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Odinga re-affirmed his position on the sustained pressure demanding for Ruto’s resignation during a meeting with Members of Parliament from his ODM Party on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

The former Prime Minister said that hounding President Ruto out of office would be useless as it would mean Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua assuming power and continue with the same policies.

Odinga reasoned that forcing Ruto out would even possibly worsen the situation, plunging the country into turmoil if the military was for example allowed to take over, a replica of what befell Egypt a few years ago.

'It’s at times of crisis like this that a country needs to talk. We are not doing it to save Ruto. We are doing it to save Kenya. Generals don’t have teargas. They don’t have water cannons. They have bullets,' he pointed out.

Odinga’s firm stance on the ongoing protests demanding Ruto’s resignation comes amid reports of growing rift among high-ranking officials in his coalition including former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and former Justice Minister Martha Karua.

Musyoka and Karua appear to harbour a hard-line position on increasing calls for President Ruto to exit office, insisting that the Head of State had failed to address the plight of Kenyans including the high cost of living that has pushed the prices of basic commodities through the roof.

The rift in the opposition coalition became apparent when rowdy youths forced Musyoka to cut short his speech during the ODM Parliamentary group meeting on Wednesday.

Musyoka’s address was disrupted shortly after he began reading a statement deemed to contradict Odinga’s position on the ongoing protests. Odinga had excused himself to attend to other engagements.

Later senior members of Odinga’s ODM party accused Musyoka of trying to paint Odinga as a traitor while simultaneously collaborating with Ruto’s deputy to undermine the Head of State.

'We must identify what works for us as ODM. We are the bigger party in Azimio and we cannot be bullied,' Hassan Joho, a former governor and high-ranking official in the ODM party stated.

John Mbadi, the national chairperson of the Odinga party, also fired at Kalonzo, saying some of the opposition coalition partners were being dishonest.

'This country must talk. Our partners in Azimio are dishonest. We have children and we have a country to save for them,' Mbadi said.

Odinga, who commands a huge following in Kenyan politics, is gunning for the position of chairperson of the African Union Commission after five unsuccessful attempts at the presidency.

His calls for dialogue to resolve the standoff between the young people and the government are seen by critics as self-centred, given his hard stance against Ruto’s administration in the past.

The Kenyan government has already endorsed Odinga’s attempt for the continental job at AU and is expected to lobby support for him ahead of elections scheduled for February 2025.

Deadly protests

There are growing concerns over the youth-led protests in Kenya, which turned violent in recent weeks, with the government insisting that what were otherwise peaceful demonstrations were infiltrated by goons keen to cause mayhem.

According to the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC), the protests have so far claimed 50 lives. At least 20 of the victims were shot dead when angry protesters stormed Parliament buildings in Nairobi shortly after the passing of the Finance Bill on June 25 2024.

The protests forced President Ruto to make several changes in his modus operandi including the withdrawal of the controversial bill and recently firing his entire Cabinet.

President Ruto also scrapped the operational budgets for the Office of the First Lady and that of the Deputy President’s wife.

However, despite these changes, Kenyans returned to the streets on Tuesday, demanding for the President’s resignation.

Odinga re-affirmed his position on the sustained pressure demanding for Ruto’s resignation during a meeting with Members of Parliament from his ODM Party on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/uncertainty-in-kenya-s-opposition-as-odinga-rejects-ruto-resignation-drive

His closest rival, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, managed only 0.50 per cent of the vote, and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana trailed with 0.32 per cent.

While releasing the results on Thursday, July 18, NEC Chairperson Oda Gasinzigwa said that RPF and its coalition allies secured majority votes (68.83 per cent) in the July 15 parliamentary general elections.

The Liberal Party (PL) secured 8.66 per cent of the votes, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) got 8.62 per cent while the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda got 4.56 per cent of the total votes.

The Ideal Democratic Party (PDI) and PS-Imberakuri secured 4.61 per cent 4.51 per cent respectively.

