CLEVELAND, USA — Former US President Donald Trump has selected US Senator JD Vance as his running mate for the upcoming presidential election.
The announcement, made on Trump’s Truth Social platform on Monday, July 15, 2024, comes after weeks of speculation and behind-the-scenes deliberations.
“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 stated.
The selection of Vance was unveiled on the first day of the Republican National Convention, just two days after Trump survived an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The atmosphere on the convention floor turned celebratory as delegates hastily added Vance’s name to Trump signs, symbolising their approval of the new ticket.
A source familiar with the process revealed that Trump extended the offer to Vance via a phone call on Monday, just 20 minutes before the official announcement.
The two had met at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club on Saturday, the day before the rally where Trump was shot in the ear.
The Ohio senator emerged as a favorite among a group of finalists, which included Florida Senator Marco Rubio and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.
Supporters, including Donald Trump Jr. and conservative media figure Tucker Carlson, advocated for Vance, emphasising his strong relationship with Trump and his appeal to working-class voters, a key demographic for the Republican Party.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine praised the choice, calling it “a great day for Ohio.”
“He is consistent with Trump’s appeal to working men and women,” DeWine said, noting that selecting a younger running mate was a strategic move. “Also, someone who shares his desire to expand the base of the Republican Party.”
A Turnaround on Trump
Vance, a venture capitalist and author of the best-selling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” was elected to the Senate in 2022, buoyed by Trump’s endorsement in a competitive Republican primary.
This marked a stark reversal from 2016 when Vance was a prominent critic of Trump and part of the “Never Trump” movement.
Despite his earlier opposition, Vance’s transformation into a staunch Trump supporter was marked by public endorsements and appearances.
His efforts culminated in Trump’s endorsement during the Ohio Republican Senate primary, following a year of concerted effort to align himself with Trump’s MAGA agenda.
In a notable display of loyalty, Vance was present at Trump’s side during his criminal hush money trial in New York, reinforcing his commitment to the former president.
His views on the vice president’s role in certifying election results also align with Trump’s, contrasting sharply with former Vice President Mike Pence’s stance.
Vance’s outspoken skepticism about the danger faced by Pence during the January 6 Capitol riot and his conditional commitment to accepting the 2024 election results have further solidified his standing within the Trump camp.
“If you think there were problems, you have to be willing to pursue those problems and try to prosecute your case. And certainly, if we have a free and fair election, I’ll accept the results,” Vance told CNN’s Dana Bash.
There is no evidence of widespread election fraud in the 2020 election.
In Congress, Vance has positioned himself as a critic of foreign aid, particularly opposing additional U.S. support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia.
His connections to Silicon Valley, including organising a fundraiser for Trump with prominent tech venture capitalists, add a unique dimension to his candidacy.
