In the 2016 election, Donald Trump chose Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate to appeal to evangelical Christian voters. This time around, he has selected JD Vance, a move that sheds light on Trump’s campaign strategy and potential governing style if he were to return to the White House.
The choice of Vance indicates that Trump is focusing on winning key battleground states in the industrial Midwest. Vance, a native of Ohio, gained popularity with his bestselling memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, which delves into his blue-collar upbringing and its influence on his political views.
With his background, Vance could connect with and mobilize white, working-class voters who played a crucial role in Trump’s 2016 victory in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Trump highlighted Vance’s commitment to American workers and farmers in his announcement, emphasizing his military service and Ivy League credentials. At 39 years old, Vance represents a youthful perspective within the Republican Party and could be a key figure in the future of Maga Republicans.
While Vance was critical of Trump in the past, he has since become a vocal supporter, aligning closely with the former president on various issues. Trump’s decision to select Vance as his running mate reflects a doubling down on Trumpism and a continuation of his policy agenda.
Democratic opponents have already drawn parallels between Vance and Trump, with President Biden stating that Vance is a “clone of Trump” when it comes to policy positions. It appears that Trump’s selection of Vance aligns with his desire for continuity and reinforces his political ideology.
