Last week, prior to the commencement of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, former President Donald Trump was considering how to announce his choice for vice president should he win the November elections. Trump hinted at a dramatic reveal reminiscent of his reality TV show, The Apprentice, where he would call the contenders on stage and make his selection by declaring, "You're hired."
However, on the evening of July 15, Trump chose a much more subdued method. He announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that Senator JD Vance of Ohio would be his running mate. "After lengthy deliberation and thought," Trump wrote, he chose Vance because he believed Vance was "the best person suited to assume the position of vice president of the United States."
Contenders Sidestepped
Trump's choice of Vance over other potential candidates, including Senator Marco Rubio of Florida and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, raised questions. Vance, once a staunch critic of Trump, had called him “reprehensible” and likened him to "America’s Hitler." Understanding Trump's rationale requires a closer look at Vance’s background and evolution.
Who is JD Vance?
To understand Trump's decision, it is essential to know more about JD Vance, the Ohio senator.
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Early Life and Education
JD Vance, born James David Bowman on August 2, 1984, in Middletown, Ohio, had a challenging upbringing. His mother struggled with addiction, and his father left the family when Vance was a toddler, leading to his grandparents raising him. After high school, Vance served in the Marine Corps from 2003 to 2007, including a tour in Iraq. He then attended Ohio State University and later Yale Law School, where he met his future wife, Usha Chilukuri.
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Career and Rise to Fame
After law school, Vance worked as a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley. He gained national attention in 2016 with the publication of his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, which detailed his childhood in a poor Rust Belt town and the struggles of America's white working class. The book became a bestseller and was adapted into a 2020 Netflix movie starring Amy Adams and Glenn Close.
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Political Evolution
Initially, Vance was a staunch critic of Trump, even comparing him to Hitler in a private message to a law school roommate. In a 2016 op-ed for USA Today, he described Trump’s policy proposals as ranging "from immoral to absurd." However, Vance's stance shifted over time. He later acknowledged that Trump’s performance in office had changed his views, becoming one of Trump's most vocal supporters. In 2022, Trump endorsed Vance for the Ohio Senate race, a significant boost that helped Vance secure his seat.
Why Trump Chose JD Vance?
Several factors influenced Trump's decision to select Vance as his running mate:
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Ideological Alignment
Vance shares many of Trump's views, making him an ideologically compatible choice. He has been critical of U.S. foreign aid, particularly to Ukraine, and supported broad-based tariffs, which align with Trump’s economic policies. Vance also advocates for strict immigration policies, including completing the border wall along Mexico and opposing amnesty for illegal immigrants. Although Vance holds a more stringent stance on abortion than Trump, his overall alignment with Trump’s agenda made him a suitable choice.
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Loyalty and Vocal Support
Vance has proven his loyalty to Trump, defending him on various issues, including the 2020 election fraud claims and criminal charges against Trump. This loyalty, combined with his articulate defense of Trump in the media, made him a valuable ally. Trump reportedly values Vance's ability to defend him on television, a key factor in his selection.
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Youth and Appeal to Key Voters
At 39, Vance brings a youthful energy to the ticket, appealing to a demographic that might be crucial in the election. His personal story and connection to the white working-class voters, especially in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, add to his appeal. Vance’s experiences and narrative, as captured in Hillbilly Elegy, resonate with many of Trump’s supporters.
About Usha Vance
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Background and Career
Usha Chilukuri Vance, JD Vance’s wife, adds another layer of intrigue to the ticket. The daughter of Indian immigrants, Usha grew up in San Diego. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Yale University and a Master of Philosophy degree from the University of Cambridge. Usha has clerked for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, showcasing her impressive legal credentials.
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Contributions to JD Vance’s Success
Usha has played a significant role in JD Vance’s rise. She helped him organize his thoughts for "Hillbilly Elegy" and provided support during his Senate campaign. Her understanding of Indian culture and her legal expertise offer valuable assets to her husband’s political career. Usha’s background and perspectives could also help strengthen US-India relations if Vance becomes vice president.
Trump’s choice of JD Vance as his running mate is a strategic move, aligning with his vision and bolstering his ticket with youthful energy and working-class appeal. Vance’s loyalty, ideological alignment, and articulate defense of Trump make him a formidable partner for the 2024 election. With Usha Vance’s support and background, the Vance family brings a unique dynamic to the Trump campaign, potentially influencing both domestic and international policies.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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