The path to the midterm elections runs through Dallas, but the Republican stage already hints at 2028. JD Vance takes center stage at the convention at the American Airlines Center, offering a glimpse of what could be his platform for a future presidential bid.
He is welcomed by chants of '2028' from the crowd. The vice president does not dismiss them, showing appreciation instead, but he defers any discussion about his political future, insisting that winning the midterms is the priority.
In his speech, Vance adopts a particularly aggressive tone against his opponents, labeling the Democrats as the 'party of hate.' He accuses them of disrespecting the United States and claims they have shown sympathy for the terrorists responsible for the 9/11 attacks. His speech is heavily centered around patriotism and the idea that America belongs to those who, in his words, love it.
Vance urges voters to consider the administration's achievements over the past eighteen months, even if they don't agree with every decision from the White House. He cites Charlie Kirk as an example and frames the election as a clash between two radically different visions for the country.
The speech also includes a more personal dimension. Speaking about his family and children, the vice president envisions an America where businesses hire American workers to produce goods domestically and where new generations can afford homes and build families.
However, he avoids some of the more sensitive topics of the moment. Vance does not directly address the war in Iran or reiterate the promise of the so-called '$5,000 Trump dividend,' which the president linked to a Republican victory in the midterms.
Link to Trump: 'Vote as if I Were on the Ballot'Trump: 'Vote as if I Were on the Ballot'
When Donald Trump takes the stage, his message becomes even more overtly electoral. The president touts his administration's accomplishments and describes his return to the White House as the beginning of a new era of prosperity for the United States.
At the same time, he paints a dire picture of the consequences of a potential Democratic victory, claiming they would drastically raise taxes and harm American families. Trump also reiterates the promise of a $5,000 dividend.
The central focus, however, is on voter turnout. Trump urges his supporters to treat the midterm elections as if he himself were a candidate and asks the audience to pledge to vote on November 3rd.
He turns this appeal into a collective oath, asking attendees to raise their hands and repeat the promise to go to the polls. He then jokingly warns that those who don't vote will 'go to hell.'
The convention concludes with Trump revisiting the theme of American greatness, as the national anthem plays and hundreds of balloons descend upon the audience.
(Associated Medias) - All rights reserved