Former President Donald Trump selected Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) as his running mate for the 2024 election yesterday. The announcement came during the first day of the Republican National Convention (see photos) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, just before Trump officially became the party’s presidential nominee. Trump is expected to accept the nomination Thursday.
The 39-year-old Vance (see overview) is a first-time senator and former venture capitalist who gained recognition after publishing his 2016 bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” covering his family’s struggles in greater Appalachia and Rust Belt America. Vance was considered a vocal critic of Trump before becoming one of his allies in Congress, including on issues like foreign policy, trade, and immigration. Vance bested Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND) from Trump’s shortlist.
Separately, a federal judge dismissed Trump’s criminal indictment over his handling of classified documents. The judge ruled Special Counsel Jack Smith’s appointment as prosecutor violated the US Constitution, which requires such appointments to be made by the president and confirmed by the Senate or by an act of legislation. Smith intends to appeal.
Vance Not my cup of tea but I am watching and will withold judgement for now.