Janvier Nsengimana, the only contestant who ran as an independent got only 0.21 per cent of the total votes.

The national constitution specifies that a candidate or political party which fails to get at least 5 per cent of the vote is not eligible to get a seat in the Chamber of Deputies.

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has released provisional results of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections held early this week with President-elect Paul Kagame leading the race with an overwhelming 99.18 per cent of the vote.

President-elect Paul Kagame is leading the race with an overwhelming 99.18 per cent of the vote.

Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/provisional-results-kagame-in-the-lead-as-rpf-retains-majority-in-parliament

The King expressed his warm congratulations on the Rwandan people’s renewed trust in Kagame’s competences and ability to lead the country towards further achievements, progress and prosperity.

'I take this opportunity to reaffirm my determination to continue working with the President of the Republic of Rwanda to strengthen the fraternal relations rooted in mutual esteem between the two countries,' he said in a statement.

'I commit to reinforce the fruitful Moroccan-Rwandan cooperation, serving both people’s shared interests and promoting integration and solidarity between African countries,' he added.

In the same spirit, Uganda’s Museveni posted his congratulatory message to Kagame on his X handle.

'Your re-election is a testament to the trust and confidence the people of Rwanda have in your leadership,' he said.

'Uganda recognizes Rwanda as a strategic ally with a shared vision of peace and prosperity. I look forward to collaborating with you for the benefit of our nations and the East African Community,' he added.

Rwanda enjoys cordial relations with both Morocco and Uganda in various sectors.

Simillary, in a message posted on X, the Government of Somaliland also reacted to Kagame’s re-election by conveying sincere congratulations.

'President Kagame’s steadfast leadership continues to inspire us. We express willingness to strengthen Somaliland’s relations with Rwanda given our shared history,' the message read.

Other distinguished leaders who have so far sent their congratulations include Presidents William Samoei Ruto of Kenya, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique, Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar’s Andry Rajoelina and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed.

Rwandans went to the polls on Sunday July 14, Monday July 15 and Tuesday July 16, 2024, following a three-week campaign period.

Partial results announced on Thursday by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) put RPF Inkotanyi candidate Paul Kagame in the lead with 99.18% of the votes, while Dr. Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana managed 0.50% and 0.32%, respectively.

The final results are expected to be announced by July 27, 2024.

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has joined other leaders in sending congratulatory messages to President Paul Kagame.

Uganda’s Museveni posted his congratulatory message to Kagame on his X handle.

Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/more-leaders-congratulate-kagame-on-re-election

'The United States welcomes a 15-day extension of the humanitarian truce committed to by the parties to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]. This extension will be in effect until 11:59 pm local time on August 3 and recommits the parties to the conflict to silence their weapons and provide humanitarian personnel unfettered access to vulnerable populations,' reads a statement released by the Spokesperson of White House National Security Council, Adrienne Watson.

'In support of the Luanda Process, we commit to working with the Governments of the DRC, Rwanda, and Angola to use this truce extension to outline a series of steps to reach a durable cessation of hostilities and set conditions for the voluntary return of displaced populations,' he added.

The US has previously concurred that, based on discussions held by Intelligence Chiefs of Rwanda and the DRC in November 2023, FARDC and M23 had agreed to a one-week ceasefire.

This ceasefire, which began on July 5, was originally scheduled to end on July 19, 2024.

Its main aim of the ceasefire was to facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians displaced by the conflict. Despite the agreement, there have been reports of ceasefire violations from either warring faction.

On July 14, 2024, M23 spokesperson Lt Col Willy Ngoma announced that a coalition of the DRC government and some affiliated rebel groups had launched an attack on their territories in Kirumbi and Kanyabayonga.

On the other hand, FARDC spokesperson in North Kivu, Lt Col Ndjike Kaiko Guillaume, accused M23 rebels of attacking them in parts of Nyange and Mpati, in the western part of Kitshanga, Masisi territory on July 10, 2024.

The United States has repeatedly warned against potential violations and recommended regional mechanisms as key to pacifying Eastern DRC.

