Senator J.D. Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate for the 2024 presidential election, has launched a scathing critique of media coverage surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris. Speaking at an event in Byron Center, Michigan, Vance accused the press of attempting to portray Harris as the “second coming of Abraham Lincoln” through what he described as overly favorable reporting.
The Ohio senator highlighted the lack of recent public appearances by the Vice President, noting that Harris had not participated in a sit-down interview or press conference for 24 days. This absence, Vance argued, stands in stark contrast to the positive media narratives surrounding her. He further claimed that this discrepancy exemplifies what he terms “fake news,” suggesting a disconnect between the Vice President’s actual performance and her portrayal in the media.
J.D. Vance Questions Biden’s Leadership and Harris’s Role
In his approximately 26-minute address, J.D. not only targeted the media but also challenged President Joe Biden’s leadership capabilities. The former venture capitalist went so far as to suggest that Vice President Harris has been serving as the “acting president” for the past three-and-a-half years, implying a power dynamic within the administration that differs from the official narrative.
Vance used this assertion to segue into criticism of the Biden-Harris administration’s economic policies. He claimed that prices had surged by 20 percent during their tenure, attributing this increase to their governance. Furthermore, Vance speculated that a potential Harris presidency would merely extend the current administration’s policies, which he views unfavorably. This rhetoric serves to underscore the Republican campaign’s strategy of linking Harris closely to Biden’s record, potentially in anticipation of her playing a more prominent role in the upcoming election.
Vance Challenges Harris in Michigan Campaign Swing
Republican Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance made a series of impactful stops across Michigan on Wednesday, engaging with voters and delivering sharp criticisms of his Democratic counterpart, Vice President Kamala Harris. The Ohio Senator’s one-day swing through the battleground state included visits to local businesses and a spirited rally where he questioned Harris’s ability to lead and her campaign’s authenticity.
At the Cordes building supply store, Vance addressed hundreds of supporters after a brief meet-and-greet inside a warehouse filled with antique cars and memorabilia. The Republican candidate then made his way to the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, where he purchased a branzino, shared ice cream with his wife, and visited a bubble tea stand. Throughout these stops, J.D. took the opportunity to speak with Michigan voters, emphasizing his accessibility and willingness to engage with the public.
GOP Candidate Criticizes Harris, Holds Impromptu Press Conference
During his remarks at the rally, J.D. Vance launched a scathing attack on Vice President Harris’s campaign and her role in the current administration. He accused Harris of running a “fake” campaign, questioning her ability to promise change when she has been part of the government for the past three-and-a-half years. Vance went further, suggesting that Harris has been “running the show” due to what he referred to as 81-year-old President Biden’s cognitive decline.
In an unexpected move, Vance concluded his rally by holding a live press conference in front of supporters. When questioned about this tactic, the Republican VP candidate emphasized the importance of public accountability in politics. “It’s a message to everybody that if you want to be the American people’s vice president, you ought to answer their questions and try to earn their vote,” J.D. Vance stated.
He criticized Harris for “running from the media” and the American people, calling it “scandalous” and “a disgrace.” J.D. Vance challenged Harris’s ability to handle tough international situations if she couldn’t face the press, asking rhetorically, “If you’re afraid of answering before the American people, how can we possibly trust you to sit in a room with world leaders and represent the American people?”