'The worst choice of all': Why some Republicans are questioning Trump's choice of JD Vance as Vice President - Times of India

A growing number of House Republicans are expressing private doubts about former President Donald Trump ’s selection of Sen. JD Vance as...

A growing number of House Republicans are expressing private doubts about former President Donald Trump’s selection of Sen. JD Vance as his running mate, warning that the choice could undermine the party's chances in the upcoming November .
The Hill reported that several Republicans voiced concerns about Vance’s foreign policy positions, limited experience, and his perceived inability to broaden the Republican coalition beyond Trump’s core base.These concerns come amid heightened scrutiny following President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the 2024 race, which has galvanized the Democratic base and altered the political landscape.
“He was the worst choice of all the options. It was so bad I didn’t even think it was possible,” one House Republican said. “Anti-Ukraine, more of a populist. He adds nothing to the Trump ticket. He energizes the same people that love Trump,” quoted The Hill.
Another House Republican echoed similar sentiments and was quoted as saying, “I think if you were to ask many people around this building, 9 out of 10 on our side would say he’s the wrong pick. He’s the only person who can do serious damage.”
A third House Republican suggested that if Trump were to lose to Vice President Harris in November, the choice of Vance as running mate would be a major factor in the defeat. “The prevailing sentiment is if Trump loses, [it’s] because of this pick,” the lawmaker said. “It doesn’t help.”
The anxiety among Republicans has intensified following Biden’s exit from the race and his endorsement of Harris, which has energized Democratic voters and boosted their campaign resources. The contrast between the Trump-Vance ticket and the ascension of a Black and Asian American woman to the top of the Democratic ticket has further fueled concerns within the GOP.
“There is major dissension” within the Republican conference regarding Vance, one lawmaker said. “I was concerned the whole time, but now it’s really concerning. It doesn’t make it any easier.”
Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem were considered potential vice presidential candidates at various points. However, neither made it to the final selection. Some Republicans had hoped for a more diverse pick to counter Harris’s candidacy, with Haley and Noem being considered strong alternatives.
“He wouldn’t be my first pick,” one Republican admitted. “I thought we were going to have a female candidate, but they quickly dismissed that idea. Nikki Haley would’ve been great, but he’s never going to pick her because she ran against him. Kristi shot her puppy.”
“The question is, who can rally women on the [Republican] ticket?” another Republican asked. “And right now, I’m not sure Vance is that person.”

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