JD Vance's behaviour as political gamble and opportunism

Timothy Snyder argues that Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign is driven by his desire to die in office rather than face legal consequences, framing his candidacy as a "mortality play." J.D. Vance's vice-presidential bid hinges on the prospect of Trump's death, positioning Vance for potential political gain. Snyder highlights Vance's past criticisms of Trump, which undermine his current support, and notes Vance's alignment with tech billionaires and foreign endorsements. In contrast, Kamala Harris's campaign represents stability and cooperative governance, offering a stark difference from the chaotic Trump-Vance ticket.
 

Timothy Snyder's analysis delves into the underlying motives and potential consequences of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, mainly focusing on Donald Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance. Snyder argues that Trump's campaign is driven by a desire to die in office rather than face legal repercussions, akin to leaders like Putin and Xi. This ambition frames Trump's bid for the presidency as a "mortality play," emphasizing his wish to avoid dying in jail and potentially setting a dangerous precedent for future leaders.

Snyder points out that Vance's decision to join Trump's ticket is influenced by the potential for political gain upon Trump's demise. Unlike other potential vice-presidential candidates who can imagine future presidential runs, Vance's prospects hinge on Trump's death, which he views as a plausible scenario given Trump's age and health.

The text highlights Vance's past criticisms of Trump, which undermine his current support. His previous statements, where he called Trump an "idiot" and likened him to "America's Hitler," are hard to overlook and weaken his credibility among voters. Moreover, Vance's policy positions and alignment with tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel indicate a shift towards a tech-centric influence within the GOP. These associations and endorsements from foreign entities like the Kremlin underscore a complex web of domestic and international influences on the Republican ticket.

Snyder contrasts the volatile nature of the Trump-Vance ticket with Kamala Harris's more traditional and stable campaign. He suggests Harris's campaign offers a return to normalcy, characterized by cooperative governance and constructive competition for the vice-presidential slot. This stark juxtaposition underscores the intense and chaotic dynamics of the Trump-Vance campaign against the backdrop of Harris's more optimistic and collaborative political vision, intensifying the sense of political competition.

Ultimately, Snyder's analysis underscores the high stakes and potential risks associated with Trump and Vance's political ambitions, painting a picture of a GOP ticket fraught with internal contradictions and external pressures.
 
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