All eyes on Vance: US vice president’s speech fuels talk of a post-Trump GOP

With midterm elections looming, the Republican Party is working to mobilize its supporters, promising a brighter future and touting economic relief. But what stood out most at the party’s gathering in Dallas this time was Vice President JD Vance’s speech, Reuters reported.

Addressing 20,000 members of the MAGA movement, Vance framed Republicans as the voice of common sense, leading many observers to view his remarks as more of a presidential nominating speech than a typical midterm rally.

The 42-year-old vice president fed off an energized crowd, some of whom broke into chants of «48, 48,» referring to the possibility of Vance becoming the nation’s 48th president. Vance, however, downplayed the talk, steering attention back to the more immediate task of winning November’s midterm elections.

Still, the moment underscored how Republicans are increasingly looking past Trump — who is barred from seeking a third term — toward the party’s next generation of leadership, with Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio frequently mentioned as top contenders.