JD Vance officially accepted the nomination as Donald Trump’s vice-presidential running mate during his keynote address at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday.
“Tonight, Mr. Chairman, I stand here humbly, and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude to say I officially accept your nomination to be Vice President of the United States of America,” Vance stated.
In his inaugural speech, JD Vance reflected on the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, emphasizing the potential gravity of the situation. He remarked, “As we gather tonight, we must remember that this evening could have taken a very different turn. Rather than a day of celebration, it could have been marked by sorrow and grief.” Vance praised Trump’s dedication over the past eight years, noting, “President Trump has dedicated himself completely to serving our nation’s people. He wasn’t motivated by politics, but by the nation’s need for leadership.” He highlighted Trump’s resilience in the face of adversity, stating, “Instead of opting for the easier path, he chose to endure criticism, defamation, and hardship. His actions stem from a deep love for this country.”
He praised Trump in his speech, describing him as “tough” and expressing his care for people. Vance also highlighted Trump’s call for unity, stating, “my message to you, my fellow Republicans, is we love this country and we are united to win.” He added, “I think our disagreements actually make us stronger.”
#WATCH | Donald Trump's running mate, Republican U.S. Senator JD Vance speaks about the recent assassination attempt on Trump.
says, "…As we meet tonight, we cannot forget that this evening could have been so much different. Instead of a day of celebration, this could have… pic.twitter.com/b0IzgTT2Vi
— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2024
He highlighted a poignant moment from the assassination attempt on July 15, where a bullet grazed Trump’s ear during a rally in Pennsylvania. Vance described the iconic image of Trump defiantly raising his fist in the face of danger as a symbol of his unwavering commitment to America.
“Look at that photo of him, defiant, fist in the air,” Vance reiterated, recalling the moment Trump stood up in the Pennsylvania field. “When Donald Trump rose to his feet in that Pennsylvania field, all of America stood with him. And what did he call us to do for our country? To fight. To fight for America.”
Vance commended Trump’s response to the assassination attempt as a testament to his leadership. “Even in his most perilous moment, we were on his mind. His instinct was for us … to call us to something higher,” Vance affirmed.
He further reflected on the seriousness of the situation, acknowledging how the evening of celebration at the convention could have been overshadowed by tragedy. “As we meet tonight, we cannot forget that this evening could have been so much different. Instead of a day of celebration, this could have been a day of heartache and mourning.”
Vance praised Trump for his dedication over the past eight years, despite facing significant personal and political challenges. “For the last 8 years, President Trump has given everything he has to fight for the people of our country. He didn’t need politics but the country needed him…Instead of choosing the easy path, he chose to endure abuse, slander and persecution. He did it because he loves this country.”
The senator continued to draw a contrast between Trump’s toughness and compassion, emphasizing that Trump is capable of both fierce resistance and national healing. “He is tough but he cares about people. He can stand to fight against an assassin one moment and call for national healing the next.”
Trump, observing the speech from inside the arena, stood up to applaud as Vance took the stage, signaling his approval of the 39-year-old senator from Ohio. In his speech, Vance also outlined a vision for the future of Trump’s political movement, emphasizing that Trump is looking to him to lead the party beyond his own presidency–a role Trump did not envision for his previous vice president, Mike Pence.
Vance’s speech was a blend of personal reflection and sharp political critique. He began by addressing the gravity of the day, reflecting on the recent assassination attempt on Trump and noting that “Tonight is a night of hope–a celebration of what America once was in with God’s grace, what it will soon be again.” He expressed that the evening could have been marked by “heartache and mourning” had the assassination attempt resulted in a tragedy.
Vance also took the opportunity to criticize President Joe Biden’s political record, drawing a stark contrast between Biden’s past decisions and Trump’s policies. He recounted how, when he was in high school, “a career politician by the name of Joe Biden supported NAFTA, a bad trade deal which sent countless good jobs to Mexico.”
He also pointed out Biden’s support for a trade deal with China and the Iraq War, claiming these actions led to job losses and conflict for American communities. Vance asserted, “Somehow, a real estate developer from New York City by the name of Donald J. Trump was right on all of these issues while Biden was wrong.”
