WATCH: JD Vance Seen Departing For RNC In Motorcade, Sparking VP Speculation

In the buildup to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) was spotted departing his Cincinnati, Ohio home in a motorcade, fueling widespread speculation about his potential nomination as the Vice Presidential candidate.

The motorcade, typical of increased security measures, was seen just as the Republican National Committee is set to formally nominate former President Donald Trump for another White House run. The heightened activity around Vance’s residence comes in the wake of an assassination attempt on Trump just two days prior, an event that has reinvigorated the former president and his campaign.

Trump, speaking with Bret Baier on Fox News, revealed he would announce his running mate on Monday, adding more anticipation to the convention’s proceedings. “Yes, we’re going to get the VP today,” said Baier. “And he said there’s other things to come. I don’t know what that means.”

TRUMP tells @BretBaier he is making his VP announcement TODAY

— Aishah Hasnie (@aishahhasnie) July 15, 2024

The focus on Vance intensified after vehicles, possibly belonging to the Secret Service, were observed at his home. While Republican Ohio Governor Mike DeWine attributed the increased security to standard protocol following the assassination attempt, insiders suggest it could also be part of preparations for Vance’s potential nomination.

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Among the names in the ‘veepstakes’ are Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum (R-ND) who also remain contenders. Each brings substantial political clout and loyalty to Trump, with Burgum notably gaining the admiration of former First Lady Melania Trump for his positive campaigning and substantial fundraising abilities. However, sources close to Trump indicate his reservations about whether any of the candidates can offer something he cannot bring himself.

The odds for Trump’s vice-presidential pick lead with JD Vance at +110, followed closely by Doug Burgum at +138. Marco Rubio comes next with odds of +800 according to Oddschecker.

The former president is reportedly looking for a candidate who can guarantee absolute loyalty, a trait he felt was lacking in his former Vice President Mike Pence during the 2020 election certification process. This desire for unwavering support has been somewhat evident in Vance’s recent actions and statements. The Ohio Senator has vigorously defended Trump, accusing Democrats and liberal media of creating a hostile environment that led to the recent assassination attempt. MSNBC, for instance, replaced its regular programming with live updates on Monday, reflecting the network’s new cautious approach to the sensitive situation.

As speculation mounts, Vance’s visibility and vocal support for Trump on various platforms, including significant appearances during Trump’s trials and his proactive defense strategies on the campaign trail, have positioned him as a strong candidate for the VP slot. His stance on key issues like the funding for Ukraine, which he claims contains provisions against Trump’s policies, aligns closely with Trump’s ‘America First’ philosophy.

The speaker lineup is set with events kicking off in the early afternoon under the guidance of Michael Whatley, the Republican National Committee Chairman. The day will start with the formal adoption of the party’s new platform, followed by nominating and seconding speeches for Trump by the chairmen of the Iowa and Nevada parties. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) will oversee a roll-call vote. The evening’s prime-time events will commence at 6 p.m. CST.

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