MILWAUKEE (AP) — Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance is set to introduce himself to the nation during his Wednesday night address at the Republican National Convention. Vance, a relative political newcomer, will share his story of growing up in difficult circumstances and highlight why the GOP ticket best understands the challenges facing many Americans.
At 39 years old, the Ohio senator will talk about his impoverished upbringing in Kentucky and Ohio, his mother’s addiction to drugs, his absent father, and how he rose to the highest levels of U.S. politics. The goal is to resonate with voters in middle America and demonstrate how Vance’s background influences his stance on issues like immigration, inflation, and drugs.
During a fundraiser in Milwaukee earlier on Wednesday, Vance mentioned that he will emphasize the need for the former president to be reelected in his speech.
Vance, who has transitioned from being a severe critic of Trump to a strong supporter, is positioned to become a key figure in the former president’s political movement. As the first millennial to join the top of a major party ticket, Vance’s relative youth brings a fresh perspective to Republican presidential politics.
Joining the ticket at a time when Republican leaders are calling for unity after a recent assassination attempt on Trump, Vance’s selection signifies a move to further transform the party rather than maintain the status quo.
Vance, an Ivy League graduate and businessman, is best known for his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” which sheds light on his blue-collar roots and has been regarded as an explanation of the cultural forces that propelled Trump to the White House in 2016.
Trump’s pollster and senior campaign adviser, Tony Fabrizio, believes that Vance’s story will resonate in key Rust Belt states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania due to his roots and populist views.
Despite his compelling story, a significant portion of Americans, including Republicans, are not familiar with Vance. A new poll shows that most Americans lack enough information to form an opinion about him, highlighting the need for him to introduce himself to a broader audience.
Vance’s wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, is also slated to speak on Wednesday night as part of the convention program.
In addition to Vance’s speech, the Republican Party’s focus on Wednesday revolves around the theme of American global strength, with speakers including family members of service members impacted by recent international events.
Republicans are expected to critique Biden’s handling of foreign policy and emphasize the need to “Make America Strong Once Again,” a sentiment that aligns with Trump’s “America First” approach.
While Democrats have criticized Trump and Vance for their positions, Vance’s shift from a Trump critic to a staunch supporter underscores his loyalty to the former president.
This evolving relationship between Vance and Trump highlights the changing dynamics within the Republican Party as it aims to appeal to a broader base of voters.
This story has been updated to correct the dates of scheduled speeches from Thursday to Wednesday.
Associated Press writers Jill Colvin and Bill Barrow in Milwaukee and Will Weissert and Mary Clare Jalonick in Washington contributed to this report.
