Vance Deflects 2028 Chants at GOP Dallas Convention

DALLAS - Vice President JD Vance delivered a combative keynote Thursday at the Republican National Committee's midterm convention at the American Airlines Center, urging party unity ahead of the November elections while deflecting chants that pointed toward a possible 2028 presidential run. Crowds repeatedly interrupted Vance with chants of "48" and "JD," a reference to his potential succession of President Donald Trump as the 48th president. Vance paused, smiled, and redirected the energy toward the fall elections. "We've got to take care of business this November," he said. "Then we'll worry about what comes next." Vance assailed Democrats as "the party of hatred," arguing they had drifted far from the party of past leaders, and urged Republicans not to abandon the administration over individual policy disagreements. He also paid tribute to Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist assassinated a year ago, and made a direct appeal to young men and independents who remain undecided. When a protester waving a Mexican flag interrupted the speech, Vance's retort drew extended cheers from the crowd.