Will Trump Actually Hand the GOP to JD Vance?

Daily Wire managing editor Dylan Housman joined Tim Rice on the "Behind the Story" podcast to discuss Housman's recent column, "Since When Has a Little Anointing Ever Hurt Anyone?" The conversation delved into the rise of JD Vance, the nature of political criticism within the Republican Party, and the potential pitfalls of the party's current approach to internal dissent and future leadership.

Housman's column, subtitled "A Lot of Times, Actually," explores the increasing attention on JD Vance, particularly since the Iran negotiation situation a couple of months ago. Vance, who is currently Vice President, has been in the spotlight due to his role in these negotiations, the release of his book, and a subsequent media tour. Housman noted that Vance's statements on foreign policy, Israel, economics, and religion, as articulated in his book and public comments, began to draw criticism from some Republicans and conservatives. This led to a "small online DC-based cadre" within the Republican Party expressing critical views of Vance. In response, Vance's allies in the media and political operatives aggressively pushed back, attempting to shut down what they perceived as the "beginnings of a rebellion."

The Inevitability of JD Vance?

Housman's central thesis is that JD Vance is "almost certainly" going to be the 2028 Republican nominee. While not putting it at 100%, he believes it's "overwhelmingly likely," a sentiment he thinks even those who like or dislike Vance would largely agree on. Given this perceived inevitability, Housman questions the aggressive suppression of criticism. He observes that when people voice concerns about Vance's positions on issues like "common good economics," the Iran MOU, or even his views on figures like Tucker Carlson, the response from Vance's defenders is not to address the substance of the criticism. Instead, it's to dismiss it with the argument: "You need to shut up because he's going to be the nominee." This approach, Housman argues, treats Vance's nomination as an "inevitable, 100% certainty."

Rice highlighted that this disdain for any challenge to Vance is reminiscent of past political apparatuses attempting to foist a candidate on their party without an open challenge process, citing Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris as examples. He then pressed Housman on the importance of allowing this "little anointing" process to occur, even if Vance's nomination seems highly probable.