J.D. Vance for Veep … genius or mistake?
I was surprised – but not shocked – by President Trump’s decision to take Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate.
In terms of who I liked best on Trump’s short list, it was Florida Senator Marco Rubio. He would have helped with the Hispanic vote. But he would have had a problem getting around the exclusion of presidential and vice presidential candidates coming from the same state. Also, Trump did not need Rubio to carry Florida.
I also like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. He is a strong and articulate campaigner who has been in the Trump camp from the onset. Virginia is a state that has moved from “Likely Democrat” to “Leaning Democrat.” Youngkin would likely have brought Virginia into the Republican column.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum would bring some of the same traits as Youngkin to the campaign trail. Burgum once shared the GOP presidential debate stage, but he was not a harsh critic of Trump.
Both Youngkin and Burgman are very knowledgeable and articulate. They are supersalesmen for conservative governance. On the other hand, Youngkin and Burgum both have the lowest name recognition of those on the short list.
I personally liked former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley – heresy in the eyes of hardcore Trump supporters. She would have helped with the women’s vote and Republican voters who have some reservations about Trump. Unfortunately, Haley was too harsh in her language – and kept campaigning and attacking Trump even after he had secured the nomination. She has since endorsed Trump and released her delegates to him. The wounds left over from the primaries, however, have not completely healed.
Putting a Black on the ticket would have pushed back against the racist charges leveled at Trump. He had both Florida Congressman Byron Donalds and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott on the list before it was trimmed down. Donald is a strong communicator but has the same problem as Rubio. He comes from Florida.
But … I like J.D. Vance, too
In selecting Vance, Trump decided to select a partner who is well within his comfort zone. The vice presidential candidate’s views have traditionally been a major consideration. Presidential candidates simply do not pick running mates with whom they have significant policy disagreements. The role of the vice presidential candidate – and a Vice President – is to be a spokesperson for the boss.
In pragmatic terms, Vance essentially assures Ohio of being in the Trump column, but that is the probable outcome without him on the ticket. However, Vance could bring out the Republican vote in Ohio sufficiently to defeat uber-left-wing Democrat Senator Sherrod Brown and assure GOP control of the Senate.
Democrats will use some of Vance’s initial criticism of Trump. But that wound healed a long time ago … obviously. And his place on the ticket somewhat undermines Democrats’ claims that Trump is unforgiving and vindictive.
Some critics have pointed out Vance’s limited political experience. He has only served in the United States Senate for two years. On the other hand, Barack Obama went directly to the presidency, itself, after two years in the Senate.
Based on his stand on issues and past policy statements, Vance is a target for Democrat demonization. In fact, the left-wing media started unloading their attacks on Vance within 30 seconds of his selection.
One of the most important takeaways from the selection of Vance — in my opinion – is that it shows Trump feels confident of winning. He can afford to take some risks with his vice presidential partner
Vance has a fantastic personal story – as does his wife, the daughter of Indian immigrants. No small irony since her husband will be running against Vice President Harris, whose mother came from India.
Perhaps Vance’s greatest asset is his communication skills. CNN’s Van Jones – a strong critic of Vance – conceded that Vance is a very persuasive salesman for conservative issues. Jones lamented that Vance “makes it (conservative policies) sound good. Indeed, he does.
Vance comes out of the gate looking much better than his critics would like. I would bet that in any poll dealing with the likeability of the four members of the competing presidential teams, Vance would come out on top.
To answer the headline question. I say selecting Vance is clearly more genius than a mistake.
So, there ‘tis.
JD Vance is very smart, can chum up to mentors and rabbi’s like no tomorrow, ambitious, and totally unseasoned and unfit for the job.
The debate, if he dares, will be priceless and reaffirm Harris as right for the job.
Trump needed someone who would not outshine him in personality and politics. He found his guy who helps in Ohio too. Not much if anywhere else.
I wonder if he asked the famous question before taking any job; why the vacancy, what happened to the last guy?
There’s a lot of violence and sickness surrounding a Trump Presidency. Riots, pandemics, insurrections, assassinations, kidnappings and more. I like less chaotic times.
All good points Frank! And lets not forget that Trump is Heritage Foundation’s useful idiot, and now Vance is Trump’s useful idiot!
Personally, Vance will probably detract more than he will add. He could end up being a real Biden gift!!! I can’t wait to watch Kamala shred him on August 13th.
Tom … You and Frank have it easy. Rather than think for yourselves, you just have to mouth the latest Democrat talking points and narratives. You are part of that Democrat base whether or not you register as a Democrat. You are not in the middle or undecided category. Just in lockstep with the far left narratives no matter how mendacious or ridiculous they are. I watch MSNBC, etc, and then is hear the echo from you guys. You have all the intellectual abilities of a tape recorder. I have not decide whether you are Frank’s useful idiot or he is yours. I guess it depends on the day….lol
Horist, once again, I am right here. You do not have to badmouth me through Tom…..
