August 31, 2024

Is this what passes for a profile in courage in the Republican Party today?

In an interview with NBC News, Sen. J.D. Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, said he believed Trump would veto a federal abortion ban.

Should we trust vague language like this from Vance? It’s easy to say he believes Trump would veto a ban. Any Trump Republican loyalist who believes in a woman’s right to make this very personal and often crucial health decision may talk themselves into believing this. But shouldn't Vance, Trump’s chosen second in command, be capable of speaking on this important issue with full confidence?

"Mr. Vance,” the NBC interview goes on, “also equivocated when asked repeatedly whether the mass deportations of undocumented migrants Mr. Trump has called for would involve separating families."

Vance’s slippery dodging of this straight-forward question on a policy leading inevitably to brutal personal tragedy tells us something important about the Trump ticket. It refuses to speak forthrightly, with conviction and honesty.

Voters shouldn't expect less from the candidates, Republican or Democrat.

— Gary Daily,