No matter the continuing violent rhetoric, the criminal convictions, indictments, infidelities, racist comments, anti-abortion waffling, disdain and disregard of the Constitution and affinity for dictators, Donald Trump’s base remains loving and loyal. That base is not sufficient to win him re-election unless he expands his attractiveness to independent voters and disaffected Democrats.

Clearly the selection of J.D. Vance, a newly fawning team member, and MAGA die-hard, as his vice running mate, indicates that Trump has no intention of dialing down on disunity and changing course. Vance has demonstrated by his words and actions, especially as it pertains to Trump, that he is an unrepentant hypocrite and opportunist. Having once been a severe Trump critic, and now morphed toady, he promises to extend his loyalty to de-certifying the 2024 election if Biden gains the electoral majority.

The Democrats would now be wise to concentrate their attention on the realistic possibility that if Trump regains the White House at some point his age, and unhealthy lifestyle, may elevate Vance to the presidency. The American electorate may therefore be more receptive to attacks upon Vance. Highlighting his expressed devotion to turning the country on a backward trajectory, which will negatively impact the majority of Americans, may re-activate the unhappy Democrats, allied with awakened independents, to reject the Republican ticket. The strategy of vicariously attacking Trump by a barrage of negative ads, and news media attention concentrated on Vance, may save this country from becoming an autocracy that benefits one class of Americans at the expense of the majority.

Betty Ussach-Schwartz

Southampton