J.D. Vance gave the keynote address on Thursday, the second and final night of the Republicans' first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, and 
Donald Trump followed him to close the event. The gathering was aimed at mobilizing voters for November elections that will decide who controls Congress for Trump's last two years in office, with Republican majorities in both chambers at risk, PBS NewsHour reported.
What did the vice president tell the crowd? In what PBS NewsHour reported was searing criticism of Democrats, Vance called them "the party of hatred" and urged Republicans to stay united despite rifts over Trump's war in Iran and other issues. "Don't give the country over to a bunch of crazy people because you happen to disagree with us on a policy issue here or there," he said. When a protester with a Mexican flag interrupted, he won an extended roar of approval by replying, "Well, my friend, if you love Mexico so much, get your a— over there. I'll buy you a plane ticket." In remarks that The Hill reported were made in the Democratic Senate candidate's own backyard, Vance also took aim at James Talarico, a state lawmaker running against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to replace Republican Sen. John Cornyn.
How did the 2028 question surface? Chants of "48," a reference to the next president, interrupted the keynote, and Vance paused briefly before cutting them off. "We've got to take care of business this November," he said. "Then we'll worry about what comes next." Vance is widely expected to seek the 2028 Republican nomination but has not said whether he will run, and Trump talked him up afterwards as a "very talented guy" who "did a very good job," PBS NewsHour reported. Attendees interviewed in Dallas showed no clear consensus on a favored 2028 candidate, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also on wish lists.
How did the president close the night? Trump returned to the stage after Vance to round off the convention, asking the crowd, "You know what happens if you don't vote?" before answering, "You go to hell," the BBC reported. His closing remarks offered little commentary from the stage on his vice president's high-profile appearance and instead implored supporters to vote Republican on Nov. 3, which the Japan Times reported was the declared purpose of the first-of-its-kind convention. The night ended with a balloon drop.
Figures referenced: J.D. Vance, Donald Trump. — JudgeMarket.