The Spokesperson of White House National Security Council, Adrienne Watson has confirmed the extension of truce between M23 and FARDC.

Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/us-welcomes-extension-of-truce-between-m23-rebels-and-fardc

A Kenyan-owned US fine-dining restaurant that landed itself in the soup for allegedly stealing and swallowing up wages and tips from workers in breach of Washington DC labour laws has agreed to scoop itself from the frying pan by coughing up $527,000 in penalties.

Swahili Village, an eatery famed for its fine African cuisine, and has had the honour of hosting President William Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta for meals, on Tuesday agreed to pay the amount in an out-of-court settlement of a lawsuit filed by District of Columbia Attorney-General Brian Schwalb in 2023.

Its Kenyan founder Kevin Onyona and his Chief Operating Officer Emad Shoeb found themselves in hot water after investigations by Mr Schwalb's office found that they (allegedly) 'systematically stole wages and tips from servers, hosts, food runners, bussers, and bartenders and violated multiple DC labour laws.'

The restaurant, according to the investigators, 'rampantly and systematically violated the city's tipped minimum wage law and other worker protections,' and turned some its workers into 'chattel slaves'.

The defendants, who sometimes refer to the restaurant as 'The Consulate' because of its proximity to Embassy Row in Washington, denied any wrongdoing in their response to the attorney-general's lawsuit.

Under the terms of the settlement registered at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Swahili Village DC and Mr Onyona are required to pay more than $260,000 to 72 restaurant workers, fund the process to distribute worker restitution to the tune of and pay $197,614 in penalties to the District of Columbia.

The restaurant founded in 2016 is also required to change its practices to comply with district wage and hour laws and provide reports of compliance to the attorney-general for three straight years.

'It is unacceptable and illegal for businesses to steal from their hardworking employees, depriving them of the full benefits they have earned and are legally entitled to,' said Mr Schwalb.

'Employers that do so are not only exploiting their workers but are gaining an unfair advantage over their competitors who play by the rules.'

As part of the settlement, Swahili Village and Onyona, a self-taught chef, will also pay a claims administrator chosen by the DC authorities whose responsibilities will be to distribute the owed money to the affected employees.

'Within 30 days of the creation of this account, Swahili Village and Onyona will deposit an initial lump sum payment in the total amount of $138,170.77 into the worker share account. Within five days of the deposit, Swahili Village and Onyona shall provide the district with proof of the lump payment,' the settlement reads in part.

'Swahili Village and Onyona will make 11 monthly deposits into the Account as follows: On or before the 5th day of each month for 10 months following the lump payment, Swahili Village will deposit the total amount of $16,904.46 into the account.'

'On or before the 5th day of the month following the final monthly payment, Swahili Village and Onyona will deposit the total amount of $22,142.93 into the worker share account— bringing the deposits into the account in the total amount of $329,358.30, at which point the Worker Share Account will be considered fully funded.'

Mr Schwalb described the settlement as 'a significant win for dozens of Swahili Village workers who were mistreated and continues our office's commitment to combatting wage theft in the District of Columbia.'

The news of the hefty penalties, which the US media said was one of the largest settlement against a restaurant in DC, was greeted with gratitude from the affected workers.

'I know firsthand that too many people work hard every day but still struggle to keep the lights on, provide food for their families, and pay for healthcare,' said Mr Rowles Adams, a former bartender at Swahili Village.

'When we get new jobs, we see them as opportunities. We ask 'how can I succeed?' and 'what are the next steps I can take to make life better for myself and my family?' We don't ask 'will I be paid for all the hours I worked this week?' or 'is this company breaking the law?' Unfortunately, working at Swahili Village raised those negative questions.'

According to Mr Adams, Swahili Village took advantage of the ignorance of some its workers— the majority people of colour and many being young African immigrants, including Kenyans— about DC labour laws.

'For months, I saw managers mistreat my coworkers, including many young immigrants who did not even realize that what was happening was wrong. I spoke out, but it didn't change things.'

