Donald Trump's VP pick: Donald Trump, former US President and Republican Party candidate, on Monday, July 15, unveiled the most anticipated name for his vice presidential pick. It turns out that politician and US senator JD Vance will be his running mate.
JD Vance from Ohio, who is the author of the bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy”, was at one time known to be former President's critic. From becoming one of Donald Trump's most stalwart defenders, the history traces back to a time when JD Vance subjectively criticised the former US President.
Taking to social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump wrote, "After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio."
The development came at a time when the four-day Republican National Convention in Milwaukee commenced to nominate the party's presidential ticket. At the event, JD Vance was greeted with applause of party delegates but did not deliver any remarks.
The selection of James David Vance as former US President's running mate could significantly boost voter turnout for Trump in the November 5 Presidential election, especially in key "Rust Belt" states, reported Reuters. JD Vance, an Ohio native, is highly popular among Donald Trump's base. His populist message resonates well in states with large working-class white populations that have experienced de-industrialization.
The 39-year-old JD Vance represents a younger generation in an election that features 78-year-old Donald Trump, 78, and 81-year-old Biden. JD Vance's rapid rise in American politics is indeed remarkable who hails from a humble background. He grew up in a poor family in southern Ohio and went on to serve in Marine Corps. He earned a scholarship to Yale Law School and worked as a venture capitalist in San Francisco.
JD Vance rose to prominence after 2016 when he wrote "Hillbilly Elegy," a memoir that explores the socioeconomic problems confronting his hometown of Middletown, Ohio.
(With agency inputs)