Vance pivots from Trump to build his own 2028 brand after midterm rout

Vice President JD Vance is shifting his political strategy after Republicans lost control of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections, focusing less on President Donald Trump and more on his own policy identity. He is positioning himself as a potential 2028 presidential contender. Vance's pivot included a public post blaming the Iran war for the Republican defeat and calling for a swift end to the conflict, a stance that puts him at odds with Trump's defense of the war. He also urged Republicans to focus on affordability and reevaluate foreign relations, marking a deliberate effort to build his own brand. The vice president's move has elevated him as a possible post-Trump conservative leader, though Democrats plan to tie him to Trump in future elections. Vance's campaign efforts were not entirely successful, as Republicans lost races in states where he campaigned.