The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been. – Henry Kissinger, US statesman
Yes, I am a fan of James David Vance more popularly known as JD Vance.
It’s difficult not to be impressed by the 40-year-old running mate of Donald J Trump as the former US president made his second attempt at the Nov 5 presidential election to regain the White House.
After Trump selected the youthful Ohio senator as his vice presidential nominee in mid-July, my focus shifted to Vance, who was unfamiliar to me at the time. Eager to delve into his background, I approached this task with the same curiosity I had when researching Trump’s 2016 VP pick, Mike Pence.
In announcing Vance as his choice on July 15, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social network that “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 JD Vance of the Great State of Ohio”.
It must be noted that Vance was a one-time critic of Trump who became a loyal ally and is now the first millennial to join a major-party ticket at a time of deep concern about the advanced age of America’s political leaders. President Joe Biden and all of his 82 years is a most glaring example.
Somehow, I think I can trust a top leader like Trump to make reasonably good choices in picking his Number Two and I have to say the former president was on the dot in selecting Vance, never mind that the young politician was only a first-term senator.
A vice-presidential candidate is a key player in the election as he is a valuable campaigner who amplifies the ticket’s message across the country. He or she has to take on significant speaking responsibilities, drawing media attention and rallying supporters, especially when the presidential nominee needs to focus on major states or key issues.
The vice president must be ready to assume the presidency if needed, so voters and party leaders often scrutinise the choice for leadership qualities, policy experience and a record of stability.
Selecting a VP often hints at the party’s future. A vice-presidential nominee, especially one seen as younger or more in line with the evolving party, is often viewed as a future leader, shaping the party’s long-term direction.
JD Vance fits the bill and many political observers, including me watching the US election from afar, can readily agree that he is a potential future president.
Why am I impressed with JD Vance? For starters, he has a compelling personal story.
Vance’s background is central to his political appeal. His memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, chronicles his journey from a poor Appalachian upbringing in a struggling community to success as a Yale Law School graduate. This story resonates with many Americans, particularly those in struggling, rural, or working-class communities who feel left behind.
Furthermore, Vance’s populist appeal and adept political positioning within the Republican Party allow a candidate of his calibre and intelligence to integrate effectively.
Vance’s positioning within the Republican Party aligns with a growing populist movement. He has aligned himself with a pro-Trump wing of the Republican Party, but he also tries to position himself as a thoughtful critic of both sides of the aisle when he feels it’s necessary.
Now, that’s a smart move! Who says Vance is raw and inexperienced in politics?
Unlike some populist figures, Vance is seen as more intellectual and policy-oriented. His educational background and experience in law give him a gravitas that can appeal to working-class voters and conservative intellectuals.
The VP nominee also has a media presence and recognition that many politicians lack, largely due to Hillbilly Elegy and his previous work as a venture capitalist. His ability to navigate mainstream and conservative media allows him to appeal to a wide audience.
In summary, JD Vance’s combination of a compelling life story, populist positioning, and strategic alliances within the Republican Party make him a candidate with high potential to run for the presidency in the future.
Nov 5 is just six days away. If Trump emerges victorious, I think he owes it to his great team of committed, passionate strongly loyal and trustworthy men and women.
I think it’s only fair to mention names like Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, Mario Rubio, Vivek Ramaswamy, Robert Kennedy Jr, Ted Cruz, Tucker Carlson and many others, including his children and other family members who are in his “inner circle”.
And then, of course, there is JD Vance, who has been a steady and reassuring partner, playing a pivotal role as the VP nominee for now but surely, the day will come when he is ready to run for president himself.
Right now, JD Vance must ensure that he and his boss, The Donald, are able to set foot in the White House on Nov 5, which is just six short days away.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
