Trump has selected J.D. Vance from Ohio as his running mate. How will this choice affect the race? Is Vance a strong pick, or should Trump have chosen someone else?
Ohio has leaned red in recent elections, but there was a significant 20-point swing when Senator Michael Rulli defeated Democrat Michael Kripchak in eastern Ohio’s 6th District. Can J.D. Vance help Trump win Ohio, or is there still a risk of losing the state in November?
From a strategic standpoint, the choice is dubious. Vance does not expand Trump’s base beyond what he already holds. Moreover, Vance’s limited political background raises concerns. Additionally, this decision risks losing a Senate seat in Ohio, a state that, while typically leaning Republican, is not assured in a special election.
Trump appears prioritizing loyalty over political calculation, which likely mitigates any concerns he might have regarding Vance’s candidacy.
Despite any qualifications he may possess, I doubted Trump would feel at ease selecting Doug Burgum. Everything I read about Burgum reminded me of Rex Tillerson. It would simply be too easy for observers to see Trump and Burgum together and think, “He should be running for president.”
Vance’s humble beginnings and military service are aspects absent from Trump’s own background. While Vance’s achievements in venture capitalism and loyalty to Justice Kavanaugh might appeal to Trump, his younger age and lack of political experience wouldn’t invite unfavorable comparisons to Trump. Just my humble opinion.