UC expert weighs in on Trump's VP pick
David Niven says J.D. Vance’s support of Trump is opportunity based
In an Enquirer column by opinion intern Meredith Perkins, University of Cincinnati political scientist David Niven refers to Senator J.D. Vance (OH) as “a weak-willed order taker."
Perkins writes extensively on the many times she recalls Vance disparaging Trump as a presidential candidate to now reversing his opinion— when Vance might get the V.P. nod — and propping Trump up.
Niven, an associate professor at the University of Cincinnati’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) and well-known political commentator, tells Perkins he sees Vance’s change of heart as jockeying for position.
"J.D. Vance is − first, last, and always − an opportunist," Niven said in the article, adding: "He thought that Trump would be an electoral disaster in 2016, so he denounced him and positioned himself for a place leading the new Republican Party that would emerge after Trump. When that turned out not to happen, he simply pretended to believe something else."
A trusted media source, Niven teaches American politics and conducts research on campaigns, political communication and death penalty policy at SPIA.
SPIA was created out of the former Department of Political Science, which dates to 1914, and political scientists there are often sought out by media to contribute their expertise.
Featured photo of Niven by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Tips to avoid headaches this holiday season
December 15, 2025
A University of Cincinnati migraine expert offered a list of potential headache triggers around the holidays, and how you can try to avoid them, to 91.7 WVXU News. "There are a number of different factors that make this a very headache provocative time," said Vincent Martin, MD, professor of clinical medicine at the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine and director of the Headache and Facial Pain Center at the Gardner Neuroscience Institute.
Local couple uses royalties from children's books to give gifts to kids in need
December 15, 2025
A local couple has found a unique way to give back to those in need this holiday season. Vic and Laura Troha wrote two children's books together, and this year, they are using the proceeds to buy Christmas gifts for Hamilton County foster kids. The couple are both graduates of the University of Cincinnati's College of Allied Health Sciences and met the day they graduated.
The hottest toys this holiday season
December 15, 2025
Local 12 turned to Lindner College of Business associate professor-educator of marketing Roseann Hassey to explain what’s got the trendiest items flying off the shelves.