Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a stirring closing speech at Turning Point USA’s four-day convention, insisting that the conservative movement should welcome anyone who “love America” and refusing to condemn the growing antisemitic backlash that has rattled the GOP.
Vance’s Call for Unity
During the convention’s final remarks, Vance said, “If you love America, you’re welcome in the movement,” and added, “We don’t care if you’re white or black, rich or poor, young or old, rural or urban, controversial or a little bit boring, or somewhere in between.” He emphasized that the movement has no boundaries beyond patriotism, saying, “We have far more important work to do than canceling each other.”
Debate Over Antisemitism and Ideological Purity
The gathering was marked by heated exchanges over whether the GOP should allow commentators with antisemitic views, such as Nick Fuentes and Candace Owens, to speak. Ben Shapiro denounced the presence of such figures, saying, “These people are frauds and they are grifters and they do not deserve your time,” Shapiro said. He specifically criticized Tucker Carlson for hosting Fuentes on his podcast. Carlson responded on stage, calling the idea of a Republican “civil war” “totally fake” and describing Vance as “the one person who subscribes to the core idea of the Trump coalition, which is America first.”
Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Kolvet framed the discord as a healthy debate, writing on social media, “We’re not hive-minded commies… Let it play out.”
Turning Point’s Endorsement and the Path Forward
Turning Point leader Erika Kirk, who took the helm after the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, has endorsed Vance as a potential successor to President Donald Trump. Kirk said Thursday that Turning Point wanted Vance “elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible.” The organization’s nationwide volunteer network could prove vital in early primary states.
Vance highlighted his administration’s achievements as it approaches its one-year mark, noting border and economic efforts. He applauded the removal of diversity, equity and inclusion policies, saying they had been relegated to the “dustbin of history.” He added, “In the United States of America, you don’t have to apologize for being white anymore.” Vance also stated, “The U.S. always will be a Christian nation,” and added, “Christianity is America’s creed, the shared moral language from the Revolution to the Civil War and beyond.”
Reactions from the Grassroots and the Party
The comments resonated with Isaiah White-Diller, an 18-year-old from Yuma, Arizona, who said he would support Vance if he runs for president. “I have my right to be Christian here, I have my right to say whatever I want,” White-Diller said.
Emily Meck, 18, from Pine City, New York, praised Vance’s inclusive stance, saying, “We are free-thinkers, we’re going to have these disagreements, we’re going to have our own thoughts,” Meck said.
Trump has spoken highly of both Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors, even suggesting they could form a future Republican ticket. Asked in August whether Vance was the “heir apparent,” Trump replied, “most likely.” He added, “It’s too early, obviously, to talk about it, but certainly he’s doing a great job, and he would be probably favorite at this point,” he said.
Key Takeaways
- Vice President Vance urged conservatives to welcome anyone who loves America, rejecting strict purity tests.
- The convention highlighted a split over antisemitic voices, with Shapiro and Carlson taking opposing views.
- Turning Point’s endorsement of Vance signals a push to keep the Trump-aligned coalition intact.
The convention underscored the challenges the GOP faces as it navigates internal divisions and seeks a path forward beyond Donald Trump’s era.
