Staff Reports
The anticipation surrounding President Trump’s second term is palpable, yet there’s a cloud hovering over the joyous occasion: this term could be his last. With that shadow looming, the Republican Party finds itself in a bit of a pickle—who will champion the “America First” ideology come 2028? A considerable portion of the conservative base believes they have found the answer, and that answer is none other than Vice President J.D. Vance.
At the recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), attendees expressed a refreshing optimism about Vance stepping into Trump’s sizable shoes. With his background as both a Marine and a Yale Law School graduate, Vance presents a compelling case. South Carolina’s Jeanne Garris, a sprightly 81-year-old, summarized the widespread affection for Vance with enthusiasm. This child of adversity has grown into a leader whose life story resonates with many conservatives. Who needs a trust fund baby when you have a man who knows the value of hard work and perseverance?
Vance emerges as an early favorite at CPAC to carry the MAGA flag into 2028 – https://t.co/5Ur4JlOmSN – @washtimes
— Niko John-Kristian Vuori🇫🇮🚀🪂💺🚁🚢🛳️🚲🚙🚛🕰️ (@njkv1997fin) February 22, 2025
The folks at CPAC appreciate how Vance represents a younger, more relatable face for the GOP compared to the geriatric crowd of politicians who dominate the current landscape. Brittany Carey, a 38-year-old from Florida, pointed out the glaring generational gap, citing how Vance connects with middle-class values and younger voters—something the party desperately needs to avoid being a relic of the past. While political giants like Marco Rubio and Kristi Noem gathered praise during the event, it’s Vance, with his roots in the community and active family life, who appears to have captured the heart of the movement.
However, not everyone is sold on Vance just yet. Political die-hards question his connections to Silicon Valley elites, raising eyebrows about his political agility. Although Mr. Trump acknowledged Vance’s capabilities, he notably stopped short of naming him as his successor, suggesting a plethora of alternatives within his inner circle. In a world where political endorsements can mean the difference between a smooth sailing campaign and a bumpy ride, the stakes for Vance have never been higher.
Amid these discussions, some fervent supporters still indulge in dreams of a third Trump term, blissfully ignoring the 22nd Amendment that prohibits it. What’s a little constitutional roadblock when feelings of loyalty and nostalgia for Trump’s presidency are at stake? A Tennessee Republican has even floated the idea of amending the Constitution just to make it happen, leaving many to wonder if that’s a requisite angle of the MAGA agenda. After all, who wouldn’t want to see Trump riding off into the sunset for a third act?
As Vance embarks on this critical phase of his political career, he faces a dual challenge: proving his worthiness to lead the MAGA movement while navigating the complexities of Trump’s loyalist expectations. He may not have a crystal ball to predict the future, especially with the backdrop of Pence’s tumultuous history, but embracing Trump’s message seems to be a solid strategy. So, while the GOP scratches its head about who fits the bill to continue the Trump legacy, they can rest assured that Vance is poised to become the banner-carrier, unless further hypothetical meteor strikes reshape the political landscape.
