MILWAUKEE — Republican Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance took the stage Thursday evening for his first public address as part of Donald Trump’s presidential ticket. Vance, introduced by his wife, lawyer Usha Vance, reiterated the convention’s rallying cry: “Fight.”
The theme, emerging after an assassination attempt on Trump at a Pennsylvania rally, encapsulates the Republican spirit of resilience. Vance declared, “My message to you, my fellow Republicans, is we love this country and we are united to win,” officially accepting the vice-presidential nomination.
Trump, who will accept the presidential nomination, watched Vance from the audience. Vance expressed gratitude, stating, “Mr. President, I will never take for granted the trust you have put in me and what an honor it is to help achieve the extraordinary vision that you have for this country.”
He pledged to serve all Americans, promising to make the country a place where every dream is possible.
Reflecting on the attempt on Trump’s life, Vance emphasized Trump’s sacrifices, stating, “He chose to endure abuse, slander, and persecution because he loves this country.” He urged Americans to consider Trump’s defiance and call for national unity in the face of adversity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHD7fUvV0J4
Vance’s Rural Roots and Policy Stance
Vance, contrasting his rural upbringing with Trump’s Manhattan background, stated, “President Trump represents America’s last best hope to restore what if lost may never be found again.”
Vance, a first-term senator and author of “Hillbilly Elegy,” blamed Biden and Democrats for the struggling rural economy, criticizing policies like NAFTA and the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
Despite his hardships, Vance credited his grandmother, “Mamaw,” for his success, saying, “There is so much talent and grit… but for these places to thrive, we need a leader who fights for the people who built this country.”
Reactions and Reflections
Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy praised Vance, calling him a friend and a father. Ramaswamy highlighted Vance’s American dream story and policy vision, despite their disagreements. He defended Vance’s evolution from a Trump critic to a supporter, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives.
Vance closed his speech with a promise to America’s forgotten communities, vowing, “I will be a vice president who never forgets where he came from.”
Business Insights and Political Context
Vance’s acceptance speech at the RNC underscores the strategic alignment within the Republican Party, highlighting themes of unity, resilience, and a focus on rural America. The move also signifies a potential shift in the Republican approach to policy, emphasizing grassroots connections and a return to traditional values.
As the Republican ticket takes shape with Trump and Vance at the helm, businesses and investors will be closely watching for signals of potential economic policies that could shape the business landscape in a potential second Trump administration.
The emphasis on economic nationalism, rural development, and trade policy revision indicates that significant shifts in the regulatory and economic environment may be on the horizon should this ticket prevail in November.