Trump Selects JD Vance as Running Mate

Donald Trump's vice presidential pick, J.D. Vance, has been criticized as 'weird' following controversial remarks he made about women and childless individuals. Vance, who embraces the label as a 'badge of honor', faces scrutiny from both political opponents and commentators, with some polling indicating that a majority of voters find his comments off-putting. Critics, including Ohio newspaper editor Chris Quinn, suggest that Vance's 'weird' statements are a continuation of his political strategy in Ohio, where outrageousness can appeal to primary voters. As Vance campaigns to counteract Vice President Kamala Harris's appearances, comparisons have been made between his rollout and former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin's, suggesting that a poorly vetted running mate can harm an entire ticket. Observers speculate that Trump's choice of Vance reflects a need for a surrogate to energize the campaign, given Trump's declining stamina and engagement levels. Despite the negative press, Vance's alignment with Trump's base could keep him relevant in the 2024 race.