Sen. JD Vance of Ohio made his first major national appearance as Donald Trump’s vice-presidential pick at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The 39-year-old Marine veteran and author of “Hillbilly Elegy” presented himself to the American public, offering insights into his background and vision for the country in a 30 minute speech — and we have it all below.
Vance, known for his journey from a working-class background in Appalachia to Yale Law School and the U.S. Senate, emphasized his roots and connection to blue-collar America.
“We’ve got to win Michigan, too,” Vance noted, highlighting the campaign’s focus on Midwestern swing states.
The speech marked a significant moment for Vance, as recent polls indicate that nearly half of Americans haven’t yet formed an opinion about him. He took the opportunity to share personal anecdotes, discussing his family and his appreciation for the opportunity to serve.
Vance addressed key campaign themes, including support for American workers and criticism of current economic policies.
“We need a leader who fights for the workers in this country,” Vance stated, pledging to champion both union and non-union workers.
While critics have questioned the sincerity of these pro-blue collar statements, supporters argue that his background gives him unique insight into working-class concerns that Democrats have lost touch with.
The speech also touched on immigration, a central issue for the Republican base. Vance aligned himself with Trump’s hardline stance, framing it as crucial for protecting American jobs.
Observers noted Vance’s efforts to balance his reputation as a strong Trump defender with a more broadly appealing persona for the general election. This balancing act reflects the campaign’s strategy to energize the base while also reaching out to undecided voters.
As the campaign progresses, Vance’s role in appealing to Midwestern voters and articulating the ticket’s economic message will likely become increasingly prominent. His performance at the RNC marks just the beginning of his journey as a vice-presidential candidate, with many Americans still forming their impressions of the Ohio senator.
The coming months will test Vance’s ability to effectively communicate the Trump-Vance vision to a national audience, particularly in key battleground states where his background and message may resonate strongly.
Take a look and decide for yourself —