JD Vance 'can only go up': Republican voters applaud VP pick

For weeks Americans had been wondering who former President Donald Trump would select as his running mate in the 2024 presidential election, and on Monday they got their answer: Ohio Senator JD Vance.

The 39-year-old rising Republican star could be one heartbeat away from the presidency if Trump is re-elected in November - a possibility that has been on many people's minds since a gunman attempted to assassinate Trump on Saturday.

We asked voters from across the political spectrum what they think of the future of the Republican Party with Mr Vance atop the ticket.

And we start with a woman who likes that he was not always a supporter of Trump.

Kara likes that Mr Vance previously spoke out against Trump; she thinks it will work to the campaign's advantage.

One thing I like about JD Vance is his history as a former "never Trumper". I think that kind of gives Trump an offset.

So, when Trump's doing his campaign strategy and consulting with his running mate about winning over the millennial vote - JD is the first millennial major ticket candidate - the Rust Belt vote, and the other kind of interest groups that JD represents, I think he will be a really helpful kind of counterweight.

He will help Trump see some of the blind spots that Vance himself called out and argued for in previous years.

Of course, now he's super-committed to Trump. But I do think he probably has enough experience from right before to be able to help balance that.

Trump's pick uses JD's background to diversify his platform. Somebody who's always been loyal and wanted Trump wouldn't have that advantage.

This voter has long been impressed with Mr Vance and thinks he has a good understanding of what representing the people truly means.

JD Vance wouldn't have been my first choice - but I think if you take the long view of somebody who is qualified to become president, Vance is clearly near the top of the list, an excellent choice.

He did come from a background of being in (military) service. He does understand the consequences of those decisions.

And the other thing I like about Vance is that he's been very forward about the things that are important.

When the train derailment happened in New Palestine, Ohio, who was one of the first people to show up? Vance.

He understands his people. He understands the job of government, which is not to put its fingers into every aspect of your life, but to protect you.

I have been impressed with JD Vance since the beginning, to the point where I actually contributed to his senatorial campaign.

For this voter, it doesn't matter who else is on the ticket with Trump - she won't be supporting the Republicans this November.

I do not think I am the voter Trump is interested in impressing.

Donald Trump could’ve picked the most competent and qualified vice-presidential candidate in the world and I still wouldn’t vote for him.

And I find it hard to believe that anyone is truly undecided at this point and could be heavily influenced by this choice.

From what I know about JD Vance, he was quite critical of Trump early in his career. I don’t understand how someone can go from calling a guy an idiot to fully supporting a felon and his agenda for the presidency.

This pick does not change how I am approaching this election at all.

I am voting against measures intended to chip away at our democracy, and for a decent, competent administration with the intention of truly representing the American people.

I couldn't care less about JD Vance and I imagine there are many voters in similar shoes.

Rom praises Vance's debating skills, and believes he's the future of his party.

I'm really thrilled about the pick, because I think JD Vance is a very smart guy: a Yale graduate who wrote a best-selling book.

Trump is a great speaker; he's great for rallying the crowds. I think JD Vance is very articulate, and he hits the intellectual aspect of any type of debate.

So whoever he's going to go up against when it's time for any potential vice presidential debates - and we have to assume that's going to be Kamala Harris - I think he'll run circles around that person.

I absolutely think JD Vance is the future of the Republican Party.

He's just started on his political trajectory, and barring anything that derails him, I think he can only go up from here.

Trump can only go one more term, so JD Vance would be his natural successor in four years.