Alabama Trump delegate pleasantly surprised by Vance selection for Vice President

On Monday, former President Donald J. Trump (R) announced this his running mate would be freshman U.S. Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio). The decision has been widely applauded by Republicans.

The Alabama Gazette spoke with Logan Glass – an Alabama delegate to the convention and the youngest delegate there about the choice at age 22.

"I was shocked," said Glass. "I did not have him in my top three or even top five," speaking of Vance.

"I am pleasantly surprised with the pick," Glass said. "Vance will be a bridge to a new generation of leadership for the Republican Party."

Vance was born in the Appalachian Mountains area of southeast Kentucky. He was raised by his working class grandparents in Middleton, Ohio. He joined the Marines out of high school where he served as a reporter, went to Yale Law School, became rich through venture capital, was elected to the Senate in a hard-fought race that required the full financial resources of Senate Republicans in 2022. He is married to Indian American trial lawyer and fellow Yale Law School graduate Usha Chilukuri Vance. They have three children and live in Cincinnati. He wrote his autobiography 'Hillbilly Elegy' in 2016. Vance is 39.

Glass was optimistic that Trump and Vance can grow the Republican Party.

"The broad dissatisfaction with Joe Biden gives us a real opportunity to grow the map in our favor and Republican Party into a true big tent party," Glass said.

Glass said that the world has gotten more dangerous under Joe Biden

"I believe in peace through strength," Glass said. "The world is safer when America is stronger."

Glass expressed his concerns that Biden's perceived weakness has emboldened America's enemies and brought the world to possibly the brink of World War III.

"He has emboldened Iran. The Taliban control all of Afghanistan. How long is it before China lands troops in Taiwan? Or Russia invades someone other than Ukraine? Or Turkey attacks Greece?"

Glass said that he is enjoying his time in Milwaukee.

"The city is beautiful and the people are real friendly," Glass said. "I have really enjoyed my time here surrounded by fellow Republicans from all over the country."

Glass is an enthusiastic Trump supporter and is eager to see Trump return to the White House in January.

Glass is a native of rural Chandler Mountain in St. Clair County. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of North Alabama in May and is currently working on a master's degree from Jacksonville State University. He is the former vice chair of the St. Clair County Republican Party. Is the founding Chairman of the St. Clair County Young Republicans and serves on the Alabama State Republican Executive Committee. He is a former insurance agent and currently works as an executive assistant for Jefferson County Tax Collector Johnny Curry in the Bessemer Cutoff Division.

The Republican National Convention is closed to all but delegates, politicians, media members and volunteers. The convention will conclude on Thursday with President Trump giving his speech that evening. Security has been tightened after the assassination attempt on President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday. A bandaged Trump received a hero's welcome when he arrived at the convention on Monday.

Trump won Wisconsin in 2016; but lost it narrowly to Biden in 2020. Winning the swing state is critical for winning the presidency. Polling has Trump with a growing lead on current President Joseph R. Biden (D) in both the popular vote nationally and in the battleground states. Republicans are hopeful that they can get a boost of support following the convention.

The Democratic National Convention is in August in Chicago. Some on the far left of the party are openly plotting to overthrow Joe Biden at the convention. He has rejected their calls to stand down as the Democratic nominee.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com