The thought of a President JD Vance might seem far-fetched, yet recent developments in Donald Trump’s health and rhetoric raise serious concerns. Trump, now 78, is showing alarming signs of decline, leading many to question what would happen if he were to win reelection but become unable to serve. The prospect of Vance stepping into the presidency is not just possible; it is something that should concern all Americans.
When discussing political candidates’ ages, many have worried about President Biden and the potential of Vice President Kamala Harris taking over. However, Harris has demonstrated her capability and resilience as the Democratic nominee, proving her leadership in a compressed campaign.
Contrastingly, Trump’s current state is worrisome. His recent speeches have become lengthy and disjointed, filled with inappropriate comments and erratic behavior. At a campaign stop in Pennsylvania, he wandered off-topic, even making strange remarks about Arnold Palmer’s anatomy. Such episodes reflect not only mental decline but also the unpredictability that comes with it.
The stakes are higher now than they were with Biden’s age concerns. If Trump were to win and then be incapacitated, Vance, an ambitious newcomer to the national stage, would assume the presidency. His rise to fame began with his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” which set the stage for his controversial statements and far-right beliefs.
Vance has made headlines for many of his opinions, including strong anti-abortion stances and derogatory remarks about people without children. His past comments about the bureaucratic system suggest a radical overhaul, advocating for the removal of civil servants to replace them with loyalists. Alarmingly, he has also expressed indifference towards the conflict in Ukraine and shown unwavering support for Trump’s claims about the 2020 election results.
The notion that Vance would not have certified Biden’s win on January 6, 2021, reveals a dangerous alignment with Trump’s rhetoric. Even more troubling, his recent comments indicate a refusal to acknowledge the violent events of that day, further entrenching him in Trump’s narrative of denial.
If Trump were to win in 2024, the reality of a Vance presidency becomes increasingly plausible, particularly as he would only be in his mid-40s at that time. Given Trump’s current health, it is difficult to envision him successfully serving a second term into his 80s.
During Trump’s previous administration, there were discussions among Cabinet members about using the 25th Amendment to remove him after the January 6 incident. These discussions might arise again if Trump is reelected but incapacitated, posing the question of whether Vance would seek to assert his authority in such a scenario.
Vance’s political journey is marked by a significant shift in loyalty from being a “Never Trump” conservative to a staunch MAGA supporter. His evolution has been striking, culminating in a strong endorsement from Trump during Ohio’s GOP Senate primary, which solidified his alignment with the former president.
In a troubling twist, it is conceivable that if Trump found himself in a critical health situation, he might contemplate stepping aside for Vance, possibly negotiating a presidential pardon for himself in exchange for Vance’s loyalty. However, Trump could still face legal challenges at the state level, which could complicate any plans for abdication.
The idea of a truncated Trump presidency leading to a President Vance is alarming. The only surefire way to prevent either scenario from unfolding is to defeat this duo on election day. As voters, the responsibility lies with us to ensure that the path forward leads to stable and competent leadership, free from the specter of a tumultuous administration.
