J.D. Vance's hometown newspaper doubts he can deliver Ohio, the crucial swing state he represents in the Senate, to former President Donald Trump.
The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday published an editorial focusing on the junior senator's weaknesses when it comes to courting a crucial group of undecided voters.
"Vance espouses a blend of economic populism that appeals to white working-class males," columnist Jordan Barkin writes. "But women are not a focus."
Barkin expresses surprise that Trump ignored the political truism that presidential candidates should pander to the far wings then choose a running mate who will appease the base and intrigue the undecideds.
In choosing Vance, Trump bucked the trend.
"[Vance] appeals to the MAGA demographic that was going to vote for Trump anyway," writes Barkin.
Barkin argues Vance's hardline position on abortion — which he opposes in rape and incest cases — will turn swing voters away, citing a Public Research Institute poll that found a "clear majority of residents in the top swing state support abortions."
Barkin concedes Vance's Ohio roots may inspire voter turnout, but whether red or blue will claim its 17 electoral votes, he argues, remains to be seen.
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"The state's demographics have shifted over the last decade, and it is now a 'purple state' in play," he concludes. "Vance was born and raised in Middletown, and wrote a best-selling memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" about growing up in blue collar, small town...Over half of Ohioans live in metropolitan areas and may not connect with Vance's views or perspective."
This prediction is born out in another Columbus Dispatch editorial Barkin directs readers toward that features multiple locals' responses to Trump's chosen running mate.
"Vance often conducts himself as a hysterical partisan," wrote University of Dayton Professor Christopher Devine. "Vance probably will not help Trump win—and might cost him votes."
"Many Americans are too familiar with the struggle to feed their family —including our U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance — but instead of supporting benefits that families like his relied on, he supports enormous budget cuts to them," wrote Jeanna Kenney.
However, the Columbus Dispatch editorial round-up shows Vance may deliver at least one Columbus swing voter to Trump, but not a reason to write home about.
"I am hoping that Trump picks Sen. J.D. Vance for his running mate," Joe R. Tilley wrote in May. "Then Ohio could get rid of the lying, bootlicking, butt kissing, weak-willed, integrity lacking, sickening obsequious sycophant."
