Donald Trump has chosen Republican Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate. Vance, a former critic of Trump, has become a staunch defender of the former president.
Trump’s selection of Vance, the author of “Hillbilly Elegy”, aims to boost voter turnout among Trump’s base. Vance’s conservative stance and strong support for Trump’s policies are likely to appeal to the Republican electorate.
However, Vance’s selection may not attract new voters and could even alienate some moderates. Some Trump supporters had advocated for a female or minority candidate for the vice presidency.
Vance’s strong social media presence and his support for a more isolationist foreign policy have been praised by Trump supporters. At 39, Vance would offer a younger perspective compared to Trump (78) and President Biden (81).
Vance’s political journey has been unconventional. After a challenging childhood, he served in the Marines, studied at Yale Law School, and worked as a venture capitalist. He gained prominence after writing “Hillbilly Elegy”, which explored poverty and its impact on rural America, particularly in the Appalachian region.
Despite criticizing Trump before his 2016 election victory, Vance has become one of his most ardent supporters, even defending him on issues like the January 6th Capitol riot and his stance on Ukraine.
Vance’s selection has drawn criticism from some Trump associates who wanted a more diverse running mate. While Trump and Biden are neck-and-neck in polls, Trump trails significantly among women and Black voters.
Some also question the wisdom of removing Vance from the Senate, where both parties are fighting for control. Despite Ohio being a Republican stronghold, Democrats have won other races there.
