Staff Reports
On Wednesday afternoon, just before the Republican National Convention (RNC) events resumed, Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance held a press conference where he delivered a powerful message about Donald Trump’s resilience and his call for national unity. Vance began by recounting his amazement, shared by many, at witnessing Trump rise to his feet and raise his fist after being shot. He emphasized Trump’s leadership, calling for calm and unity instead of anger and retaliation.
While the attempted assassination of President Trump was certainly a significant event, the crux of Vance’s presser centered on his critique of Joe Biden’s presidency and his praise for Trump’s policies. As expected from a vice presidential candidate, Vance highlighted Trump’s successes as a real estate executive, emphasizing how his name became synonymous with luxury and beauty in the industry. In contrast, Vance cast doubt on Biden’s ability to understand his own identity these days, quipping that Biden likes to play the role of “Scranton Joe” while lacking true knowledge of who he really is.
J.D. Vance: "Donald Trump got shot and he turned down the temperature, that's what a real leader does." @JDVance1 pic.twitter.com/S8Bz1uP62s
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) July 17, 2024
The key distinction, according to the VP nominee, is that throughout Trump’s adult life until his presidency in 2016, he worked in the private sector, something not often seen in American presidential politics. This background allowed Trump to possess firsthand knowledge of producing value in the marketplace, facing the challenges of making payroll and navigating the highs and lows of running a business. In other words, Trump understands the needs and interests of working Americans because he has experienced their struggles and successes.
Vance further elaborated on this point, noting that during Trump’s presidency, the basic necessities of life were affordable for everyday Americans. Groceries, gas, energy, and housing were attainable for the average person in this country. However, after four years of the Biden administration, these essentials have become increasingly unaffordable, putting a strain on the middle class and hindering their ability to achieve a good quality of life.
These themes are expected to shape the campaign going forward, with former President Trump highlighting unity as a central message throughout the rest of the convention. J.D. Vance is setting the stage for the debate by focusing on pocketbook issues directly impacting working Americans, middle-class families, and business owners and their employees. As the saying goes, “It’s the economy, stupid,” and the Biden administration’s economic policies have provided ample ammunition for the Trump campaign to work with.
Regardless of who becomes the Democratic candidate, assuming the “dump Biden” movement gains traction, economic issues will remain a key card to play. Regardless of the Democratic nominee, the policies implemented will largely align with the current administration. The Biden administration has paved the way for Trump to highlight the stark differences between his successful policies and the detrimental impact of Biden’s presidency.