Tom and I are not clones, useful idiots, whatever. That’s on you. We do not agree on everything.
Nor do I agree with the Democratic Party, talking heads, etc. That’s just your generalization based on stereotyping to demean. Unlike you, I don’t even like all the policies, I will not support a Felon or a Rapist, and I do like a few Republican ones, like the e-verify bill, I do like.
Fact is, generally Republicans do more lockstep to the point of lockjaw than Democrats and Independents. You can see many examples to the point of they even wear similar clothes to honor your Felony Rapist King as you pay fealty though loyalty to him and not yourselves. If you can show us how Democrats are more in total agreement than Republicans, I would love to see those facts, those statistics. But you won’t because you can’t.
Facts are our friends.
Larry, your vitriol shows that you are scared of Frank’s posts and mine. It means you know we are telling the other side that you do not want known. Yes, we tell the other side that you do not wish to tell. We do not give you mindless agreement and adulation which you crave, and probably have craved from birth. And you are willing to bully anyone who does think for themselves and does not agree with you! Thus the only tool in your kit is to insult. I revel in your childish and intellectually immature insults because: 1) it means I am hitting home, 2) I am making you a more conscientious writer.
And lets face it, without us, on some of your posts you would not have any respondents. 🙂
Tell me Larry, what is so far left about preserving social security and medicare which you are on? What is so far left about women having the right to choose their destiny? What is so far left about a woman being able to leave a marriage due to spousal abuse? What is so far left about preserving Disparate Impact Laws so minorities (like your step son) have a legal pathway to justice when they are discriminated upon by an institution that can hide its overt discrimination?. What is so far left about preserving the Dept. of Education which issues many grants and loans so poor and lower middle class students have an opportunity for a college education? What is so far left about the School Nutrition Program which feeds kids that have no food at home for breakfast and lunch when studies show they learn better when their bellies are not growling?
These programs are only far left to a White Christian Nationalist and a White Supremacist. Is that you? Maybe that’s the reason your hair is white? IF voting for the candidate who will preserve these great program means I am left, then I guess I am left. But I still am registered Independent and look at the candidates individual ideas to see: 1) which candidate will do the most good for the most people; 2) which candidate will ensure smooth operation of the systems in place; 3) which candidate will provide the most peace and harmony. MAGA / Trumpists have shown that they do not wish peace and harmony unless they can get it from the barrel of a gun (which is like Mao) or can beat it into their opposition. True peace, harmony and full truth scares them shitless!!!
Tom … your arrogance-based self-serving imagination is working over time Come on, man. I am afraid of you and Frank?? That dog would not hunt a bowl of kibbles. lol. You convince yourself that you are “hitting home.” What home? Your mission is to try to piss me off . make me feel bad? That is delusional. You writings do no such thing. Maybe it is projection … maybe YOU feel hit at home .. wounded by the realization that you are not getting to me … hitting home .. or getting an emotional rise out of me. You exaggerate your own importance in your own mind … and in your writings. I guess it is better for your psyche to image you have such importance and impacts than accept the fact that you do not. The arrogance is your downfall.
Trump needed some way to expand his base beyond his dedicated worshippers. That base cannot get him elected on their own. Picking Vance does nothing to attract voters outside of his base, so overall a net negative for Trump. Assuming Biden can somehow stay in the race, he beats Trump. The independents, push comes to shove, will always pick rational over crazy.
Vance does not appeal to the independents, his bestseller notwithstanding.
I agree Andrew, Vance is a gift to Dems. I am an Independent/Unaffiliated voter, and I would never vote for Vance.
Vance was right in 2016 when he said Trump was dangerous. But I guess after at least two years of his head being up Trump’s ass, the air got pretty bad (according to folks that sat by him in the Manhattan trial) and the oxygen was thin. One can see how Vance’s thinking changed post 2022.
To see someone who actually likes Nikki Haley go on to approve appointment of Vance is very encouraging. By the way, as a woman myself, she certainly would not have gotten my vote — too slippery for my taste.
Nancy O’Donnell … I preferred Haley in the primaries, but as a lifelong conservative, a lot would have to change on both sides to have me consider a vote for Biden. The differences are foundational, fundamental and profound. I have no respect for folks like Cheney and Kinzinger who reject whatever conservative principles they once had to embrace radical left-wing progressivism.
I agree Nancy, Haley is too slippery! But Trump likes that quality in a person!
This article gets a Stop The Spin (STS) rating of 2. Here is why:
1) Not much spin per se’ but plenty of omission.
2) Larry likes Vance. Great. But Larry also says he is for Ukraine!! Vance is very against Ukraine!!! Vance will give Ukraine to Putin!! Just one more area (Kinda like Larry hates abortion but very for Israel which is easy for an abortion) where Larry ! conflicted. I guess Larry will like Vance more than Ukraine!
