J.D. Vance, the 39-year-old Ohio senator, is set to make his debut on the national stage at the Republican National Convention. In his speech, Vance plans to share his personal story of growing up in poverty in Kentucky and Ohio, with a mother addicted to drugs and an absent father. He will highlight how he overcame these challenges to reach the highest levels of U.S. politics.
Vance’s rise in the political arena has been swift. He has transformed from a severe critic of former President Trump to one of his most aggressive defenders. This positions Vance as a potential leader of Trump’s political movement, which has reshaped the Republican Party and broken longstanding political norms.
As the first millennial to join the top of a major party ticket, Vance brings a fresh perspective to the race. His youth is seen as an asset, especially at a time when concerns about the age of the men at the top – 78-year-old Trump and 81-year-old Biden – have been high on voters’ minds.
During a fundraiser in Milwaukee, Vance emphasized the need for President Trump to be reelected, stating, “The guy who actually connects with working people in this country is not Fake Scranton Joe, it’s Real President Donald Trump.” This highlights Vance’s belief in Trump’s ability to understand and address the concerns of everyday Americans.
Despite his relative youth, Vance is not new to the Republican Party. However, this is the first RNC that he will attend, according to a Trump campaign official. It is a significant moment for Vance as he joins the ticket at a time when Republican leaders are calling for unity after a recent assassination attempt on Trump.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich noted that Trump’s selection of Vance was not a move to consolidate Republicans but rather a step towards transforming the party. Gingrich stated, “He had time to think it through, and his answer is, ‘No, people aren’t for me so I can compromise. People are for me so we can get things done,’ and I need somebody who believes in what we’re doing. And I’m not going to reach out to someone who isn’t us.'”
Vance’s background as an Ivy League graduate and businessman is complemented by his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” Published in 2016, the book provides insight into the cultural forces that propelled Trump to the White House. It made Vance a national name and offers a window into his blue-collar roots.
Despite his growing prominence, Vance remains relatively unknown to most Americans, including Republicans. A recent poll conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 6 in 10 Americans don’t know enough about him to form an opinion. Among Republicans, 61% don’t know enough about Vance. This highlights the importance of his prime-time speech at the RNC as an opportunity to introduce himself to the nation.
In addition to Vance’s speech, the Republican Party focused on a theme of American global strength during the convention. Speakers included family members of service members killed during the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and individuals affected by the Oct. 7 attack in Israel. The party aimed to highlight their commitment to “Make America Strong Once Again,” emphasizing Trump’s “America First” foreign policy.
However, Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, have criticized Vance and Trump for their positions on issues such as U.S. support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Harris dismissed Vance as someone who would be a rubber stamp for Trump’s extreme agenda, stating, “Make no mistake: J.D. Vance will be loyal only to Trump, not to our country.”
As Vance prepares for his speech, Trump is also finalizing his remarks for the convention. It will be his first public appearance since the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania over the weekend. Trump has indicated that he plans to focus on unity in his speech, signaling a shift from his previous rhetoric.
Overall, J.D. Vance’s prime-time speech is a pivotal moment for him and the Republican Party. It offers an opportunity for Vance to share his personal story, connect with voters, and solidify his position as a potential leader of Trump’s political movement. The convention as a whole aims to highlight American strength and unity under Trump’s leadership.
