularly adept at sparring with the media, much like the man at the top of the Republican ticket. He has variously battled with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, NBC’s “Meet the Press,” CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, CBS’s Margaret Brennan, and numerous other cable news talking heads on issues ranging from election integrity to tax policy.

Vance’s proven ability to run intellectual circles around the liberal press also makes him a perfect counterweight to Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris has at times been even more gaffe-prone than Joe Biden while often appearing stiff and awkward in public. When the two face off for a vice presidential debate later this year, Vance will have the opportunity to make a strong case about why voters can be far more confident with him being “a heartbeat away” from the Oval Office.

Looking ahead to 2028, with Trump term-limited should he win in November, Vance appears poised to become the frontrunner for the Republican nomination should he decide to run. In choosing Vance, Trump has ensured that a strong American First figure has the opportunity to carry on his legacy.

Humble Beginnings

Vance was born in Middletown, Ohio, a community wedged between Cincinnati and Dayton. His childhood was filled with poverty, abuse, and drug addiction, and he was primarily raised by his maternal grandparents.

After graduating from Middletown High School in 2003, Vance enlisted in the Marines, where he served overseas in the Iraq War. He later attended The Ohio State University before earning admission to Yale Law School. He graduated in 2013.

After Yale, Vance worked for Senator John Cornyn of Texas before entering private practice. In 2016, he moved to Silicon Valley to work for renowned venture capitalist Peter Thiel. That same year, Vance published Hillbilly Elegy, a memoir that would rocket him to national fame. The book, which detailed Vance’s childhood in Appalachia and the cultural and economic crisis that exists in Middle America, was held up by many in the corporate media as an explainer of Trump’s surprise victory.

Shortly thereafter, Vance moved back to Ohio, where he became involved with several venture capital endeavors focused on middle America. Hillbilly Elegy was made into a Netflix movie, and Vance began making the rounds as a political commentator on cable news.

Rise to Political Stardom

When Vance first entered the political scene, it was as a top critic of Donald Trump. During a stint as a CNN contributor in 2016 and 2017, no one could’ve imagined that he would become Trump’s running mate just seven years later.

But shortly into Trump’s tenure, Vance, like many Americans, realized that he had misjudged the businessman and reality TV star. As Vance himself explains it, watching Trump follow through on his big promises – like bringing back manufacturing jobs and checking the creeping power of the federal bureaucracy – exposed the false narrative that the political establishment and media elites had built around Trump.

By 2020, Vance had become a top Trump supporter, turning his expert communication skills toward arguing in favor of the president’s re-election. Two years later, Trump chose Vance out of a crowded field to replace the retiring Rob Portman for Ohio’s open U.S. Senate seat.

Despite Vance’s past criticism of the former president, Trump said that Vance “gets it now, and I have seen that in spades.”

“He is our best chance for victory in what could be a very tough race,” Trump added. His instincts proved correct, as Vance carried the state by six points despite a strong challenge from Democrat Tim Ryan.

Onward to November

The stage is now set for a thrilling conclusion to an already eventful 2024 cycle. With both major party tickets confirmed, all that’s left is for the candidates to make their final pitches and voters to make a choice.

Shane Harris is a writer and political consultant from Southwest Ohio. He previously served in the Trump White House and as an aide to Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee. You can follow him on X @shaneharris513.

We hope you've enjoyed this article. While you're here, we have a small favor to ask...

The AMAC Action Logo

Support AMAC Action. Our 501 (C)(4) advances initiatives on Capitol Hill, in the state legislatures, and at the local level to protect American values, free speech, the exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, and the rule of law.

Donate Now
Share this article:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
51 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Nick
Nick
2 months ago

I think he was an excellent choice! And he has what we need to see as a president after Donald Trump serves his next four years. JD is truly a champion for America and for the conservative viewpoint. Besides that Liz Cheney thinks he’s an extremist so what better endorsement can you get?

Max
Max
2 months ago

I highly believe that Pres. Trump has made a wise choice for his VP candidate of J.D. Vance. Hopefully, Ohio will select a good representative in his place should this team win the White House.

Leslie
Leslie
2 months ago

I am far more comfortable with JD Vance’s short senate tenure than I was with Obama’s! He seems like a good choice. I’m sure we are all about to get really tired of his earlier anti-Trump comments which will get played ad nauseum. And, want to see if Trump gets him to shave his facial hair. I like it!

granky
granky
2 months ago

Trump was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Vance had a rusty fork. Watch or read “Hillbilly Elegy”, very inspiring. I think Trump made a great choice.

Brooke
Brooke
2 months ago

J D is the perfect pick. Knowing how intelligent President Trump is, we all need to get behind his choice for VP.
Go get ’em, JD!

Thinking
Thinking
2 months ago

Trump chose the best candidate for VP in JD Vance. Like Trump a man of the people for the people. An American succes story. Total opposite in background from Trump but United in saving the Republic from the ultra left ideology. After 8 years of Trump bashing, lies and wars by the dems it is time. The assassination attempt was the last straw perpetrated by the current administration. We are experiencing another Kennedy assassination debacle. Only this time it was obvious who was behind all this. Like everything the dems have tackled in the past 4 years. A disaster of their own making all to keep the power while destroying the country.

