Ro Khanna teases 2028 rivalry during speech in JD Vance’s home state
During a recent event at the City Club of Cleveland, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., delivered a fiery speech contrasting his vision for America’s “new economic patriotism” with the future of the Republican Party under Vice President JD Vance’s leadership. Khanna, a potential 2028 presidential contender, wasted no time in framing an early rivalry between himself and Vance, who is also considered a rising political leader.
Khanna took direct aim at Vance and his vision for America, accusing him and tech titan Elon Musk of wanting to usher in a new Gilded Age by getting the government out of the way to benefit corporate elites. In contrast, Khanna called for Silicon Valley to be put in the service of America, advocating for a new economic patriotism that prioritizes the needs of the country over the interests of tech giants.
Born in Philadelphia and now representing California’s Silicon Valley, Khanna emphasized his ties to Ohio, where his wife was born and raised. He criticized Trump and Vance for failing to provide real solutions for struggling manufacturing cities in the Rust Belt, like Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and Warren, Ohio. Khanna called for a fusion of Silicon Valley’s innovation with Ohio’s industrial strength to revitalize these communities.
In response to Khanna’s remarks, Ohio GOP Chairman Alex Triantafilou dismissed the congressman as a “far-left socialist” out of touch with Middle Class voters. Triantafilou accused Khanna of promoting open borders, mass illegal immigration, and excessive government spending.
Khanna’s speech also took aim at Vance’s support for tariffs, propaganda, and tax breaks for Silicon Valley. He criticized Vance’s ties to Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), accusing them of promoting anti-democratic ideologies and outdated ideas for the United States.
The rivalry between Khanna and Vance has already spilled over onto social media, with the two engaging in public sparring matches. Khanna has called out Vance for his silence on issues like freedom of speech and due process, while Vance has accused Khanna of being whiny and out of touch.
As Khanna continues his Democratic rebuttal of the future of the Republican Party, he plans to speak at Yale Law School, where both he and Vance are alumni. He is urging Americans to stand up against deportations without due process and to challenge the status quo in Washington.
It remains to be seen how this early rivalry between Khanna and Vance will play out in the crowded field of potential 2028 presidential contenders. But one thing is clear – the battle for the future of America’s economy and political landscape is well underway.
