US Vice President JD Vance positioned himself as a leading heir to the Republican movement during a prime-time address at the party’s midterm convention in Dallas on Thursday. In a speech that drew loud cheers and chants of “JD!”, Vance attacked Democrats as the “party of hatred” and urged Americans to support Republican candidates in the November elections.
Vance argued that Democratic candidates seek to control what children can say and how they live, claiming they harbor sympathy for the terrorists responsible for the September 11 attacks. “The Democrats are the party of hatred. They’re the party that despises America and the people who built it,” he told the crowd at the American Airlines Center.
Following Vance’s remarks, President Donald Trump returned to the stage, praising his vice president’s performance and stating that Democrats were becoming nervous. Trump, who noted he was tired of politics, used the moment to center himself in the campaign again while promising to keep his remarks brief before introducing a musical finale.
The Republican Party faces significant headwinds ahead of the midterms, with US election tracker Decision Desk HQ projecting a Democratic gain of 229 seats to 206 in the House and a dead heat at 50-50 in the Senate. President Trump’s approval ratings remain in the low-to-mid 30s, weighed down by persistent inflation and public opposition to the ongoing war with Iran.
Trump also revived his pledge to distribute a $5,000 “Trump dividend” to every American adult if Republicans retain control of Congress. Financial analysis indicates that disbursing this amount to more than 276 million adults would cost approximately $1.384 trillion.
During his address, Vance focused heavily on themes of faith, family, and fatherhood, attempting to frame the Republican coalition as defenders of traditional values against radical left-wing ideology. He also paid tribute to right-wing activist Charlie Kirk on the first anniversary of his death, telling Kirk’s children, “History will record that your father was a great man.” Vance issued a stark warning to political opponents, telling radicals who wish to dismantle the traditional family: “Stay the hell away from our kids.”
Vance is widely considered a frontrunner for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, though he has stated he will not announce his intentions until after the midterm elections. His prominent speaking slot, delivered immediately before Trump’s closing comments, signaled the party’s focus on a post-Trump future.
Trump described Vance as “very talented” and a “great vice president” while speaking to reporters on the tarmac in Texas. The convention highlighted a central gamble for Republicans: whether Trump can energize his loyal base without him on the ballot, while also determining if Vance can eventually inherit the political coalition Trump built.
Ed Williams, a 59-year-old engineer from Dallas, told AFP that Vance appeared charismatic and addressed issues important to him. “I’m considering Vance very strongly for my presidential pick in 2028,” Williams said as enthusiastic supporters left the venue.
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