'I'm so grateful that the lawyers from the attorney-general's office heard our plea for help and stood with us to get justice. I hope this case sheds light on the recurring issue of wage theft, especially in the restaurant industry, where tipped employees work twice as hard to survive and earn a living wage.'

The settlement, Mr Schwalb said, does not constitute an admission of guilt by the restaurant or its owners and cannot be used as evidence of fault in any civil or criminal prosecutions against the company.

Mr Onyona on Tuesday told The Washington Post that said he agreed to the settlement 'just to get this thing off my back' and get back to running his restaurant.

He said he would have to borrow money to meet the obligations of the agreement, and let go 'at least' 20 employees.

According to the lawsuit that Mr Schwalb had filed at Superior Court of the District of Columbia, the affected workers got nought in tips from clients even after Swahili Village added a 20 percent gratuity to all charges.

The restaurant owners were also accused of failing to keep regular payroll records, in what the authorities describe as 'a clever move that concealed evidence on how the employees' pay was calculated and whether statutory deductions were made'.

The attorney-general's suit disclosed that some of the violations that Swahili Village committed included turning its workers into 'chattel slaves'.

According to suit papers, some employees worked 60 hours of work in a week, which gives them 20 hours of overtime, but they never received overtime rates calculated at 1.5 times the regular pay per hour of pay compensation as provided for in the employment and labour laws.

In addition, Mr Onyona and Mr Shoeb allegedly never observed labour guidelines where all employers must give their employees paid time off.

However, when employees failed to report to work due to illnesses, they allegedly got reprimanded for missing work.

'These egregious and systemic violations, which persisted for years, reveal that wage theft and worker abuse were no accident at Swahili Village DC—they were part of the business plan,' the AG says in court papers.

Mr Onyona opened the original Swahili Village in College Park in 2009. He opened the M Street address in March 2020, and another branch in Newark, New Jersey, the following year.

A month after the case was filed last year, President Ruto, who was on an extensive tour of the US, visited the restaurant in New Jersey and lauded the businessman for establishing 'such kind of enterprise in the US', adding the move is worth celebrating.

'We're very proud as Kenyans, and I'm very proud as a Kenyan leader that you hustled your way into this investment. We have come here to see what you're doing, and you're doing very well. The food is awesome, the ambiance is on another level, so congratulations!' the President said on September 17, 2023.

Reported by Harry Misiko, Hillary Kimuyu and Ruth Mbula.

The post Swahili Village ordered to pay $527,000 for wages, tips theft in Washington appeared first on The Custom Reports.

Source : https://thecustomreports.com/swahili-village-ordered-to-pay-527000-for-wages-tips-theft-in-washington/

JD Vance formally accepted the Republican vice-presidential nomination on Wednesday with a deliberate, and at times divisive, pitch to re-elect Donald Trump in November.

Addressing delegates in Milwaukee on the third night of the convention, Vance, the junior senator of Ohio, presented the Republican party as a champion of working-class Americans while denouncing Democrats as out of touch and ineffective. The populist-tinged rhetoric offered the latest sign of how Trump has reshaped the Republican party and rejected much of the traditional conservatism of its past.

'From Iraq to Afghanistan, from the financial crisis to the Great Recession, from open borders to stagnating wages, the people who govern this country have failed and failed again,' Vance told the energized crowd. 'That is, of course, until a guy named Donald J Trump came along. President Trump represents America's last, best hope to restore what, if lost, may never be found again.'

Vance leaned into his own personal story, first shared in his bestselling and controversial memoir Hillbilly Elegy, to bolster his message. He recounted experiences with childhood poverty in Middletown, Ohio, and his later acceptance to Yale Law School as he introduced himself to a much larger audience of Americans for the first time. In an emotional moment, Vance acknowledged his mother in the crowd and celebrated her 10 years of sobriety after decades of struggling with drug addiction.

With a mention of the battleground states that could determine the outcome of the election, he vowed that a Trump-Vance administration would deliver economic opportunity for working-class communities.

