US Vice President JD Vance took the spotlight at the Republican National Midterm Convention in Dallas, delivering a nationalist speech that strengthened speculation about his prospects for the 2028 presidential race. With Donald Trump constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, Vance is widely viewed as a leading contender, although Trump has not endorsed a successor. The convention remained heavily focused on Trump with Republicans attacking Democrats over immigration, crime and cultural issues while seeking to energise voters ahead of the November midterms. Some supporters chanted “48, 48,” signalling hopes that Vance could become the 48th US president, though he urged Republicans to focus first on winning the midterm elections. Vance also avoided directly distancing himself from Trump’s war against Iran, despite his earlier anti-interventionist stance. The conflict’s economic impact, particularly rising fuel costs, has become a growing political concern. The convention highlighted both Vance’s growing prominence within the Republican Party and the continuing dominance of Trump’s influence over the movement.
