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.