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The vice president normally matters little, but the pick is heralded with great interest because it is one of the few actions that a candidate takes which is highly visible to the media and the public. So there is good reason to ask why Trump picked Vance and what it shows about Trump's understanding of the race.
Vance is intended to appeal to the Rust Belt swing states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Trump believes this is where the race will be won or lost. Vance is a MAGA populist rather than strictly an economic or values conservative. His story of pulling himself up with hard work from poverty and a messy upbringing to riches and power appeals to many in the states Trump is trying to win. Vance is also young and dynamic, and he's been a loyal supporter since sometime in Trump's first term. He said that Mike Pence was wrong in refusing to throw out electoral votes on J6, which Trump appreciated.
If Trump had picked Tim Scott, it would have signaled that he was more interested in solidifying support with the mainstream of the Republican party and with blacks in Georgia and North Carolina. But Trump appears to feel that the Republican mainstream and the states of Georgia and North Carolina are in the bag.
Doug Burgum would have appealed more to the business Republicans and the West, but Trump doesn't think he needs to win them over.
The VP pick illuminates Trump's view of the race, and from that perspective, I think he made a good pick.
Discussion (21)
I always think more is made of the VP pick than is warranted .
Have to see.
Thanks for the info.
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There are also at least two other factors. First is assassination insurance. If you don't want Trump, you really don't want Vance as President. It is very much in a different way from VP Harris. Vance is smart. I could go into more details, but I don't think Antifa types will want him in the big chair in the Oval Office.
Second, is legacy. Trump only gets one more term. Plus, he's old. Where does the movement go from here? This gives MAGA a leader-in-training.
Third, he's not from Florida/living in Florida. Minor factor.
Fourth, Vance has a great story, and his wife and children may also be a draw to certain minority communities.
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I also suspect that Trump was betrayed by so many so-called mainstream conservatives in his first term that he will try to be more careful now.
I hope so
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