The Republic Standard News Staff
Vice President JD Vance used his address on the second day of the Republican midterm convention in Dallas to signal his readiness for the presidency, drawing some of the strongest applause of the event from a crowd eager for the next generation of leadership. As reported by The Guardian, Vance’s speech focused heavily on upcoming November elections while simultaneously laying groundwork for the 2028 presidential cycle.
Vance opened by invoking his role as a father, noting the recent birth of his fourth child, before pivoting to sharp attacks on Democratic policies. He accused party opponents of seeking to dismantle traditional American institutions, specifically targeting transgender rights initiatives and what he described as efforts to destroy the nuclear family. Vance argued that Democrats are now pushing to defund law enforcement and abolish border security measures.
The vice president also echoed President Donald Trump’s controversial claims regarding the October 7 attacks in Israel, asserting that some Democratic lawmakers in New York had cheered the massacre of Israelis. He characterized the opposition as “lunatics” who are “doubling down on the crazy.”
“We gotta take care of business this November, then we’ll worry about what comes next,” Vance told the crowd, as first reported by the The Guardian.
Vance’s performance drew chants of his name from attendees, with some shouting that he should be the party’s nominee in 2028. The reception was described as the liveliest for any speaker besides President Trump during the convention proceedings. When a protester waved a Mexican flag during the address, Vance dismissed him directly.
“Well, my friend, if you love Mexico so much, get your ass over there – I’ll buy you the plane ticket,” Vance told the The Guardian.
The vice president praised President Trump as “the toughest SOB in American politics” and highlighted a shift in public sentiment over the past two years. He claimed Americans are no longer willing to be labeled racist for pointing out that the country has become dirtier, poorer, less safe, and less prosperous under Democratic influence.
Vance also honored Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was assassinated in Utah exactly one year ago. Vance stated that history will record Kirk as a great and good man, noting that Kirk hated war. This tribute came amid reports from The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday that Trump’s advisers have raised the prospect that the ongoing conflict with Iran could drag on through the remainder of the president’s term. Vance did not address the Iran war directly in his speech.
Polling data suggests strong support for Vance within the party base. According to recent figures, 43% of likely Republican primary voters favor Vance as the 2028 nominee. Marco Rubio trails with 21%, while Donald Trump Jr. holds 7%.
Other notable speakers on Thursday included Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who delivered a well-received address earlier in the day, and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who drew a rousing response in his home state. The convention continues to serve as a platform for consolidating support ahead of the midterm elections and positioning candidates for the next presidential cycle.