Vance calls Democrats 'party of hatred' as he seizes MAGA spotlight

US Vice President JD Vance attacked the Democratic Party Thursday at the Republican convention, calling them the "party of hatred" as he positioned himself as a potential successor to President Donald Trump. The address marked a major moment on day two of the gathering ahead of November's midterm elections.

Vance, 42, took the stage at the American Airlines Center in Dallas to loud applause and chants from the crowd. In his prime-time speech, he leveled sharp criticism at Democratic candidates and policies, framing them as threats to American values and individual freedoms.

"This fall, the Democrats are running candidates who will tell your children what they're allowed to say, how they're allowed to live, and, importantly, who they ought to hate. The Democrats are the party of hatred. They're the party that despises America and the people who built it."

Trump followed Vance onto the stage, praising his vice president's performance and reprising familiar campaign themes. He attacked what he called the "radical left" and positioned himself as central to the Republican midterm strategy, despite not being on the ballot.

Trump repeated a promise made earlier in the convention week to provide every American adult a $5,000 "Trump dividend" if Republicans hold both chambers of Congress. He also said he was becoming "tired of politics," though he continued to advance partisan messaging to supporters.

Electoral Headwinds for Republicans

Republicans enter the midterm cycle facing significant electoral challenges. Decision Desk HQ, a US election tracking site, projects that Democrats will capture the House with a 229-206 advantage, while the Senate remains evenly divided at 50-50.

Trump's personal approval rating has remained in the low-to-mid 30s throughout the year, weighed down by persistent inflation and an unpopular military conflict with Iran. These conditions underscore the party's urgency in mobilizing voters and framing the election around party identity and values rather than economic or foreign policy achievements.