Vance Criticizes Harris During Initial Solo Campaign Appearances as Trump’s Running Mate

JD Vance campaigned in Ohio and Virginia on Monday following President Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election. On his first solo day as the Republican vice-presidential candidate, Vance criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for lacking appreciation for the U.S. and criticized Democrats for supporting Biden until he became a liability. 

Vance, speaking in southwest Ohio and later in Virginia, expressed disappointment over not debating Harris, who is now likely to become the Democratic presidential nominee. He delivered speeches at his alma mater, Middletown High School, and at Radford University in Virginia, emphasizing his working-class roots and calling for increased domestic energy production and manufacturing. 

Vance’s addition to the Republican ticket is seen as a strategy to attract more white, working-class voters in key battleground states and make traditionally Democratic states like Virginia more competitive.