U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, running as Donald Trump's vice presidential candidate, introduced himself to the nation at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Vance, 39, emphasized his roots in Middletown, Ohio, a town marked by industrial decline, and portrayed himself as an advocate for the working class. His journey from a challenging childhood to the Marines, Yale Law School, venture capitalism, and the U.S. Senate highlighted his understanding of everyday struggles.
Vance formally accepted the party's 2024 nomination, criticizing the ruling class in Washington for neglecting towns like his. His speech marked a significant moment in his rapid political ascent, showcasing his transition from a Trump critic to a loyal supporter. This shift aligns him with other high-profile Republicans, reflecting Trump's influence over the party.
For Trump's opponents, his dominance in the party signals potential threats to democratic institutions if he expands presidential power and seeks retribution against his adversaries. Vance, author of the bestseller "Hillbilly Elegy," has shaped Trump's populist policies, advocating for a reduced global role for the U.S. As the first millennial on a major party's ticket, Vance aims to extend the Make America Great Again movement beyond Trump's potential second term.
Vance's speech embraced key Trump principles, including prioritizing domestic manufacturing, reducing dependence on Chinese imports, and demanding more from allies for global security. He has opposed military aid to Ukraine and defended Trump's 2020 election loss claims. Vance's focus on the working class involves restricting imports, raising the minimum wage, and limiting corporate power, diverging from traditional pro-business Republican stances but aligning with Trump's agenda.
Democrats have criticized Vance's strict anti-abortion views. The Biden campaign labeled his agenda as extreme and favoring the wealthy over democracy. President Biden, 81, tested positive for COVID-19, further challenging his campaign efforts after a difficult debate performance on June 27.
Trump, with a bandaged ear from a recent assassination attempt, received enthusiastic support at the convention. He is set to deliver the closing speech on Thursday. Vance emotionally honored his grandmother, who raised him, and his mother, Beverly, who has been sober for 10 years. Beverly's presence and acknowledgment of her son's tribute moved the audience to a standing ovation.
The evening included a poignant video of families of soldiers killed during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, blaming Biden for their deaths. Speakers launched strong attacks on the Biden administration, contrasting with Trump's promised message of unity. Former Trump official Peter Navarro, recently released from prison for contempt of Congress, received a warm welcome and criticized Biden's "Department of Injustice."
Trump supporters also targeted Biden's border policies. Former ICE Director Tom Homan condemned Biden for allegedly "unsecuring" the border, prompting delegates to demand mass deportations. Although border crossings peaked during Biden's presidency, arrests have decreased following a new asylum ban. Trump has vowed to execute the largest deportation effort of illegal immigrants in U.S. history.