Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) emerged as the top choice in a straw poll at Turning Point Action’s “People’s Convention” for potentially serving as former President Donald Trump’s vice president, with 43% of the surveyed attendees favoring him.
Vance, praised for his defense of Trump, was seen as appealing to crucial Midwest voters by Charlie Kirk.
Observers noted Vance’s strong debate skills and potential threat to Vice President Kamala Harris.
“He has consistently been one of President Trump’s most capable and articulate defenders and surrogates and he speaks right to the Midwest Americans who attended our Detroit conference,” Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk said.
Kirk noted that “these are precisely the blue wall voters we need to win in November to reclaim the White House.” Vance’s “message and appeal clearly resonates with this critical voting bloc.”
“I think he’s just got a quality about him where he’s super smart and sharp and quick witted,” Vice President Kamala Harris’ former communications director Ashley Etienne said.
Vance’s victory in Ohio’s Senate race in 2022 highlighted his economic nationalist stance and unwavering support for Trump, dismissing accusations against the former president’s actions.
