The discussion took place just minutes before Trump officially announced Vance as his running mate.
CNN commentator Jonah Goldberg began by saying, “The pick has never made much sense to me. People always say he can win over blue-collar voters in Ohio and Michigan. But those inclined to support Trump are already on board, and J.D. Vance isn’t the one to win over skeptical suburban housewives or other such groups.”
Goldberg continued, “I’ve often said that the more the Trump team believes he’s going to win, the better Vance’s chances are. He’s not a campaign pick; he’s a governing pick. He’s meant to place serious MAGA people in key government positions, much like Mike Pence did. This could signal a significant shift for the Republican Party.”
Vance responded “This is a scary pick. If you were hoping for a more unifying choice after Trump’s near-death experience, this isn’t it. This suggests Trump plans on some serious, hardline governing. Vance is a pit bull, an attack dog with a law degree, ready to make things happen.”
Jones warned, “If you’re concerned about Project 2025 and similar initiatives, Vance is the kind of person who will keep you up at night.”
Jones concluded, “We’ve discussed Biden’s health, but let’s not forget Trump isn’t in perfect health either. He has a known history of heart disease and an unhealthy diet. Vance could very well become president, either now or in the future. This pick signals a hardening of the Republican Party around a MAGA agenda with a very capable leader, which is terrifying for many Democrats. This convention will be anything but unifying if Vance is selected.”
Jones shared his thoughts on Twitter, stating: “Some observers had hoped that Trump’s near-death experience might have softened him somehow. Maybe he would use this moment to bring us all together, they said. But since he selected as his VP someone like J.D. Vance — a hard-edged attack dog for a maximum MAGA agenda — I fear…”
Van Jones — @VanJones68