Donald Trump’s vice-presidential pick, Senator JD Vance, has been grappling with substantial challenges since his introduction as Trump’s running mate. In an attempt to recover from a rocky start, Vance will embark on a series of rallies designed to counter Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign appearances. His schedule includes a stop in Philadelphia for Harris’s initial rally, followed by appearances in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.
Vance’s difficulties have been exacerbated by problematic remarks, particularly his disparaging comments about “childless cat ladies,” his critiques of Jennifer Aniston, and his controversial views on pregnancies resulting from rape and incest. These issues have drawn significant backlash, leading his wife, Usha, to publicly defend him.
Recent comparisons to Sarah Palin’s 2008 vice-presidential rollout highlight Vance’s struggles. Palin, with her gaffes and underwhelming debate performance against Joe Biden, became a significant liability for John McCain’s campaign. However, while Palin was a relatively unknown figure at the time, Vance’s flaws have been well-documented long before his selection.
McCain’s campaign was beset by a struggling economy and dissatisfaction with the Iraq War. Palin was chosen to energize the base and attract Hillary Clinton supporters, despite the subsequent financial crisis and her own difficulties.
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Vance’s situation presents a different set of challenges. Unlike Palin, Vance has consistently underperformed in comparison to the top of the ticket. Despite Trump’s endorsement boosting his 2022 Senate campaign, Vance won by a narrower margin than Trump’s previous victories in Ohio.
While Palin’s difficulties became apparent under the intense scrutiny of the vice-presidential campaign, Vance’s problematic comments have been an ongoing issue, creating a substantial opposition file against him.
Trump’s choice to prominently feature Vance indicates a strategy focused on solidifying his core base rather than appealing to moderates. This approach contrasts with Biden’s choice of the more seasoned and moderate Joe Biden as his running mate. Trump’s strategy suggests a gamble on Vance’s alignment with his base, despite the potential risk of alienating swing voters.
For these reasons, JD Vance is not merely a comparable disappointment to Sarah Palin—he is, in fact, a far worse choice. Palin’s struggles were largely confined to her vice-presidential campaign, whereas Vance’s longstanding issues, underperformance relative to the top of the ticket, and problematic remarks suggest deeper, more fundamental flaws. As Trump faces a formidable opponent in Harris, Vance’s selection could prove to be an even greater liability than Palin ever was.
