iNDICA NEWS BUREAU –
Former President Donald Trump officially became the Republican Party’s nominee for the upcoming presidential election. This development came on Monday, July 15, as Trump secured the necessary delegate votes at the Republican National Convention, crossing the threshold of 1,125 delegates needed to clinch the nomination.
The nomination process, largely a formality given Trump’s dominance in the primary season, involves approximately 2,400 delegates from across the United States. These delegates, bound by the results of their respective state primaries and caucuses, are casting their votes to select the party’s presidential candidate formally. While delegates from 29 states are still in the process of voting, Trump has already surpassed the required majority.
Trump’s path to the nomination was all but assured following a sweeping performance in the Republican primaries and caucuses. Out of the 2,400 total delegates, Trump had already secured 2,243 during the primary season, leaving little doubt about the outcome of the convention vote.
In a significant development following his nomination, Trump who survived an assassination bid on Saturday, June 13, announced his choice for vice president. Senator James David Vance of Ohio will be his running mate. The former president announced this through a post on Truth Social, his preferred social media platform.
Trump began his statement by saying, “After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio.”
In his announcement, Trump highlighted Vance’s diverse background and accomplishments. He noted Vance’s military service, stating: “JD honorably served our Country in the Marine Corps.” Trump also praised Vance’s academic achievements, mentioning that he “graduated from Ohio State University in two years, Summa Cum Laude, and is a Yale Law School Graduate, where he was Editor of The Yale Law Journal, and President of the Yale Law Veterans Association.”
The former president emphasized Vance’s connection to working-class Americans, saying, “J.D.’s book, ‘Hillbilly Elegy,’ became a Major Best Seller and Movie, as it championed the hardworking men and women of our Country.” Trump also noted Vance’s business experience, adding, “J.D. has had a very successful business career in Technology and Finance.”
Looking ahead to the campaign, Trump stated that Vance “will be strongly focused on the people he fought so brilliantly for, the American Workers and Farmers in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, and far beyond.”
The selection of Vance, a relatively young and charismatic figure within the Republican Party, appears to be a strategic move to broaden Trump’s appeal in the upcoming general election. President Trump, who survived an assassination attempt two days ago, described Vance as “an excellent choice” for the role of running mate.
Notably, Vance’s wife is Usha Chilukuri, a Hindu of Indian descent. The couple met as students at Yale Law School and married in 2014. They have three children together – Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel.
This announcement sets the stage for what is expected to be a highly contentious and closely watched presidential race. As the Republican ticket is now set, attention will likely turn to the Democratic Party’s nominee and the upcoming general election campaign.
The 2024 presidential election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, and will determine who will lead the United States for the next four years.
