In 2016, when Donald Trump chose Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate, it was widely seen as a move to appeal to evangelical Christian voters who might have been hesitant to support Trump, a thrice-married former Democrat. This time, he has selected JD Vance, and much like his previous choice, the Ohio senator’s selection provides insight into Trump’s campaign strategy and potential governance if he returns to the White House.
Trump’s pick of Vance indicates an awareness that the election will hinge on a few industrial Midwest battleground states. Ohio native JD Vance gained prominence with his bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” which explores his blue-collar upbringing and its impact on his politics and worldview. With this background, Vance could effectively connect with and energize the white, working-class voters who narrowly secured those states for Trump in 2016.
In his social media announcement, Trump emphasized that his running mate would focus on American workers and farmers in key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Minnesota. Trump also praised Vance’s military service and Ivy League education. At just 39, Vance offers a youthful contrast to the older candidates leading both presidential tickets, positioning him at the forefront of a new generation of MAGA Republicans. Should Trump return to the Oval Office, Vance could quickly become a contender for the 2028 presidential nomination.
Despite having criticized Trump before the 2016 election—a fact Democrats have highlighted—Vance has since become a staunch defender of Trump, particularly in media appearances. This loyalty and effectiveness likely influenced Trump’s decision. Vance has publicly doubted the fairness of the 2020 election results and stated that, unlike Pence, he would have attempted to block the certification of the election results on January 6, 2021.
Vance aligns closely with Trump’s political ideology, sharing similar views on trade, immigration, and foreign policy. He has been particularly critical of continued US support for Ukraine. In areas where they once differed, Vance has shifted to align with Trump, such as retracting his previous stance on allowing abortion access for victims of rape or incest.
Throughout his campaign, Trump has outlined plans for a second term, including across-the-board tariffs, deportation of millions of undocumented migrants, and a significant overhaul of the federal bureaucratic workforce. The selection of Vance reinforces Trump’s commitment to his policies. This alignment is something his Democratic opponents are likely to highlight. On Monday, President Biden remarked that he saw no difference between Vance and Trump, calling Vance a “clone of Trump on the issues”—a label that might be exactly what Trump intends.
BBC