US Election 2024: J.D. Vance, once a Trump critic, now set to become his Vice President

J.D. Vance, a representative of America’s working class, has transitioned from a former critic of Donald Trump to his staunch supporter, now positioned to become the next Vice President of the United States. His rapid rise in politics reflects an unconventional journey from his initial skepticism to close alignment with Trump, embodying an “unprecedented political comeback.”

At 40 years old, Vance is notably younger than Trump and could potentially be “one step away from the presidency.” Accepting the Republican nomination for Vice President, he appealed to Americans to “choose a new path” alongside Trump.

"We just witnessed the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States of America," JD Vance told supporters, after former President Trump announced him to chants from the crowd.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re never going to stop fighting for you, for… pic.twitter.com/2yRnXI1wGr

— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 6, 2024

During the Republican National Convention, which he described as a celebration of America’s past and hope for its future, Vance vowed to advocate for the working class and defend American jobs and wages. Before joining Trump’s campaign, he was already promoting key issues aligned with Trump’s policies, like opposing illegal immigration and supporting economic protectionism.

Interestingly, Vance’s relationship with Trump started on a contradictory note. A former Marine and best-selling author, he once openly criticized Trump, calling him “idiotic” and likening him to “America’s Hitler.” However, over time, Vance’s stance softened, especially after his book, Hillbilly Elegy, drew attention from Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., leading to a gradual shift in Vance’s political affiliations.

Before entering politics, Vance had a diverse background—growing up in a single-parent household in the Rust Belt, joining the military, studying law at Yale, and working in Silicon Valley. His book, which recounts his challenging upbringing amidst economic hardship and addiction, resonated deeply with America’s working class. The memoir, later adapted into a movie, amplified his voice as a representative of those disillusioned with the American dream.

Vance’s views have since aligned closely with Trump’s, especially regarding immigration and economic policies. Known for a strong stance on social issues, he even opposes abortion with no exceptions for cases like rape or incest, a view more conservative than Trump’s.

Now a prominent figure within the “New Right,” Vance and this younger conservative movement seek to push Trump’s nationalist, anti-immigrant policies further. Politico has described this shift as part of a broader populist revolution reshaping America’s right-wing landscape, with the potential to redefine the country’s political future.

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