'In Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Ohio and every corner of our nation, I promise you this: I will be a vice-president who never forgets where he came from,' Vance said. 'And every single day for the next four years, when I walk into that White House to help President Trump, I will be doing it for you, for your family, for your future and for this great country.'

Democrats scoffed at Vance's attempt to appeal to working Americans, accusing him of backing 'an economic agenda that will raise costs on American families, while giving billionaires and corporations tax cuts'.

Michael Tyler, communications director of the Biden campaign, added, 'JD Vance is unprepared, unqualified and willing to do anything Donald Trump demands.'

In his speech, Vance joined the scores of Republican lawmakers who have condemned the assassination attempt against Trump on Saturday. Vance urged Americans to unify in the face of violence, even as he vilified Democrats who previously criticized Trump.

'I want all Americans to go and watch the video of a would-be assassin coming a quarter of an inch from taking his life,' Vance said. 'Consider the lies they told you about Donald Trump, and then look at that photo of him defiant, fist in the air. When Donald Trump rose to his feet in that Pennsylvania field, all of America stood with him.'

In another sign of Trump's takeover of the Republican party, Vance echoed the former president's 'America first' approach to foreign policy. Since joining the Senate last year, Vance has become one of the most outspoken critics of US aid to Ukraine and he doubled down on that isolationist stance in his speech.

'Together we will make sure our allies share in the burden of securing world peace — no more free rides,' Vance said. 'We will put the citizens of America first, whatever the color of their skin. We will, in short, make America great again.'

The selection of Vance has unsettled some Republican lawmakers who embrace America's active role on the global stage, and his speech underscored how Trump's re-election could fundamentally reshape the relationship between the US and its European allies at a perilous moment. One senior European diplomat told the Guardian that Trump's choice of running-mate was 'terrible news' for Ukraine, adding, '[Vance] is not our ally.'

Nodding at the ideological differences within his party, Vance encouraged Republicans to engage in a robust debate over key policy issues.

'Shouldn't we be governed by a party that is unafraid to debate ideas and come to the best solution?' Vance said. 'That's the Republican party of the next four years, united in our love for this country and committed to free speech and the open exchange of ideas.'

Voters will determine in November if that Republican party will indeed have the opportunity to govern for the next four years

The post JD Vance fires salvos at Democrats in first speech as Trump's running mate appeared first on The Custom Reports.

Source : https://thecustomreports.com/jd-vance-fires-salvos-at-democrats-in-first-speech-as-trumps-running-mate/

According to David Maraga, the head of the East African Community (EAC) election observation team dispatched to Rwanda, the election was one of the best-organized electoral processes he has seen. However, such a remark is not enough to put an end to debates about whether the elections were free and fair.

For some, the election results reflect the popularity of Kagame and the RPF, as demonstrated by the massive turnout at the presidential campaign rallies. For others, it is yet another sign that the 2024 elections were merely a formality.

A presidential candidate winning 99% of the votes is an unusual occurrence, but what is unusual isn’t necessarily bad. The natural reaction to these results should be to ask why Paul Kagame remains such a popular figure in Rwanda even after two decades in power. No matter where you look for the answer, one thing must be acknowledged: Paul Kagame holds an unchallenged position in Rwanda’s post-1994 politics. Rwandans view Kagame as the architect of Rwanda’s development, and a future without him is one many are not ready to imagine, let alone embrace.

Unfortunately, the world shows little interest in hearing what Rwandans, especially young Rwandans, have to say about their views on Rwanda’s politics. Time and again, international critics have shown an unwillingness to accept that the Rwandan people are rational thinkers with agency, and hence, their choices are not taken seriously.

Discussing Rwandan politics as simply undemocratic or dictatorial is too simplistic. It is not that Rwanda doesn’t aspire to democracy, but that democracy is not in any way an end in itself. Rwanda is a country where politics was once a matter of life and death. Present-day Rwanda is one that many could not have even dreamed of 30 years ago. For that reason, Rwandans think and act within a historical context, not just in abstract concepts or theoretical frameworks.

