JD Vance Discusses His Rocky Debut and What Role He Wants to Play as Trump's VP
RENO, Nev. — Senator JD Vance, the newly minted GOP nominee for vice president alongside Donald Trump, is not shying away from the challenges posed by his entrance into the national political arena. In a candid interview aboard his campaign plane, Vance reflected on what he described as a "rocky rollout" and clarified his intentions for a potential Trump administration.
Facing the Media Storm
Vance acknowledges the scrutiny that comes with his new role. "No," he responded firmly when asked if he believed he had disappointed Trump following a barrage of negative media coverage. "I mean, I knew that when I came out of the gate there was going to be a couple of days of positive media coverage and then immediately they would go and attack me over everything that I had ever said in my life." This assertion underscores Vance's belief that political figures should expect to endure criticism, particularly when tackling controversial subjects.
The senator’s comments earlier in the year regarding women without children, which attracted widespread criticism, particularly from allies of Vice President Kamala Harris, have been a point of contention. Harris’ supporters have attempted to paint Vance’s viewpoint as “weird,” a label he seeks to turn against her by framing her policies as weak, particularly on issues like immigration and border security.
Redefining His Role
During his campaign swing through the West—including California fundraisers and planned visits to the U.S.-Mexico border—Vance laid out what he hopes to achieve if he takes on the vice presidency. "My attitude is I want to be a good public servant," he declared. Potentially spearheading the administration's border policy, Vance expressed a desire to pursue strategies that diverge sharply from those of Kamala Harris. "I’d basically do the exact opposite of what Kamala Harris did."
This route functions as a strategic reboot for Vance, who aims to position himself as a strong adversary to Harris. "It all starts with strength—strong borders, strong families, a strong economy, and a strong president," he proclaimed during a rally in Henderson, Nevada, solidifying his stance on national security. His rhetoric suggests a clear transition from merely defending his record to aggressively countering attacks on his character.
Tackling Substance Abuse
Beyond border security, Vance emphasized his personal connection to the opioid crisis, highlighting the significant impact of his mother’s battle with addiction on his perspective. "One of the largest providers of medical care for people who have substance abuse disorder is Medicare," he explained, linking the federal government’s role in recovery efforts. His commitment includes serving as a spokesperson on combating drug abuse, leveraging both personal experiences and policy proposals to tackle the problem.
Vance also made the critical connection between drug abuse and immigration policy, suggesting that bolstering border security could help mitigate the influx of dangerous substances like fentanyl, which have devastated communities across the country. "For people to get second chances," he noted, "they have to not die when they’re at the bottom of the addiction crisis."
Rallying Support
As he travels through key battleground states, the receptions have been overwhelmingly positive, with locals even singing “Happy Birthday” to him at his Henderson event. Reinforcements from Trump’s campaign, including Jason Miller and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, have joined him, showcasing a united front against criticisms aimed at Vance. Luna, who vocalized her express support for Vance, highlighted the absurdity of attacks that call him anti-woman, countering with a critical reference to the Democratic Party’s struggles with defining womanhood.
Sticking to His Guns
Unfazed by the backlash over his comments on childless women, Vance reiterated his original stance, emphasizing that his criticisms target societal beliefs that discourage family formation. "I just think that the substance of what I said is actually quite defensible," he remarked, setting the stage for ongoing public discussions about the role of family in society and the implications of cultural attitudes surrounding childbearing.
As Vance gears up for a potentially fierce election cycle, he reflects a readiness to tackle issues head-on, acknowledging the unpredictability of his opponents while stressing his objective: galvanizing support for the GOP ticket. "My attitude is I have a job, but it’s to persuade as many people to vote for us as possible," he concluded, underscoring his commitment to engage with voters and fight for a ticket that he believes embodies strong leadership.
As Vance continues his campaign with renewed vigor, the watching public is left to ponder the implications of his policies on social and economic issues, as well as how his initial public perception might evolve throughout the election cycle.