Alabama officials react to JD Vance being named as Trump’s running mate

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. ( WHNT ) — Leaders at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee announced Donald Trump’s running mate to be Senator JD Vance of Ohio.

People have been speculating for months on who would be selected, with other potential nominees being Senator Marco Rubio of Florida and Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota.

Although, News 19 Political Analyst David Person said he did not think whoever was named as the vice president nominee would make much of a difference in voters’ minds.

“I think that the people that are gonna support Donald Trump are gonna support him because of who he is, or who they think he is,” Person said. “They’re not gonna support him any more or less because of JD Vance.”

Following the terrifying events that took place at Trump’s rally this weekend, voters could be considering whether or not a vice president is seriously fit for office. Alabama GOP Chairman John Wahl spoke to News 19 from the floor of the RNC on Vance’s ability to serve as commander in chief, if needed.

“The word that comes to mind when I think about JD Vance is common sense,” Wahl said. “He comes from a business background. He’s run a company. He’s organized people. He served in the U.S. Senate. He’s been in those briefings on national security. He’s got the personality of a leader: he’s bold, he’s ready to move forward. So, I think JD Vance is ready to step forward if God forbid the situation is needed.”

Since Vance’s announcement as being Trump’s running mate, people have dug up statements of Vance publicly voicing his opposition to Trump in 2016.

“I’m a ‘never Trump’ guy,” JD Vance said on a Charlie Rose interview. “I never liked him.”

“The fact that he has apparently shifted in his thinking without explaining, at least to my knowledge, how he could have such a strong, visceral reaction to President Trump in 2016 and now he’s happy to be his running mate,” Person said. “You know, it suggests to me some character issues there.”

In the end, Republicans believe that his policy stances and age are redeeming qualities, making him a great running mate for Trump.

“He’s only 39 years old,” Wahl said. “I think he brings a fresh, bold voice. You know, it’s one of those things. He’s a younger politician and he really connects to people on a different level. And, I think we really need that because it’s young people who are going to adhere at the mess that Washington D.C. is leaving us right now.”

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