A former adviser to President Obama and now a senior political commentator for CNN argued Monday that former President Trump’s new running mate is walking a path that’s “dangerous to the world.”
“After lengthy deliberation and consideration, and taking into account the incredible talents of many others, I have determined that the person best qualified to serve as Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the great state of Ohio,” Trump announced via Truth Social minutes after the gavel struck to open the Republican National Convention (RNC).
Upon hearing the news, Van Jones told CNN that Vance’s selection was significant “for what it means for the Republican Party long term.” “It kind of cements nationalism.”
Trump nominates Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance for 2024 presidential run
Van Jones argued that President Trump’s choice of J.D. Vance as his running mate cements the Republican Party’s transformation.
Jones said Trump “embodies a instinctive, impulsive, instinctual nationalism. J.D. Vance is an ideological nationalist. That’s a much more dangerous virus because Vance can create it, hone it, make it palatable to people. He can sell it to Silicon Valley. He can sell it anywhere else.”
News commentators argued that “this puts the Republicans on a dangerous path for the world. Again, Ukraine is now in serious trouble. NATO is now in serious trouble.”
He said Trump’s choice of Vance over someone representing the Republican Party’s old guard was a sign of his determination to take the party in a new direction.
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“They could have picked Nikki Haley and sent a message to the world: ‘Hey, listen, I have to give my supporters something, but I’m not going to abandon the world.’ That choice is terrifying on the world stage,” Jones said. “And that’s why J.D. Vance is important because Donald Trump is leading the Republican Party in a very scary direction long term.”
Republicans were quick to congratulate Vance and express their support, with Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) writing to X, “It’s great to see someone who opposes endless wars and more aid to Ukraine on the nomination list.”
Fox News’ Aubrey Spady contributed to this report.
