Political experts say JD Vance may shape the future of younger republicans

MILWAUKEE (WKBT) -- At 39 years old, Ohio Senator JD Vance was the youngest of Trump's finalists for VP. Now with that selection finalized, it could be a sign Trump plans to pass along his politics to the younger generation of Republicans.

Former President Trump and President Biden are the two oldest major-party presidential nominees ever. While age has been a key talking point in this election, many are also wondering about the future of the major parties

"Our future I feel like my generation the American dream is getting harder to reach," said Wisconsin Delegate Jordan Briskey.

With his recent VP selection, political experts agree Trump is looking to pass the torch to the younger generation.

"I think Trump wanted to find somebody to be his successor when he's gone in four years," said Former rep. Scott Klug.

"Vance makes a lot of sense as somebody who can continue the MAGA Movement within the Republican Party," said Anthony Chergosky, a political science professor at UWL.

Trump has ushered in a new form of Republican politics. Chergosky says Trump's approach to foreign policy differs from previous Republican leaders and he places a stronger emphasis on border security than his predecessors.

But overall, Chergosky says, Trumpism is better recognized for its style of populism -- an ideology that emphasizes "the people" and contrasts them with "the elite." Something that Vance Echoes.

"Whoever the culprit might be, Trumpism includes the idea that everyday people have gotten screwed, and it includes the idea that America is in decline and that something dramatic needs to change in order to reverse that trend," said Chergosky.

It's talking points we can expect younger members of the Republican Party to mirror, especially if Vance has a powerful role within a future Republican administration.

"I think it would signal a turn of the Republican Party in a more populist direction," said Chergosky.

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