JD Vance Highlights RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard’s Endorsements, Showcasing GOP’s “Big Tent” Approach
Republican vice presidential candidate and Ohio Senator JD Vance believes that the recent endorsements of former Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard signal the growing diversity within the Republican Party. Vance, part of the 2024 ticket alongside former President Donald Trump, praised these endorsements as evidence of a “big tent” approach in modern Republican politics.
In an interview, Vance remarked on the importance of these endorsements: “The president just got RFK’s endorsement, he just got Tulsi Gabbard’s endorsement, and on the other side, he’s got Nikki Haley’s endorsement, he’s got Brian Kemp’s endorsement,” Vance said, as reported by the BBC. “He is the president of common sense in this country. People are sick of being lied to, and they’re sick of the craziness.”
Despite some personal differences between Trump and RFK Jr., Vance emphasized that both men are willing to prioritize the country’s well-being. “They’re both big enough to put the country over personal interests,” he noted, reinforcing a theme of unity over division.
Brian Kemp’s Endorsement: A Shift in GOP Relations
Vance also discussed the significance of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s endorsement, highlighting the former president’s ability to build bridges, even with those who have previously feuded with him. Kemp, who had a public falling-out with Trump after the 2020 election, is now backing the former president in a bid to return the GOP to power.
“I think people from across the political spectrum should take something from this — that Brian Kemp is willing to say… we are the big tent party, we stand for common sense and sanity, and we’ve got to kick that insane politician named Kamala Harris out of the White House,” Vance said.
Vance shared details of a conversation he had with Kemp, emphasizing the importance of setting aside personal differences for the greater good of the party. “I’m not going to convince you that you should change your mind on the president in the same way that I’m not going to convince the president that he should change his mind on you. But you guys agree on 90% of the things. You can put whatever personal differences aside.”
Kemp and Trump: A Mended Relationship
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp confirmed this shift during an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity. “We gotta win from the top of the ticket on down,” Kemp said, stressing the importance of defeating President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. “I’ve been saying consistently for a long time we cannot afford another four years of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris… So we need to send Donald Trump back to the White House.”
Former President Trump responded to Kemp’s support on TruthSocial, expressing gratitude: “Thank you to #BrianKempGA for all of your support and help in Georgia, where a win is so important to the success of our Party and, most importantly, our Country. I look forward to working with you, your team, and all of my friends in Georgia to help MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
This reconciliation between Kemp and Trump marks a significant turning point for the GOP as it gears up for the 2024 elections.
A Party United
Vance’s commentary highlights the Republican Party’s efforts to present itself as a party of diverse voices and common sense. With endorsements from political figures like RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Brian Kemp, the GOP aims to unite a broad spectrum of voters around a platform focused on reclaiming the White House.
As the 2024 campaign heats up, the growing list of endorsements for Trump, including from former political adversaries, showcases the party’s willingness to unite against what Vance called the “insane policies” of Kamala Harris and the Biden administration.
With Vance and Trump at the helm, the GOP looks to present itself as the party of sanity, unity, and, as Vance puts it, “common sense.”