Westhus092
Westhus092
2 months ago

In my opinion Vance is a great pick and has wide appeal. It is a master stroke by DJT. A second Trump term with Vance as VP gives the GOP a shot at keeping the Communists out of the WH through 2036. Also, if you haven’t read ‘Hillbilly Elegy, put it at the top of your reading list. The movie is good but the book is better.

Grace
Grace
2 months ago

I think we will have a massive hope of improvement in direction for our country with these two men. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

John Bass
John Bass
2 months ago

I didn’t know much about J.D. Vance and would have put money on either Scott or Burgman being the VP pick. After reading articles like this one, I see now why Trump picked him over other contenders, and think he’ll make a good Vice President and later, hopefully President in 2028.

CarlS
CarlS
2 months ago

Democrats are saying JD Vance doesn’t have a lot of experience. They seem to forget that they elected a community organizer to be their President after three years as a senator

William
William
2 months ago

A Great VP Choice for a Winning Ticket and to Make America Great Again! Two True American Patriots!

Sharon
Sharon
2 months ago

Great article! This Dynamic Duo will make us all proud!
Thank God for Trump’s safety and his willingness to continue the battle!

Debbie Boggs
Debbie Boggs
2 months ago

Wow! I did not know any of these things about Vance. I believe, like Trump, he will be a force to be reckoned with.

Melinda
Melinda
2 months ago

I like DJ and JD. What a team!

Bernadette
Bernadette
2 months ago

Thank God we finally have a candidate with military background and sound legal training. He is an inspiration to those who have had to deal with traumatic upbringing.
I’m looking forward to hearing more about him and will get his book.
From this article he appears to have common sense which is so devoid in America today!

Jeri
Jeri
2 months ago

Conservative populists like Trump are a great choice…lots of common sense.

Kathryn Davis
Kathryn Davis
2 months ago

How nice it will be to have a VP who can deliver a proper salute to our troops. Just saying!

Robert Zuccaro
Robert Zuccaro
2 months ago

Not my first choice but then I was judging by what they could bring to help get him elected unlike Trump who I’m guessing went with someone he could work with. Remember Pence was chosen to get evangelicals on board.

Stephen Russell
Stephen Russell
2 months ago

Hope Vance wont do a Pence like in 2020-21 race

Kim
Kim
2 months ago

Good combination. Sometimes the strongest supporters are those who have “changed horses”. Candace Owens, Brandon Straka (who regrets his participation in the Jan. 6 incident), many people from among the minorities, a few speakers at last night’s RNC Convention, and now Senator Vance publicly support Trump and his America First regimen. It takes courage and critical thinking to switch sides.
Anyone with half a brain can see that supporting the Republicans is the only sensible, logical way to go. I’m almost inclined to wear a bandage on my right ear. But if biden wins–and I see no “path to the White House” for him–I might have to cover the other ear as well.

Bwyman
Bwyman
2 months ago

7/16/2024 It is wonderful having someone who is a YOUNG Person with a strong military, and worldly, background, YAHOO!

Mike L
Mike L
2 months ago

Very nice article Shane. I am sure Trump will win this fall, which puts a strain on Ohio.

Have to fill the open Senate seat once JD Vance moves up to VP with a Trump Republican. First have to get rid of Sherrod Brown (D) who is now up for re-election, then replace JD. Lots for work for us Buckeyes. Have to get control of both Senate and House.

Mary in WA
Mary in WA
2 months ago

JD Vance is a good VP choice. I believe that he and Trump would make America great once again. My only concern about Trump and Vance is their support of the abortion drug mifepristone, which is cruel to both mother and baby. Too often, women with an unplanned pregnancy don’t want an abortion but sadly feel as if they have no other option. Instead, legislation should require that every woman seeking an abortion must first have an ultrasound outside of the abortion center and be required to look at the ultrasound, Many women have decided not to have the abortion once they see their baby in the ultrasound images and realize that is is not just a blob of tissue (which was lied to them by the abortion center). Also, women who have been abandoned by the babies father — and too often this is the case — need some form of assistance based on their need (such as help paying for the hospital bill, or items for the baby). God created each of us; He has plans for those babies!

John P. Mueller
John P. Mueller
2 months ago

Vance is professional, personable and a non-politician. In addition to being humble and conservative. A great addition to the ticket. Here’s another vote for the Trump team!

David
David
2 months ago

I didn’t expect Vance, but I think he’s a good pick. My hope is Vance can help Trump attract the “swing vote”, the “independents”, the “disgruntled Democrats”, and those who show up at the polls and flip a coin. If the Republicans don’t attract this demographic or they vote “other”(Hillary Clinton would have gotten at least three other states if the “other votes” went Democrat) it is going to be difficult to get out of bed on November 6, 2024.
While I like Doug Burgum, I think Vance has more name recognition (Burgum may have wanted to enjoy retirement at 68 – he’s eligible to run for a 3rd term as governor, but declined.) Like Trump, Vance and Burgum aren’t “career politicians.” I think John and Jane Q. Public have forgotten that quite a few value voters stayed home in 2012. If you stay home don’t complain.

Jodi
Jodi
2 months ago

President Trump’s pick still looks too wet behind the ears & looks too young to hold a position like VP.

virginia state flag and voter box
President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the economy at a roundtable with business and labor leaders, Friday, November 18, 2022, in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Erin Scott)
jim nicholson and kamala harris with bible and rosary behind them about her anti-catholic acts
ActBlue logo

Stay informed! Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter.

"*" indicates required fields

51
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x

Subscribe to AMAC Daily News and Games