Rwandans, like any people in the world, have the ultimate wish to live in peace, have security, and improve their living standards. To them, meaningful politics and voting are those that allow them to maintain what they have achieved over the last 30 years and hope for even better living conditions.

Otto von Bismarck’s saying that 'politics is the art of the possible' captures the essence of Rwanda’s politics in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. While many thought Rwanda would forever remain a failed state, the RPF managed to start from scratch and build a country with a new unifying identity for all Rwandans.

Rwandans have tested and approved of Paul Kagame’s leadership. While the world is more concerned about when Kagame will step down, the majority of Rwandans want to continue living under the stability of his leadership. The unknowns of new leadership are not attractive to them. Dismissing them for not thinking beyond Kagame or belittling their choice using lofty terms like democracy is unfair.

As for Rwanda’s future, no one can be certain. But one thing is sure: Rwandans are far more united than they were decades ago. If they could rebuild their country after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, they will not fail to continue along that path now that they are more united and share a vision of a more prosperous Rwanda.

On the final day of Kagame’s rally, an immense crowd of over 400,000 people triumphantly welcomed their champion.

Rwandans from all walks of life were always present to support Kagame.

The presidential election in Rwanda is a time for celebration.

About the author:
Claudine Ukubereyimfura
Learning Coach at the African Leadership University
BA in International Studies from Yonsei University
MA in China Studies (Politics and International Relations) from Yenching Academy of Peking University

Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/rwanda-s-election-results-how-to-make-sense-of-kagame-s-landslide-victory

In a statement released on Wednesday July 17, 2024, the RPF expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support shown by Rwandans in the elections.

'It is yet another testament of the trust and confidence placed in our leadership and vision for Rwanda. We remain committed to working for national unity, sustainable development, and prosperity for all Rwandans,' reads the statement.

While waiting for the final results to be announced, RPF thanked all Rwandans and all friends of Rwanda for their support.

Rwandans went to the polls on July 14, 2024 (for the diaspora) and locally the elections were held on July 15 with special interest groups being voted for on July 16, 2024.

Partial results released put RPF-Inkotanyi candidate Paul Kagame in the lead with 99.15% followed Dr. Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana with 0.53% and 0.32% respectively.

RPF leadership has commended the Rwandan people for exhibiting good conduct in the recently concluded Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/rpf-salutes-rwandans-on-good-conduct-during-elections

Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/american-ngo-denies-funding-kenyan-protests

For many in Middletown, Ohio, JD Vance is better-known as a bestselling author and hit Hollywood movie subject than a politician who on Monday was propelled into the political big-time as Donald Trump's vice-presidential pick.

Amanda Bailey moved into Vance's grandmother's house, the home in which Vance was mostly raised, 18 months ago. Since then, she's been dealing with a steady stream of curious passersby inspired by Vance's 2016 autobiography, Hillbilly Elegy, and the 2020 film of the same name, driving by and taking photos of the house.

Bailey, who works at a local hardware store, admits she's not entirely up to speed with Vance's policy positions.

'I hope he'll do something good for us, and I think he will,' she says.

Her thoughts are echoed by Jerry Dobbins, who has lived three doors down the street for the past 31 years. Dobbins says his memories of Vance's family are mainly of the vice-presidential candidate's grandmother, Bonnie, who mostly raised JD and his sister, Lindsay.

'Bonnie was a tough bird. She was just a strong woman from Kentucky,' he says.

But there's a reason Bailey, Dobbins and a number of other Middletown residents say they are not especially concerned by Vance being rocketed into the political mainstream without much in the way of experience — it's because they have complete faith in the person who picked him: Donald Trump.

'I like Trump,' says Bailey. 'And I think they'll do a lot of good work together.'

'Trump's not a politician. He's a businessman,' says Dobbins, who worked as a fabricator at a nearby aerospace company before retiring. 'When Trump got in [in 2016], things started looking better economy-wise, business-wise. I don't think he can be beat [in November].'

