Vance Addresses Conservative Movement Direction at Turning Point USA Convention

Introduction to Vance's Stance

At the annual Turning Point USA convention in Phoenix, Vice President JD Vance stated on Sunday that the conservative movement should be open to all individuals who "love America." These remarks were made amidst ongoing discussions within the Republican Party regarding the inclusion of figures associated with antisemitic views. Vance expressed opposition to "purity tests" for conservatives, stating, "I didn't bring a list of conservatives to denounce or to de-platform."

Internal Party Debates and Views

The convention featured internal debates concerning the movement's stance on figures such as podcaster Nick Fuentes. Ben Shapiro, co-founder of the conservative media outlet Daily Wire, used his speech to criticize what he termed "charlatans who claim to speak in the name of principle but actually traffic in conspiracism and dishonesty." Shapiro specifically mentioned Tucker Carlson for having interviewed Fuentes.

Tucker Carlson, speaking later, dismissed the criticism, stating that the idea of a Republican "civil war" was "totally fake." Carlson characterized Vance as representing the "America first" principle of the Trump coalition, suggesting, "There are people who are mad at JD Vance, and they're stirring up a lot of this in order to make sure he doesn't get the nomination." Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point, described the internal disagreements as a healthy discussion about the movement's future, stating on social media, "We're not hive-minded commies. Let it play out."

Vance's Articulation of Movement Boundaries and National Identity

Vance acknowledged the controversies present at the conference. He did not define any boundaries for the conservative movement beyond patriotism, stating, "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 also commented, "We have far more important work to do than canceling each other."

Vance highlighted efforts by the administration, citing work on border issues and the economy. He also addressed diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, stating they had been "relegated to the dustbin of history." Additionally, Vance remarked, "In the United States of America, you don't have to apologize for being white anymore," and asserted that the U.S. "always will be a Christian nation," describing Christianity as "America's creed, the shared moral language from the Revolution to the Civil War and beyond." These comments garnered a positive reaction from attendees, including 18-year-old Isaiah White-Diller.

Support for Vance's Political Future

Erika Kirk, leader of Turning Point USA, endorsed Vance as a potential future presidential candidate, expressing the organization's desire to see him "elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible." Turning Point USA operates a nationwide volunteer network. Rapper Nicki Minaj also made an appearance, speaking in support of former President Donald Trump and Vance.

Former President Donald Trump has previously indicated Vance as a potential successor. When asked in August if Vance was the "heir apparent," Trump responded "most likely," adding, "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."