Brookings
·
Published
July 16, 2024

Trump chose Vance to reinforce his message

Leans Left
Commentary
·
2024 U.S. Elections
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Summary

  • Elaine Kamarck at Brookings writes that in selecting Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate, Donald Trump aimed to solidify his hard-right agenda, emphasizing Vance's alignment with Trump's core messages and MAGA base.
  • The article examines how Trump's choice of Vance follows the "reinforcing model" of vice-presidential selection, where the VP candidate strengthens the presidential candidate's message and governance, rather than providing a traditional ideological or geographic balance.

Overview:

This article was written by Elaine Kamarck at Brookings.

  • Donald Trump's selection of Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate emphasizes the reinforcing model over the traditional balancing model for vice-presidential picks.
  • The reinforcing model has evolved the role of vice presidents into more influential and integral parts of the administration, in contrast to the historically ceremonial and sidelined roles.

Key Quotes:

  • "What Trump did in choosing Vance was to choose a younger, more handsome, and more articulate version of himself—he was reinforcing his message."
  • "Trump has made an effective choice in Senator Vance. Vance will not only reinforce Trump’s core messages, but also he will be trustworthy as a vice president."

What They Discuss:

  • Vice-presidential selections historically balanced geographic and ideological differences, such as John F. Kennedy choosing Lyndon B. Johnson.
  • The modern reinforcing model prioritizes message consistency, as seen with Bill Clinton's selection of Al Gore.
  • Trump's selection of J.D. Vance aligns with his strategy to maintain and amplify his core messages.
  • The reinforcing model became popular due to its advantages in both campaigning and governance, reducing intra-administration conflicts.
  • Vance, a steadfast supporter of Trump, echoes core Trump base sentiments on issues like the 2020 election and Capitol attack prisoners, ensuring alignment with Trump's policies.

What They Recommend:

  • The article suggests that future presidential candidates should consider the reinforcing model for vice-presidential selections to ensure cohesive administration policies and effective governance.
  • It implies that aligning vice-presidents with the presidential agenda could prevent internal conflicts, thus better serving the electoral and governance needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The reinforcing model has proven effective in recent decades by ensuring vice presidents align closely with the president’s agenda.
  • J.D. Vance's alignment with Trump’s positions strengthens Trump's political messaging, particularly significant given Trump's age.
  • The shift from balancing to reinforcing vice-presidential picks marks a significant change in political strategy and governance.

This is a brief overview of the article by Elaine Kamarck at Brookings. For complete insights, we recommend reading the full article.

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Original Read Time
9 min
Organization
The Brookings Institution
Category
Israel-Gaza War
Political Ideology
Center Left

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