Here’s Why Trump Picked JD Vance as Running Mate For 2024 Presidential Election

Ohio Senator JD Vance was selected by Donald Trump as his Vice-Presidential pick on Monday.

In the lead-up to the Republican National Convention, former President Donald Trump consulted his closest advisers—his sons—on a crucial decision: selecting his vice-presidential candidate.

The discussion, initially focused on North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, soon became heated. Trump Jr. and Eric Trump vehemently opposed Burgum, favoring Ohio Senator JD Vance instead.

Family Influence on the Decision

A seasoned Republican operative revealed the intensity of the exchange: “Don Jr. and Eric went bats— crazy: ‘Why would you do something so stupid? He offers us nothing,’” the operative told NBC News.

The Trump sons’ unwavering support for Vance swayed the former president, who called Vance with the news just 20 minutes before making the public announcement on social media.

A Shift from 2016

Trump’s 2024 strategy marks a departure from his 2016 approach.

Instead of relying on his establishment-friendly daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, Trump leaned into his MAGA base, with his sons playing a central role.

This time, he chose JD Vance, a 39-year-old Marine Corps veteran and staunch supporter of Trump’s policies, over traditional Republicans like Mike Pence.

The Rise of JD Vance

The decision to select Vance underscores a preference for youth, loyalty, and appeal to the industrial and Midwest states that Trump lost in 2020.

“Biden’s policies have devastated the working-class family,” said Jai Chabria, an Ohio-based strategist close to Vance.

“There’s probably not a person in the Republican Party who can speak to that issue better than JD.”

Weighing the Risks

While Vance’s selection highlights the ascendancy of younger right-wing leaders, it also presents risks for Trump.

Vance, who turns 40 next month, would be one of the youngest U.S. vice presidents if elected.

He has a history of hard-line positions on issues like abortion and is known for his fiery rhetoric, which could be problematic given the current political climate.

Contenders and Their Challenges

Other finalists, such as Senator Marco Rubio and Governor Doug Burgum, were considered for their unique strengths but had significant drawbacks.

Rubio, seen as capable of attracting Hispanic voters and suburban women, faced constitutional issues due to both he and Trump residing in Florida.

Burgum, despite being a trusted surrogate and having personal wealth, faced scrutiny over his strict anti-abortion stance.

The Selection Process

Trump’s selection process, likened to a high-stakes game show, involved a tight circle of advisers and created a whirlwind of speculation and rumors.

Interviews with over 20 sources revealed a carefully guarded process that culminated in the choice of Vance, influenced heavily by Trump’s sons and other right-wing leaders like Charlie Kirk.

Final Stages and Announcement

The final decision, influenced by external factors like delays in Trump’s sentencing and Biden’s debate performance, was kept under wraps until the last moment.

Uncertainty remained in the days leading up to the announcement.

A rally last Tuesday near Miami fueled speculation that Rubio was about to be picked. Attendees read into one potential clue: the seating chart.

The event came and went with plenty of Trump’s teasing, running commentary from the stage that Rubio was in the running, but no announcement.

Despite speculation about Rubio’s potential selection, Trump ultimately announced Vance as his running mate in time for Monday’s roll call vote.

Trump compared the selection process to a sophisticated version of “The Apprentice,” reflecting his reality TV roots.

The choice of JD Vance solidifies Trump’s commitment to his MAGA base and sets the stage for a dynamic 2024 campaign.

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