Trump-Vance has a catchy ring to it, and that might be by design. Trump's love for short, punchy words is well-known, and choosing Vance as his running mate fits right into this pattern.
Throughout his political career, Trump has preferred monosyllabic names, seeing them as strong, clear, and tough. This was evident when he picked Mike Pence as his VP in 2016. Meanwhile, names like “Doug" Burgum and "Tim" Scott didn't make the cut, despite their political weight.
This preference also extends to his everyday language. Trump's speeches are filled with simple, one-syllable words. An analysis in 2018 showed Trump communicated at the lowest grade level of any president since Herbert Hoover , with a mid-fourth-grade level on the Flesch-Kincaid scale. His vocabulary and grammar are much simpler compared to his predecessors.
This simplicity could be strategic. Trump's straightforward language makes his messages accessible to a broad audience. His short, impactful words resonate with many, cutting through the noise and sticking in the minds of his supporters. Words like “ fight ,” “ wall ,” and “jobs” are staples in his speeches, showcasing his direct approach.
Meanwhile, two syllable monikers like “Sleepy" Joe Biden or “Crooked” Hillary Clinton are used to label his political opponents.
Choosing Vance, a name as succinct and simple as Trump's own, aligns perfectly with this ethos. In Trump's world, brevity equals power, and his selection of a running mate reflects this belief. “Trump-Vance” is not just a ticket; but could be a statement—a testament to the enduring power of simple, punchy words in American politics.
Jeremy Yurow is a politics reporting fellow based in Hawaii for the USA TODAY Network. You can reach him at JYurow@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: One unspoken reason why Trump may have picked Vance: his one-syllable last name
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