The coronation of Donald Trump and JD Vance is over. The “Succession” watch over Joe Biden’s failing candidacy and who might replace him atop the Democratic Party ticket continues as the dispirited soap opera it has become.
You might have noticed I did not link the Trump/Vance coronation to the Republican Party, for in truth what they stand for bears no resemblance to traditional GOP positions, both domestic and international. So let’s just identify the gaga-eyed masses as belonging to the Trump MAGA cult, applauding without reservations when he cast current economic conditions under Joe Biden as deplorable—despite low unemployment, huge investments in infrastructure, the highest ever level of oil production of any country in the world, a 50% rise in stock market valuation under Biden.
But let’s not quibble. Conventions are not meant to be truth conferences. A little hyperbole is to be expected. I just hope those watching Trump pontificate appreciated the difference between truth and exaggeration.
The MAGA faithful are against elites. To be sure, all elites do not pop out of the womb as elites. Some, like Donald Trump, inherited wealth and connections. Many, on the other hand, work hard to rise above humble beginnings. Like JD Vance.
Vance might have grown up a hillbilly but he earned degrees from Ohio State University and Yale Law School, worked as a tech venture capitalist and made tons of money from his “Hillbilly Elegy” memoir and movie rights sale. He married a Hindu woman, Usha Chilukuri, a daughter of Indian immigrants with impressive teaching positions in the University of California system.
Usha Vance continued her elite status by graduating from Yale, earning a master’s degree of philosophy from Cambridge University in England, and then graduating with a law degree from Yale Law School. She subsequently clerked for Brett Kavanaugh before he became a Supreme Court justice and for Chief Justice John Roberts.
Dynasty? Some might think Trump picked 39-year-old Vance as his running mate to be the person to carry on his legacy once he leaves office (whenever that may be—I’m among those who wonder whether Trump would leave office voluntarily in January 2029 if he wins this year’s election).
Not so quick, JD. I believe Trump would prefer a legacy of a familial dynasty. I believe he wants his 46-year-old first born, Donald J. Trump Jr., to be the 2028 Republican nominee.
Do I have any evidence to sustain this belief? None. Just remember, if it comes to pass, you first heard about it here.
Big Tent? In his acceptance speech Thursday night Trump made a point of espousing a bright future “for every citizen, whether you’re a young or old, man or woman, Democrat, Republican or Independent, Black or white, Asian or Hispanic.”
He better hope lots of minorities were part of the television viewing audience because as the camera panned the delegates over the last four days, nary a black face could be seen, except the ones reporters corralled for interviews.
A Decent Man: Joe Biden is a decent man. He needs to do one more decent act—decline his party’s nomination and let it venture forth with candidates immersed in 21st century thoughts. And energy.
Take a well-deserved ovation next month during the Democratic Party convention for a lifetime of service, Joe, particularly the last four years when you accomplished more than almost all other presidents. Accept accolades for choosing country and party over personal aggrandizement.
Just do it quickly. Each day lost to equivocation represents countless lost votes needed to keep Trump from turning America into his personal fiefdom.