3) Larry says, “In selecting Vance, Trump decided to select a partner who is well within his comfort zone. ” I agree. Trump needs someone who will mindlessly kiss his ass. What Larry did not tell you is Vance is the favorite of the Heritage Foundation (those great guys that gave you Project 2025 and ideas such as women staying in abusive marriages, eliminate no fault divorce, no abortion even for rape and incest) and has even written the forward for Kevin Robert’s (President of Heritage Foundation) new book.
Here is what Newsweek says that Larry did not say, ” While Project 2025’s coordinators previously told Newsweek that it “does not speak for any candidate or campaign,” it was written in conjunction with a host of former Trump staffers, as many as 140, according to an analysis by CNN (one of Larry’s favorite news sources). Last month, Vance posted on X, formerly Twitter, about writing a foreword for Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts’ new book, Dawn’s Early Light: Burning Down Washington to Save America, saying he was “thrilled” to have done so and that the book contained “a bold new vision for the future of conservatism in America.”. See *https://www.newsweek.com/does-jd-vance-support-project-2025-what-we-know-1925927* DID YOU GET THAT??? VANCE WANTS TO BURN DOWN WASHINGTON IF HE HAS TO IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT HERITAGE’S PROJECT 2025 AND KEVIN ROBERT’S BOOK!!!!
So if Larry likes Vance, then he likes the vitriol and hate and anti-unity ideas Vance spews!!!
4) Larry says, “To answer the headline question. I say selecting Vance is clearly more genius than a mistake.”
Yup, can’t wait to see how he communicates to to women that he wants to keep them from ever having an abortion with a national abortion ban.
And lets see how he communicates to women that they should stay in abusive marriages! Women are over 50% of the population. Vance is against homosexuality as a Christian Nationalist – he won’t get the LGBTQ vote.
Independents think Trump was a fool and a liar on Jan 6th, 2020. They are generally repulsed by MAGA. I can’t wait to see how he tells Independents, “He has said that if he had been in Mike Pence’s shoes in 2021, he would not have certified the results of the 2020 election: “If I had been vice president, I would have told the states, like Pennsylvania, Georgia and so many others, that we needed to have multiple slates of electors and I think the U.S. Congress should have fought over it from there,” he said in February. Independents will vote for Kamala.
Trump and Vance are pro-Putin. How will he sell that to military vets!!!
Vance is an isolationist – good luck selling that to multi-national corporation CEOs.
Trump and Vance are anti-Ukraine War and will force Ukraine to settle. Explain that to Americans who feel we should support our allies and honor our commitments! Israel will be next to be abandoned!
This Independent says selecting Vance is clearly more of a boneheaded mistake and shows no genius!!!
So, there ’tis – now you have what Larry would not tell you!!! Go forth and make your own decisions now that you have both sides of the story!
Larry says he likes Vance. He thinks Trump’s selection of Vance was more genius. Well then, Larry likes Trump policies, and likes Vance. Thus Larry likes what the Heritage Foundation has written in Project 2025 because he likes Vance who was HF’s preferred VP choice.
Go to Project 2025 summary at *https://democracyforward.org/the-peoples-guide-to-project-2025/* to see what Larry likes when he likes Vance!
For a more indepth view of Project 2025 that Larry likes, see Democracy Forward at *https://democracyforward.org › uploads › 2024/06
PDF* Very informative.
Project 2025 is a systemic, ruthless plan to undermine the quality of life of millions of Americans, remove critical protections and dismantle programs … and WILL HARM MINORITIES BY TAKING AWAY THE “DISPARATE IMPACT” LAWS!!! Larry raised a minority child and now likes the man who wants to take away his child’s ability to fight for his legal and civil rights!
Nikki Haley got 30% of the RNC primary vote after she dropped out of the race. Most of her voters were pissed at Trump and would never vote for him. I doubt that Vance and Heritage Foundation will help in the recovery of those votes!
These are dark times with a Felon Rapist King seeking revenge from the Oval backed by a smart, savvy, nobody puppet of a tech billionaire who bought every job this conman got including the Senate and Trump.
How can anyone like his policies? He has never created any legislation, programs, or anything in government. Nothing.
Simple, the policies MAGA/Trump / Vance / HF promote are agreed upon by all White Christian Nationalist and a White Supremacist. And if you do not agree with them, you have no place in this country anymore – this is their message! Its the reason they want to display the Ten Commandments – so those that do not believe in them or give them honor because they are of a different religion will feel bad about where they are! Hitler was a bit more direct. He did not display the Ten Commandments and hide behind religiousity. He put signs in store windows saying “Juden sind……nicht erwunscht.” which means “Jews are not welcome in our district”. They had many such signs of different sayings all letting you know that if you did not believe in their party and fuhrer, then you were not welcome.