Vance blamed Biden for Trump shooting. That’s unbecoming for US senator – and VP | Opinion
"Regardless of how this contest turns out this November, conservative Ohioans and the state GOP need to consider finding a replacement for Vance come 2026.
First, I wish former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump, other victims and the family of slain firefighter Corey Comparatore a full emotional recovery from Saturday’s dastardly event. The shooter got what he deserved, unfortunately a little late.
I wondered how long it would take before some irresponsible influencer would blame President Joe Biden for the attempted assassination. As that thought crossed my mind when I turned on the TV Saturday evening, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance posted a message on X laying the blame squarely on the sitting president.
"The central premise of the Biden campaign," Vance posted, "is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump's attempted assassination."
Letters to the editor:JD Vance needs to look at himself, his party's rhetoric before blaming Democrats
I would expect such an irresponsible rush to judgment and unfounded accusation from some folks out there who peddle conspiracy theories − Alex Jones, QAnon, an online Russian disinformation campaign − but not from an Ivy League-educated senator with a law degree. But this is who J.D. Vance has become − a savvy political opportunist who says and does what he needs to advance in a drastically altered political world.
We watched the best-selling author and Middletown native rapidly go from a self-described "never-Trump guy" to a full-fledged MAGA disciple during the 2022 primary campaign. At a GOP gathering on Clough Pike days before announcing his candidacy in front of a Trump-friendly crowd, he was quick to say he’d come around to the former president, and wrapped up his speech declaring that it was almost "Tucker time," not to interfere with his audience’s nightly viewing of the now-disgraced Fox News commentator. Not long after, Vance traveled to Mar-a-Lago to pucker up and kiss the, err, ring of The Donald.
More recently, he left Ohioans’ business in the Senate to appear in New York at Trump’s hush money trial "to show support for a friend" and to gin up misunderstanding about the charges and trial. He accused President Biden of orchestrating the New York state prosecution over the non-reported $130,000 Trump paid Stormy Daniels. Outside the courthouse, among other misleading statements, he said, "Joe Biden’s entire strategy is to try to distract from inflation at home and from war overseas with this sham trial." Surely Vance − that’s J.D. with the J.D. − has a better understanding of both federalism and the long-standing Anglo tradition of a grand jury indictment.
Now, ever the Trump toady and in search of the number two spot on the ticket, Vance quickly came up with an X post that could dangerously motivate extremists and to please his newfound idol. Such action is unbecoming a U.S. senator and should further cause us to consider Vance’s genuineness and statesmanship.
More:Donald Trump made MAGA happen. J.D. Vance represents those who will inherit it.
I’ll reserve judgment on the motivation for the shooter at Trump’s rally as the investigation unfolds, but not for Vance. The junior senator from Ohio is a political opportunist and chameleon who changes his colors with the political winds and has joined in the current marketplace of politics − looking for clicks, impressing Trump, and demonizing the other side.
I trust this presidential election will be won with ballots not bullets. Vance’s comment should disqualify him from becoming Trump’s VP nominee. And, regardless of how this contest turns out this November, conservative Ohioans and the state GOP need to consider finding a replacement for Vance come 2026.
David Wolfford lives in Anderson Township, follows politics, and has written for National Review, The Weekly Standard, Cincinnati Enquirer, Columbus Dispatch, and other publications."
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