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JD Vance accepts GOP nomination and highlights Biden’s age and his youth
Washington — Ohio Sen. JD Vance accepted the GOP’s nomination for vice president on Wednesday, closing out the third day of the Republican National Convention with a speech that sought to remind the party that it is a “big tent” with the shared goal of a thriving nation for generations to come.
Vance’s speech marked his first formal appearance as Trump’s running mate, and provided a platform to introduce himself to the nation as the 2024 race for the White House heads into the final months. The former president watched Vance’s speech from his box in the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
“Tonight, Mr. Chairman, I stand here humbled and I am overwhelmed with gratitude to say I officially accept your nomination to be vice president of the United States of America,” he said.
Elected to represent Ohio in the Senate in 2022, Vance detailed to the audience his upbringing in a small town in Ohio and paid homage to his grandmother, who he called Mamaw, and who raised Vance while his mother struggled with addiction. Vance’s mother, Beverly Aikins, attended the speech and was seated next to House Speaker Mike Johnson in the box for family and friends. She received a standing ovation from Trump and those in the arena.
Charting his rise from Appalachia to enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps after 9/11, to attending Yale Law School to running for the Senate, Vance said he learned of the nation’s need for a leader who “fights for the people who built this country.”
“President Trump represents America’s last best hope to restore what, if lost, may never be found again: A country where a working class boy, born far from the halls of power, can stand on this stage as the next vice president of the United States of America,” Vance, 39, said.
Trump announced Vance as his running mate in a social media post Monday during a roll call vote of state delegations that saw him become the GOP’s nominee for president. Following the roll call, delegates nominated Vance as the party’s vice presidential nominee.
He and his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, took to the convention floor ahead of his nomination, which was approved by acclamation.
Chilukuri Vance introduced her husband at the convention, calling him “the most interesting person I knew.”
“It’s hard to imagine a more powerful example of the American dream. A boy from Middletown, Ohio, raised by his grandmother through tough times, chosen to help lead our country through some of its greatest challenges,” she said.
During his remarks, Vance raised the attempted assassination against Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, and said his actions in the wake of the shooting demonstrate his commitment to the nation.
“As we meet tonight, we cannot forget that this evening could have been so much different. Instead of a day of celebration, this could have been a day of heartache and mourning,” he said.
Vance continued: “When Donald J. Trump rose to his feet in that Pennsylvania field, all of America stood with him. And what did he call us to do for our country? To fight. To fight for America. Even in his most perilous moment we were on his mind.”
Trump was wounded in the attack when a bullet grazed his year, and an attendee was killed. Two others were injured.
In the wake of the attempted assassination, the former president called for unity, and several of his former opponents during the Republican primary delivered speeches at the convention. Most notable among them was former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, who announced her endorsement of Trump during her speech Tuesday.
Vance, too, projected a message of unity and urged Americans to support the party that is unafraid to debate ideas in search of the best solution.
“We have a big tent in this party, on everything from national security to economic policy,” he said. “But my message to you, my fellow Republicans, is we love this country, and we are united to win.”
The GOP of the next four years, Vance said, is “united in our love for America and committed to free speech and the open exchange of ideas.”
Vance characterized the U.S. as not just an idea, but a homeland that will succeed and thrive if its leaders “remember that America is a nation and its citizens deserve leaders who put its interests first.”
“We won’t agree on every issue of course, not even in this room. We may disagree from time to time about how best to reinvigorate American industry and renew American families. That’s fine. In fact, it’s more than fine, it’s good,” he said. “But never forget that the reason why this united Republican Party exists, why we do this, why we care about those great ideas and that great history, is that we want this nation to thrive for centuries to come.”
At 39 years old, Vance is the first Millennial on a major party ticket. His age places him in stark contrast with Trump, 78, and President Biden, who at 81 is facing calls from within the Democratic Party to withdraw from the race after his shaky debate performance last month.
Vance, who gained prominence with the publication of his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” was critical of Trump during the 2016 campaign but apologized for his derogatory remarks in recent years. The book has risen back to the top of bestseller lists after Vance was picked to join Trump at the top of the ticket.
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Best mortgages for first-time homebuyers
Rising home prices and high mortgage rates haven’t made buying a home easy these last few years. In fact, with affordability such a challenge, it’s only made shopping around for a lender that much more important.
It’s true: Comparing lenders can make a big difference when it comes to price. According to Freddie Mac, getting just four different mortgage rate quotes can save you about $1,200 per year.
But rates aren’t the only thing you should think about when choosing a lender. Want to make sure you pick the best mortgage company for your needs? See below for some of the best lenders for first-time homebuyers currently on the market.
Lock in a low mortgage interest rate here today.
Best mortgages for first-time homebuyers
Here are the best mortgage lenders for first-time homebuyers, broken down into six categories:
Best for low down payments: Veterans United
Veterans United exclusively offers VA home loans — which means all its loans require zero down payment. Though you’re welcome to put some money down, VA loans are one of the few mortgage options with no down payment requirement.
There is a catch, though: You’ll need to be a current military member, veteran, or spouse of one to qualify. Certain service requirements must be met as well. If you can do it, though, you’ll save yourself money both upfront (on the down payment) and in the long haul, as VA loans tend to have lower interest rates than other loan options.
Learn more about Veterans United here now.
Best for good credit: US Bank
If you have decent credit, US Bank might be a good option for your mortgage. The lender offers conventional, FHA and VA loans, and its rates are some of the lowest of lenders we analyzed. You can also apply fully online and get valuable closing cost discounts if you use other US Bank services.
Best for low credit: Cardinal Financial
Cardinal Financial is a good option if your credit score is on the lower end. The lender allows for scores as low as 620 on conventional loans and 580 on FHA, VA, and USDA loans. There are also jumbo loans — if you’re buying in a high-priced market or eyeing a more expensive property — and construction loans for buyers looking to build their own homes from the ground up.
Best for no lender fees: Better.com
Most lenders charge a variety of fees for processing your mortgage. These might include an origination fee, application fee, underwriting fee, and more. With Better.com mortgages, you won’t see any of these charges. The online lender charges no lender-side fees for underwriting, servicing, or originating its mortgages. There are other typical closing costs, though.
Best for online borrowing: First Mortgage Direct
First Mortgage Direct is a fully digital mortgage lender that lets you manage your mortgage process from start to finish all on the web. You can get a rate quote online, fill out an application, submit your documentation, and even close digitally, too. The lender also offers many online resources to help you along the way — things like informative videos, calculators, articles and more.
Best overall: New American Funding
New American Funding has something for everyone: conventional loans, government-backed loans, jumbo loans, construction loans, non-QM loans and more. There are even loans with customizable terms and options that can turn you into an all-cash buyer to make you more competitive. The lender also has a 4.1-star rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot.
Always shop around
Whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth, shopping around for your mortgage is important. If you need help doing so, consider enlisting a mortgage broker. These professionals can shop around on your behalf, help you compare lenders and loan options and ensure you get the best rate.