The Middletown Vance was raised in is not unlike the dozens of other left-behind communities in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and beyond, where Trump's particular brand of politics and rhetoric has found favor. In Butler county, which encompasses most of Middletown and several satellite towns of Cincinnati, Trump beat Biden by 24 points in the 2020 election.

Like thousands of others, Vance's family were lured from Appalachia to Ohio by the promise of work at Middletown's many paper and steel mills that for much of the 20th century dominated the region's economy.

And as with dozens of other rust-belt towns, Middletown's economy shrank due to industrial offshoring that began in the 1970s, giving rise to job losses and the ravages of the opioid epidemic that endure today.

It's these ills, which the 39-year-old Vance has blamed on Joe Biden, immigrants and China, that he has used to craft a so-far successful political career. Despite these claims, the Biden administration has invested billions of dollars in the midwest, while immigrants have helped stem population decline in many towns and cities.

For longtime Middletown residents Bev and Tom Pressler, Vance's lack of political experience may even be an advantage.

'I think the young blood is good. We need some younger politicians running the country,' says Tom. 'Obama got in and he wasn't all that old, and he didn't have all that experience. Trump didn't have all that experience and I think he did excellent.'

For Bev Pressler, a 62-year-old resident, Vance has worked hard to get where he is today.

'If you saw the movie and read the book, he was trying to get into these schools, he was trying to pull his mom out of drug addiction, his family depended on him,' she says.

But not everyone in Middletown thinks Vance's meteoric rise to the forefront of US politics is a good thing.

'He has a legislative legacy of zero achievements, especially lacking any meaningful support for Ohioans,' says Kathy Wyenandt, the chair of the Butler county Democratic party.

'Vance is willing to change his beliefs at any time for the sake of amassing power … he is an out-of-touch millionaire and political shapeshifter who is wrong for Ohio, and wrong for our country.'

Although Vance launched his political career in the US Senate with a campaign rally at a steel manufacturer in Middletown in July 2021, locals say they haven't seen much of him since then.

'What concerns me more than anything is that, at Senator Vance's age, he is able to take the Maga agenda and to see it out far beyond even Trump's time, if he were to get re-elected,' says Scotty Robertson, a pastor who's lived in Middletown for seven years.

'Those policies are so destructive to our country and to Middletown. We're talking about potentially ending social security and Medicare as we know it, continuing to roll back voting rights and ensuring that large segments of our population find it extremely hard to even vote. We're talking about supporting policy that allows the president to essentially do whatever he or she chooses without any kind of accountability.'

Still, for Debbie Dranschak, who with her husband runs the White Dog Distilling Company on Middletown's Central Avenue, that's not enough of a reason not to vote for his running mate in November.

'I don't know him, I don't know his politics, but I'm glad Trump picked him,' she says. 'Biden is just too old. He needs to get out. I grew up Democrat, but it's about who is going to do the best for the country.'

For Chad Sebald, an audio engineer, Vance has been unfairly labeled by some locally as a 'class traitor' — someone who leaves behind the people they grew up with in search of better opportunities elsewhere.

'Knowing his history, he came from nothing. He did what just about anybody in Middletown would do — he got out. I can't blame the guy for getting out of here,' says Sebald, who also plans to vote for Trump in November.

However, for a few minutes on the same street Vance was raised, the kind of dangerous, racist rhetoric that many say Trump has fueled over the years was in full view on Monday afternoon.

As a local TV news car pulled up to interview residents, a man wearing a T-shirt with the word 'freedom' written on it emerges from a nearby home angrily asking the car and its occupants to leave.

'JD Vance is a race traitor,' he yells. Vance's wife, Usha, is the daughter of immigrants from India. 'Fuck that motherfucker.'

The post Ohio voters hope son of soil JD Vance will 'do something good for us appeared first on The Custom Reports.

Source : https://thecustomreports.com/ohio-voters-hope-son-of-soil-jd-vance-will-do-something-good-for-us/