Republican leaders are rallying behind Vice President JD Vance as the party gears up for the 2028 presidential election. Turning Point USA, the influential organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk, is mobilizing to support Vance’s candidacy. The group plans to establish a strong campaign presence across all 99 counties in Iowa, aiming to secure Vance a decisive victory without a contentious primary.
Turning Point USA’s Strategic Move
Turning Point USA is committed to building the necessary campaign infrastructure for Vance. Insights suggest this initiative is part of a broader strategy among Trump allies to minimize competition. Recently, Marco Rubio, previously considered a potential contender, indicated he would support Vance’s nomination, stating, “If Vance runs for president, he’s going to be our nominee.”
Polling Insights on Vance’s Support
A straw poll conducted at Turning Point USA’s annual conference showed overwhelming support for Vance, with 84% of attendees backing him in the primaries. However, broader polling presents a mixed picture. A CNN survey from early December found Vance with a plurality of 22% support among Republicans, while 64% of respondents had no clear preference. This suggests significant room for other candidates.
Republican Approval Ratings
According to a recent Gallup poll, 91% of Republicans approve of Vance’s performance as vice president. However, only 39% of the general American population views him favorably. This disconnect poses potential challenges for Vance should he secure the nomination.
Call for Party Unity
At the recent Turning Point USA conference, Vance emphasized the importance of party unity, addressing the ongoing internal conflicts over issues of racism and antisemitism. “Every American is invited,” he affirmed, advocating for a more inclusive party culture. Yet, his comments have drawn scrutiny for potentially appearing to tolerate bigotry.
Addressing Personal Attacks
Vance has faced personal attacks, particularly from far-right commentator Nick Fuentes, who has made derogatory remarks about Vance’s family. Responding firmly, Vance stated, “Anyone who attacks my wife can eat s—,” underlining his expectation of respect for his family.
Trump’s Position on Third-Term Bid
Amid these developments, speculation surrounding President Trump’s future continues. Despite some supporters advocating for his third-term candidacy, Trump himself recognizes the constitutional limits that prevent him from running again. Steve Bannon, a prominent Trump’s strategist, has expressed skepticism toward Vance’s leadership capabilities, suggesting stronger candidates are needed.
| Key Statistics | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Support for Vance at Turning Point USA Conference | 84 |
| Vance’s Support Among Republicans (CNN Poll) | 22 |
| Republicans Approving Vance’s Job Performance (Gallup Poll) | 91 |
| Positive View Across All Americans | 39 |
The political landscape is shaping up as potential candidates evaluate their prospects in anticipation of the upcoming primaries. Vance’s path to the nomination remains dynamic in a field that shows signs of volatility.
