Why did Republican Donald Trump choose JD Vance as his vice president?
Al Jazeera
Experts say Vance will likely not persuade swing-state voters, but he will energise Trump’s far-right base of support.
The question had lingered over Donald Trump’s presidential campaign for months: Who will the Republican pick as his running mate as he pursues a second term in the White House?
On Monday, his choice was revealed: JD Vance, an author, venture capitalist and pugnacious first-term senator from Ohio.
Experts say the decision marked a shift in strategy for Trump. While Trump’s previous running mate, Mike Pence, was seen as a moderating influence in his campaign, his new selection signals an embrace of hard-right “Make America Great Again” politics — and a break from the old-school Republican establishment.
Allan Lichtman, a professor of US history at American University, told Al Jazeera that Vance will likely not appeal to swing-state voters or those sceptical of Trump’s brand of politics.
“I don’t think the pick of JD Vance one way or another is going to affect the outcome of this election. But it says a lot about the Republican Party and Donald Trump,” Lichtman said.
