JD Vance, the vice-presidential pick of former President Donald Trump, made a powerful debut at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In his primetime speech, Vance vowed to fight for working-class Americans who he believes have been neglected by the Democrats.
The Ohio senator, known for his best-selling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” highlighted his humble roots in the Midwest and criticized “career politicians” like President Joe Biden. Vance positioned Trump as the “last best hope” for Americans and emphasized the need to restore opportunities for working-class individuals.
Vance’s journey from a challenging childhood in Ohio to the US Marines, Yale Law School, and the US Senate was a central theme of his speech. He spoke passionately about the impact of trade agreements and foreign wars on communities like his hometown, emphasizing the failures of the ruling class in governing the country.
The vice-presidential candidate, who is married to Usha Vance, a lawyer and daughter of Indian immigrants, stressed the importance of welcoming newcomers on American terms and avoiding the importation of foreign labor. Despite his past criticisms of Trump, Vance has since aligned himself with the former president and won his endorsement.
While Democrats have raised concerns about Vance’s past statements on issues like abortion and Ukraine, he has moderated his stance to align with the official Republican platform. In his speech, Vance focused on domestic issues and the need for US allies to share the burden of securing world peace.
As the Republican convention continues, all eyes are on Trump’s upcoming speech on Thursday night. Vance’s debut has generated excitement among some delegates, who see him as a young and vibrant addition to the ticket. While the impact of vice-presidential picks on the overall race may be limited, Vance’s strong communication skills and personal story have captured the attention of many Americans.
With additional reporting by Kayla Epstein and Brandon Livesay, JD Vance’s first speech at the Republican convention has set the stage for a dynamic and engaging campaign ahead.
