JD Vance declares Donald Trump ‘America’s best hope’ in his first speech as vice presidential candidate for the Republican Party | US News
JD Vance praised Donald Trump as America’s “best hope” while sharing his challenging upbringing in a struggling area of Ohio during his first speech as the Republican vice-presidential candidate.
In his address on the third day of the Republican National Convention, the 39-year-old from southern Ohio commended Trump for his resilience after surviving an assassination attempt over the weekend.
Referring to the assassination attempt, Vance remarked, “Instead of a day of celebration, this could have been a day of heartache and mourning.”
Vance, who once compared Trump to Adolf Hitler, declared that the former president is “America’s last best hope to restore what – if lost – may never be found again.”
Despite being a vocal critic of Trump in the past, Vance was chosen as Trump’s running mate and has since become one of his most fervent supporters.
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During his speech, introduced by his wife Usha, Vance opened up about his tough upbringing, being raised by his grandmother while his mother battled addiction.
JD Vance kisses his wife Usha after she introduced him at the Republican National Convention Pic: AP
He described his grandmother as his “guardian angel” who was “tough as nails”.
Reflecting on his journey from Middletown, Ohio, Vance shared how he served in the Marines post-9/11 before attending Yale Law School and meeting his “beautiful wife”, an Indian American lawyer and daughter of immigrants.
The speech delved into Vance’s personal story, introducing him to the party faithful, with a focus on fighting for the collective rather than himself.
“It’s about the everyday Americans like the auto worker in Michigan, the factory worker in Wisconsin, and the energy worker in Pennsylvania and Ohio,” Vance emphasized.
He also acknowledged his mother’s struggles with addiction and financial hardships, celebrating her sobriety after 10 years.
Contrasting Biden’s policies with Trump’s achievements, Vance praised the former president for his efforts in strengthening the country.
His speech received enthusiastic applause from the convention audience, marking a significant shift in allegiance for Vance, from a staunch Trump opponent to a dedicated supporter.
