Republicans Express Doubts Over Trump's Choice of JD Vance as Running Mate

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
27/07/2024 23h41

In a surprising turn of events, some Republicans are expressing doubts about former President Donald Trump's choice of Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. Negative attention has surrounded Vance after old clips resurfaced, revealing his derogatory comments about some Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris.

Vance's remarks described some Democrats as "childless cat ladies" and argued that individuals with children should have more influence over the country's future. These comments have drawn criticism, especially considering Vice President Harris has two stepchildren. The resurfaced clips have caused prominent conservatives like Ben Shapiro to question Trump's selection. Shapiro recently shared his skepticism on his show, suggesting that Trump might have chosen differently if given the chance.

The lack of apparent vetting of JD Vance has also raised concerns among Republicans. Alyssa Farah Griffin, former Trump White House Communications Director, referred to Vance as a "vibes pick" by Trump, displaying overconfidence and proving to be a disaster. Griffin's remarks came after The New York Times revealed that Vance had expressed disdain for the police in an email following the killing of Michael Brown in 2014.

Republican strategist Bill McCosten emphasized the risks involved in Vance's selection, stating that he had not been previously vetted on a national scale. McCosten compared Vance to other candidates who had run for president, such as Doug Burgum and Marco Rubio, who had undergone extensive vetting processes. The coming 102 days will determine how Vance withstands the scrutiny of a national campaign.

The doubts surrounding Vance's candidacy are further highlighted by the lack of visible support from elected officials. Politico reported that, other than Senator Mike Lee of Utah, no publicly elected official in the Senate is pushing for Vance. This suggests a lack of confidence within Republican ranks regarding Vance's suitability for the role.

Adding to the uncertainty, a recent NPR/PBS News/Marist College poll found that only 28 percent of registered voters hold a favorable view of JD Vance, with 31 percent expressing an unfavorable view. A majority of 41 percent either remain unsure or have not heard of him. Joshua Novotney, a Pennsylvania Republican strategist, stated that Vance was chosen by Trump based on trust, not to gain an advantage in any specific area.

In response to questions about his continued support for Vance, Trump appeared on Fox & Friends and affirmed his confidence in his running mate. He dismissed concerns about Harris's rise in the Democratic ticket, stating that Vance is "fantastic" and that he knew a "palace coup" was underway. Trump also commended Vance's qualifications as a former venture capitalist, highlighting his support for workers.

Trump's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, has previously expressed Trump's satisfaction with Vance as his running mate, stating that they are the perfect team to reclaim the White House. Cheung's remarks were accompanied by an attack on Democrats, suggesting that they are the true threats to democracy.

As the campaign progresses, the doubts surrounding JD Vance's selection as Trump's running mate are coming under increased scrutiny. Republicans are closely observing how Vance handles the spotlight and whether his controversial comments and lack of support from elected officials will derail his candidacy.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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