The Republican Party’s 2024 race has advanced to a familiar phase. In every presidential election cycle, ambitious players try to position themselves for running-mate consideration, which can be difficult to watch as assorted politicians effectively audition in public.
Sen. J.D. Vance appears to be engaged in just such a process.
It’s not a secret that the Ohio Republican, with a whopping one year of experience in public office, is in the mix as Donald Trump eyes possible vice presidential nominees. Axios reported a couple of weeks ago that Vance “is on Trump’s VP shortlist.”
With this in mind, the GOP lawmaker — who used to be a fierce critic of Trump, before overhauling his political persona — sat down with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, presumably hoping to impress a certain former president and his campaign team.
As part of the interview, the “This Week” host asked about Trump being held liable for defaming and sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll, prompting Vance to downplay the significance of jurors from “extremely left-wing jurisdictions.” When Stephanopoulos asked whether New Yorkers’ legal verdicts could be considered fair, Vance added, “Well, when the cases are funded by left-wing donors and when the case has absolute left-wing bias all over it, George, absolutely I think that we should call into question that particular conclusion.”
In other words, the Ohioan suggested that he’ll take juries seriously, but not if they’re in cities he doesn’t like.
In the same interview, Stephanopoulos reminded his guest of a 2021 podcast in which Vance suggested that Trump can and should defy court rulings. Evidently, the Ohioan hasn’t changed his mind.
“The Constitution says that the Supreme Court can make rulings, but if the Supreme Court ― and look, I hope that they would not do this ― but if the Supreme Court said that the president of the United States can’t fire a general, that would be an illegitimate ruling and the president…
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