Republican National Convention attendees weigh in on ‘handsome and humble’ Marine vet JD Vance as Trump’s VP pick
Republican National Convention attendees and delegates say they love J.D. Vance as Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate, but some don’t know who the new senator from Ohio is.
Trump announced Vance as his running mate on Truth Social Monday afternoon, as MAGA fans packed a packed Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Amid thunderous applause, blaring country music and flashing lights, the 39-year-old Marine Corps veteran, author of “Hillbilly Elegy” and lawmaker entered the convention and accepted his official nomination for vice president.
It seemed like the entire room had been Vance fans for years when the news came over the loudspeakers, judging by the loud cheers.
But when DailyMail.com pressed MAGA fans about what they admire most about the Ohioan, his youth, good looks and military service came out on top. But some revealed they didn’t know much about him at all.
Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, and his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, are celebrating his nomination for Vice President. Everyone who spoke to DailyMail.com about Vance’s selection for VP had positive things to say about the young politician.
“I don’t know the gentleman,” Tina, a representative from American Samoa, told DailyMail.com. “But when I see and hear that he’s a senator from Ohio, I’m okay with it.”
“He’s a handsome man, he’s humble,” she said of her first impressions of Ohio’s junior senator. “That tells me that Donald Trump and the entire RNC leadership are committed to picking the right nominee for vice president.”
She said she made the 24-hour trip to Milwaukee to meet former President Donald Trump and see the festivities firsthand.
Dale from Washington said, “I don’t think we can do better” than Vance.
“I’m glad JD Vance is the nominee for vice president. I think he’s very much aligned ideologically with Donald Trump.”
Dale added that Vance’s young age could allow him to take over the leadership of MAGA.
“I think he has the potential to be our standard bearer in four years’ time and I’m very happy about that,” he said.
Dale of Washington said Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, said the junior lawmaker would be a good standard-bearer for the future of the Republican Party. He said he was “excited” about Trump’s pick because the two are “ideologically very much in line.”
Terry and Tess from Tennessee were both thrilled to have Vance as Trump’s running mate, although Tess later admitted she didn’t know who Vance was before Monday
A crowd of RNC attendees turn to smile for the cameras as the event gets underway Monday
“I know he came from fairly humble beginnings and he’s excelled in life,” Dale continued. “He’s represented himself incredibly well in a variety of ways educationally, militarily and politically.”
Two Tennessee ladies – Terry and Tess – were also excited about Vance’s potential new job.
“We are so excited,” the enthusiastic duo exclaimed.
“I especially like the fact that he served in the Marine Corps,” Terry said. “So we have a VP who understands and respects how important it is, our military, and it’s a great day for the Republican Party.”
Tess was still enthusiastic, but perhaps not so enthusiastic about the candidate at that point.
She admitted she didn’t know who Vance was before he was announced as Trump’s running mate.
But, she added: “President Trump, if he’s for anybody, I’m for him.”
Although Tess doesn’t know Vance, she said if Trump likes him, that’s good enough for her
Terry told DailyMail.com she knew the Ohio Republican, saying, “He’s a familiar name and face” at Newsmax and other conservative news organizations.
Vance was joined at the RNC festivities on Monday by his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, who, like the senator, is a graduate of Yale Law School.
The couple has been married for years and has three children together.
Bill from South Carolina pointed to Vance’s classic conservatism and his family image as positive factors for his Republican presidential candidacy.
Still, he said it was a surprise that Vance got the vice presidential nomination.
“It was quite a surprise, but a pleasant surprise.”
“We’ve got a sharp young man, we’ve got a Marine, I’m a proud serviceman,” Bill told DailyMail.com. “I’m retired from the Air Force and it’s fantastic news to have a fellow serviceman who could be vice president.”
Jerry, another South Carolina resident, agreed, calling Vance’s nomination “absolutely wonderful.”
“I love to keep the balance,” he said, “and I love a hard-working young man who can keep that balance.”
What was important, he noted, “I think it will attract a lot of younger voters.”
“I knew he was a very good senator, that he believes in conservative principles and that he was a fighter. Not someone who gets pushed into a corner, which I like, and he’s a go-getter.”
Air Force veteran Bill of South Carolina was excited that Vance, a veteran himself, was approved to be Trump’s vice president. “I’m retired from the Air Force, and to have a fellow service member who could be vice president is fantastic news,” he said.
Ann told DailyMail.com that she believes Vance is the right choice for an ‘America first’ candidate
Ann, dressed head to toe in MAGA gear, said Vance is an exciting “America first” candidate.
“I’m excited about it and I’m looking forward to seeing what he has planned,” she said cheerfully.
“I think he will fully support Trump.”