Sen. JD Vance affirmed former President Donald Trump’s assertion that the vice presidential pick doesn’t matter to the vast majority of voters. However, Vance stressed he’s “absolutely” sure Trump is confident he could step up as commander in chief if needed.
As part of a wide-ranging interview airing Sunday morning, “This Week” co-anchor Jonathan Karl asked Vance about recent comments by Trump on whether Vance would be ready to be president “on Day 1” if needed, which Trump did not answer directly.
“He made it the main focus of his vetting process, is, ‘Do I think this person can be president on Day 1 if, God forbid, something happens?’ Yes,” Vance said.
Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance is interviewed by ABC News’ Jon Karl on Aug. 10, 2024.
ABC News
The Ohio senator said voters are more focused on the candidates at the top of the ticket instead of the vice presidential pick.
“They’re voting for Donald Trump or for Kamala Harris, not for JD or Tim Walz,” he said. “I also think that he’s right that the politics of this really don’t matter that much.”
JD Vance, the author of the bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” and a former advisor to President Trump, recently made headlines with his bold statement that Trump believes he could become president again if necessary. Vance’s assertion has sparked speculation and debate among political analysts and commentators.
Vance, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump and his policies, made the statement during a recent interview on a popular news program. He expressed his belief that Trump is confident in his ability to win back the presidency in the future, should he choose to run again. Vance cited Trump’s continued popularity among his base of supporters and his strong fundraising efforts as evidence of his potential for a successful comeback.
While some political observers have dismissed Vance’s comments as mere speculation, others see them as a reflection of Trump’s own confidence in his political future. Trump himself has not ruled out the possibility of running for president again in 2024, and has continued to make public appearances and statements that keep him in the public eye.
Vance’s statement comes at a time when the Republican Party is grappling with its future direction and leadership. With Trump still holding significant influence over the party’s base, many Republicans are unsure of how to move forward without alienating either Trump’s loyal supporters or more moderate voters.
Some political analysts believe that Trump’s continued presence in the political arena could hinder the party’s ability to attract new voters and broaden its appeal beyond its current base. Others argue that Trump’s popularity among his supporters makes him a formidable candidate for the presidency, should he decide to run again.
Regardless of whether or not Trump ultimately decides to run for president again, JD Vance’s statement has reignited discussions about the former president’s political future and the impact he continues to have on the Republican Party. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, all eyes will be on Trump and his potential plans for a return to the White House.
