My intuition had always suggested to me that Donald Trump was considering JD Vance as his running mate. Trump saw Vance as a populist conservative who could amplify Trumpism within the Republican Party. Additionally, Donald Trump, Jr. was a strong supporter of Vance.
However, after the recent assassination attempt on Trump, I began to doubt my instincts. The incident raised concerns about the possibility of the vice president stepping in as president in such critical situations, leading me to think Trump might choose the more well-known and experienced Marco Rubio instead. But that was not the case.
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Former President Donald Trump announced Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his 2024 running mate on Monday. (Getty Images)
Vance has notable advantages, including his military service in Iraq, which distinguishes him from other candidates. His ability to connect with the Midwestern audience could also be beneficial for Trump’s campaign, especially in Pennsylvania, a decisive state for the election.
Despite initially criticizing Trump in 2016, Vance has since reconciled with the former president and aligned his views with the MAGA platform. However, his lack of widespread recognition and limited political experience could raise concerns.
Trump’s VP pick U.S. Sen. JD Vance arrives at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Vance has acknowledged his past comments critical of Trump and expressed his readiness to support the former president. He has adjusted his stances, particularly on abortion, to align with the MAGA movement.
The Biden campaign wasted no time in criticizing Vance, implying that he would enable Trump’s extreme agenda, contrasting his views to those of Mike Pence.
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During his 2022 campaign, Vance supported a national abortion ban at 15 weeks with certain exceptions, diverging from Trump’s stance favoring state-level regulations.
Trump’s considerations about his running mate highlighted potential conflicts with candidates like Doug Burgum due to their differing views on key issues like abortion.
Former President Donald Trump (left) listens as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (right) speaks during a Nevada Republican caucus night watch party in Las Vegas. (Ian Maule/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Trump also noted the potential complications of selecting Rubio due to constitutional constraints against two running mates from the same state.
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Trump’s announcement of Vance as his running mate unfolded in an unusual manner, with Rubio and Burgum both being informed they were no longer in consideration before Vance was officially confirmed.
Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio (left), and his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance (right) are introduced on the first day of the Republican National Convention on Monday in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Trump hastened Vance’s confirmation, informing him of his selection just before making the announcement, deviating from the initially planned timing.
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In political circles, Vance now emerges as a top contender for the 2028 election, confirming the guidance of my instincts once more.
Howard Kurtz hosts FOX News Channel’s MediaBuzz (Sundays 11 a.m.-12 p.m. ET) and is based in Washington, D.C. He joined the network in July 2013 and is a frequent guest on Special Report with Bret Baier and other programs.
