Mitch Daniels Rebukes JD Vance Over Free-Market Retreat, Floats New 2028 Vehicle

1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Oct 15

Mitch Daniels said JD Vance has retreated from free-market principles, sharpening a public split over the GOP’s economic direction ahead of the 2028 race.
Daniels argued Donald Trump’s remaking of the Republican Party has opened space for a “pro-freedom party” centered on economic liberty and individual autonomy, though he said it is unclear whether that emerges inside the GOP or elsewhere.
Purdue’s interim president declined to say whether he still identifies with the party and would not cast Vance as the movement’s future standard-bearer, saying his role remains “TBD.”
Daniels also revisited another 2028 prospect, Pete Buttigieg, saying the former transportation secretary’s sexual identity is a major reason he resonates with core Democratic voters.