Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin gave a rousing speech at the Republican convention on Monday comparing his rapid political rise to former president Donald Trump as wealthy businessmen and political outsiders.
Youngkin spoke on the first night of the Republican convention from Milwaukee, and portrayed the prospect of a second Trump term as a reason for hope and inspiration, in contrast to economic hardships under President Joe Biden.
“Tonight, America the land of opportunity just doesn’t feel like that anymore,” Youngkin said of the Biden administration’s economy.
Youngkin kept Trump at arms length during his successful run for governor in 2022, elevating the parental-rights issue and overzealous Covid lockdown policies without embracing rhetorical extremes. But on Monday night he enthusiastically embraced the former president.
“Eight years ago there was an outsider. A businessman who stepped out of his career to rebuild a great nation with the strongest economy, the mightiest military, energy independence, unlimited opportunity lifting up every American. That outsider businessman was Donald J. Trump, and he will do it again!” Youngkin declared, in a much louder and more assertive tone of voice than is typical for the reserved governor.
Youngkin recalled the moment when he told his wife of his plans to leave the business world to run for governor, and compared his upset victory to Trump’s.
“I believe this year Virginia will elect another Republican outside businessman as president of the United States. President Trump proved that common sense conservative leadership works. It works for America, and we’re proving it in Virginia too,” Youngkin said.
Polls have shown Trump within striking distance in Virginia, a contrast from four years ago when Biden won the state easily, according to the RealClearPolitics state polling average. Youngkin’s approval rating, 53 percent, is 20 points higher than Biden’s among Virginians, a Roanoke College poll taken in February measured.
Youngkin went on to tout his record of tax cuts, deregulation, support for law enforcement, a pro-business economy, and governance on behalf of parents, a central aspect of Youngkin’s political rise. Afterwards, Youngkin celebrated Trump’s economic record and gave an optimistic vision of the country if Trump wins another term.
“My fellow Americans, the spirit of hope is spreading. Everyone can feel it, and it will sweep across this nation when we elect Donald J. Trump the 47th president of the United States,” Youngkin concluded.
Earlier today, Trump officially became the Republican presidential nominee for the third time when each state delegation awarded their delegates. Trump selected Senator J.D. Vance (R., Ohio) to be his running mate, likely making Vance the political and ideological heir to Trump.
In the wake of the assassination attempt against Trump, many convention speakers have thanked God for Trump’s survival and brought forward a message of unity.
Most of the speakers have sharply criticized Joe Biden’s presidential leadership and his handling of the economy, illegal immigration, and foreign policy.