- It is tantamount to an understatement that the global community will be glued to anything and everything emerging out of the most powerful nation in the world, the United States of America. Little wonder, the election campaign last year for the election of President and Vice President drew attention worldwide, anticipating the outcome that would be instrumental in deciding which way the world’s economy would progress. The bruising campaign leading up to the Presidential election needs no further elaboration. Suffice it to mention that it was not only bruising, but vitriolic, and interspersed with often below-the-belt innuendos and personal attacks that were cringeworthy most often. But who cares what the politicians indulge in their pursuit of power?
PC: The Economic Times
- Elections over, the world is witnessing the turmoil with the tariff war taking root as promised by the maverick Donald Trump. One of the most fascinating aspects of the American election is the role essayed by the Vice President, who is expected to play mostly a ceremonial role, duly supporting the President in the discharge of responsibilities, having limited powers/role to position himself/herself in the bargain. Of course, the VP will step in when something unforeseen happens to the President, but how often that occurs is a question best left unanswered. However, people closely following the fortunes of the political churning in the USA would have noticed how VP JD Vance is steadily carving out a niche in his limited role domestically/internationally.
PC: The Indian Express
- The most significant outcome since the USA’s election is how VP Vance has ensured the spotlight stays on him, highlighting his inherent political cleverness. It’s worth recalling how the increasingly confident Vance has emerged from near obscurity into the limelight in a very short political span. Vance has confessed that he didn’t know one needed to wear a suit for a job interview, and to being unsympathetic to the suitless nine years after working as a venture capitalist and senator. From Never Trumper to staunchly pro-Trump, Vance has come a long way in a short span. Smart that he is, Vance won’t be caught describing Trump as an idiot and reprehensible now. That’s some progress indeed. You must know how to butter the right side of bread.
PC: Sky News
- Where he was considered pragmatic and thoughtful as a senator, he seemed comfortable playing Trump’s wingman and attack dog. Note how he berated the EU at the Munich Security Conference in Feb, shouted at Zelenskyy in the White House, and flew uninvited to Greenland to press Trump’s territorial claim on the island. What’s unusual about Vance, besides the pugnacity, is that he gets so much spotlight. Why isn’t Vance a backroom boy like his predecessors? Vance is ambitious, has age on his side, and is astute. Astoundingly, Vance is just four years old as a politician, and he will only strengthen his position in the years ahead. Notably, Trump has given him free rein. Hence, the visits to places, including India. Watch out for how Vance emerges in the years ahead.
