By Joke Kujenya
ON MONDAY Donald Trump named Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his vice-presidential candidate.
This decision adds the first millennial to a major-party ticket amid growing concerns about the age of America’s leaders.
Trump announced his choice on Truth Social, stating, “Senator JD Vance of Ohio is the best person to assume the position of Vice President of the United States.”
The announcement came as the Republican National Convention began in Milwaukee.
Vance, 39, accepted the nomination on the convention floor to the tune of Merle Haggard’s “American First.”
His memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” brought him fame in 2016, and he joined the Senate in 2022.
Vance has been a strong supporter of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” policies, especially in trade, foreign policy, and immigration.
However, Vance is new to national politics and joins the ticket during a turbulent time.
An attempted assassination of Trump at a rally on Saturday has intensified the spotlight on the campaign and highlighted the importance of the vice-presidential role.
Trump, who narrowly survived the assassination attempt, continues to dominate the political scene.
His party officially nominated him for the presidency at the convention.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “As Vice President, JD will fight for our Constitution, stand with our troops, and help me MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”
The four-day convention in Milwaukee began with Trump securing a legal victory.
A federal judge dismissed one of his criminal cases, bolstering his campaign.
Trump is set to accept the nomination with a prime-time speech on Thursday, facing Democratic President Joe Biden in the November election.
JD Vance, initially a Trump critic in 2016, has become one of his most loyal allies.
He supports Trump’s claims of election fraud in 2020.
After Trump’s announcement, Vance appeared on the convention floor with his wife, Usha, and received enthusiastic support from delegates.
Vance’s popularity with Trump’s base is evident, but his ability to attract moderate voters remains uncertain.
Biden Speaks
PRESIDENT BIDEN commented on Vance, saying, “He is a clone of Trump on the issues.”
Polls show a tight race between Trump, 78, and Biden, 81, with Trump leading in several swing states.
Failed Shooting
THE ASSASSINATION attempt on Trump has added a new dimension to the campaign.
Trump indicated he would revise his acceptance speech to focus on national unity.
He told the Washington Examiner, “The speech will be a lot different than it would’ve been two days ago.”
Charges Dismissed
JUDGE AILEEN Cannon’s decision to dismiss charges against Trump for retaining classified documents adds to his legal victories.
Trump faces other legal challenges related to his 2020 election defeat efforts, but recent Supreme Court rulings may limit their impact.
Trump’s campaign, MAGA Inc., raised over $50 million on Monday, signaling strong financial support.
The focus now shifts to how Trump will address the nation and handle the heightened security concerns following the assassination attempt.
The Running Mate
JD VANCE, author of “Hillbilly Elegy,” gained national recognition with his 2016 memoir.
Born in 1984, Vance’s book offered a personal look at the struggles of America’s working-class families.
He transitioned from a critic to a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, aligning with the “Make America Great Again” agenda.
Elected to the Senate in 2022, Vance has focused on trade, foreign policy, and immigration.
His selection as Trump’s running mate positions him as a key figure in the upcoming election, marking him as the first millennial on a major-party ticket and a potential future leader in American politics.
