MILWAUKEE — Senator J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, formally introduced himself to the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night in Wisconsin, capturing the attention of voters nationwide. Despite being a millennial millionaire, Vance's compelling story resonates with many who grew up in impoverished rural America.
Vance, the best-selling author of "Hillbilly Elegy," accepted the nomination as former President Donald Trump's running mate. At 39, he is one of the youngest vice presidential candidates in history, nearly 40 years Trump's junior. This age difference is strategic in an election featuring two elderly candidates from major parties.
From Humble Beginnings
Vance's life epitomizes the American Dream. Raised in poverty in Middletown, Ohio, and eastern Kentucky, he overcame significant challenges. With a drug-addicted mother and an absent father, Vance served in the Marines and the Iraq War, attended college on the G.I. Bill, and earned a law degree from Yale. His journey from a bleak childhood to success in venture capital was chronicled in his memoir, later adapted into a movie in 2020.
"Never in my wildest imagination could I have believed that I would be standing here tonight," Vance told the thousands at Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum and millions watching nationwide.
God and Mamaw
Raised primarily by his grandmother, whom he affectionately calls "Mamaw," Vance attributes his success to her tough love and faith. His grandmother, a devout Christian, played a crucial role in his upbringing, warning him against bad influences with her characteristic bluntness. Vance's anecdote about Mamaw’s threat to run over a drug dealer with her car drew laughter and chants of "Mamaw" from the convention hall.
Vance emphasized his escape from generational poverty through hard work, divine grace, and Mamaw's guidance. However, he lamented the drug overdoses that claimed the lives of many he knew from his hometown.
Failed and Failed
Vance criticized America's ruling class, including both Democrats and Republicans, for enriching themselves while ordinary Americans suffered. He singled out President Joe Biden as a prime example of a career politician disconnected from the struggles of everyday citizens.
“For decades, that divide between the few — with their power and comfort in Washington — and the rest of us only widened. From Iraq to Afghanistan, from the financial crisis to the Great Recession, from open borders to stagnating wages, the people who governed this country have failed and failed again,” he said.
Vance praised Donald Trump as an exception, highlighting his 2016 campaign promise to "drain the swamp." Initially a critic of Trump, Vance has since become a staunch supporter of the MAGA agenda. He called for a return to Trumpenomics and criticized Biden's policies on energy and manufacturing.
The American Story
David Arredondo, former chairman of the Lorain County Republican Party, noted that Vance’s background makes him relatable to voters crucial for Trump's victory. Vance's response to the 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, where he and Trump distributed supplies and offered support, further endeared him to many Ohioans.
Vance closed his speech with a promise to never forget his roots and to represent the "cast aside and forgotten" across America.
“To the people of Middletown, Ohio, and all the forgotten communities in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and every corner of our nation, I promise you this: I will be a vice president who never forgets where he came from,” he said.
Original Story by M.D. Kittle, The Federalist
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