By Ray Cardello for May 1, 2025, Season 32 / Post 1

The role of the vice president has changed over the decades. In the twentieth century, the VP was usually someone who could bring the support of a particular region but, more importantly, shared the president’s vision. It was generally assumed that most presidents would serve two terms, and the VP was the apparent successor to the Oval Office. There were exceptions like JFK and LBJ. Johnson was brought on solely to deliver Texas. Kennedy and Johnson did not like each other, and if Kennedy had not been assassinated, Johnson probably would have run against Kennedy in ’64. It did not always work out for the VP. You just have to ask Al Gore about hanging chads, though he will probably tell you they lead to global warming.

Things have not worked so well for VPs in the last 25 years. There have only been two conventional two-term presidents; the only VP to reach the White House is Joe Biden, and that is open for debate by many. Unfortunately for Joe, he does not remember his term. JD Vance is poised to chart a new course for VPs. First of all, Trump is not treating Vance as a ceremonial piece to attend state funerals abroad. Vance is involved, front and center, in every move by Trump. He has already made major policy speeches at home and overseas and has come across presidential in every venue. Vance is that rare combination of a likable down-home kid and an Ivy League scholar who can relate to anyone. Throw in some military experience, and you have a formidable package. Vance is used to the fast track. He graduated high school and went right into the Marines. He got his degree from “The” Ohio State in three years, then went to Yale to get married. Oh yeah, and a law degree, too. Vance was only in the first year of his first term as senator from Ohio when Trump tapped him as his running mate. Vance is considered by many to be the frontrunner and person to beat in 2028.

Vance is getting a unique view of the presidency as he is being groomed by the most unconventional president of our lifetime. He is showing that he has the backbone to stand with Donald Trump and survive every attack from the Democrats. With his proven intelligence, poise, and drive, Vance will be ready to take the reins should he be elected the 48th president of the United States and be prepared to perform on January 20, 2029.

That date seems so far away, but not in politics, especially presidential politics. Trump and Vance are on the clock with two years to get as much of their agenda in place as possible. The midterms in 2026 will be challenging, and if Republicans lose the House, which is highly probable, the 2028 election starts then. The Democrats are ugly, angry, and ready to pounce on Trump if they gain the House. It will be non-stop impeachment act 2. Nothing will get done, and all attention will be on Vance stepping up. Nothing in this young patriot’s history indicates he will not succeed. I am as excited about a Vance presidency as I am about Trump’s. Let’s get him ready to take his place behind the resolute desk. Heck, it will even be nice to have a beard back in the Oval again. The last beard was Benjamin Harrison in 1893. Vance does not need a beard to prove his manhood. He has been a man’s man since he was forced to grow up young as a hillbilly kid raised in Eastern Kentucky in the 80’s.