In a strategic move, JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, made his first appearance in Pennsylvania. The Ohio senator was greeted with a standing ovation from a crowd of supporters at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.
Hours before Kamala Harris and Tim Walz took the stage at the Liacouras Center in North Philadelphia, Vance addressed his supporters, launching direct criticisms at the current administration.
«Kamala Harris has been a disaster as vice president, and wherever she goes, chaos and uncertainty follow,» Vance declared in his attack.
A central theme of his speech was the opioid crisis plaguing the country and how, according to Vance, border issues are exacerbating the situation. «Every time Kamala Harris took action to open the southern border of the United States, families, like many of those who support me today, have suffered the most,» he stated.
Two families at the event shared personal, poignant stories. One couple recounted losing their daughter to an accidental overdose, while Geraldine Briggs, whose brother struggles with opioid addiction, voiced her frustration: «The Democrats claim to have cleaned the streets, but it hasn’t worked. The border crisis has led to a flood of drugs crossing the border and affecting families like mine all over the city.»
Denise Trask, another attendee, added, «The border farce that this current administration has neglected, allowed and even supported is exasperating and, frankly, utter madness on multiple levels.»
“I think Vance was a great choice,” said Kate Collins, president of the Downingtown Republican Committee. “He is the definition of the American dream. If you work hard, you can achieve anything, maybe even become president someday.”
In his speech, Vance also called on the media to make Harris face an interview. «She should answer for wanting to ban fracking and now supposedly not wanting it,» Vance demanded. «She should explain why she supported defunding the police and why she opened the southern border of the United States.»
Regarding Governor Tim Walz, Vance took a defiant stance, despite acknowledging he had called to congratulate the Minnesota governor on his nomination. «The reason I didn’t say much about Tim Walz is that the Democrats have shown a willingness to make a small change,» he suggested, implying Walz might not be part of the campaign for long. «I don’t even know if we’re really going to see Tim Walz out of this campaign.»
The senator also referred to his own past, sharing details from his book «Hillbilly Elegy,» where he narrates how his mother’s opioid addiction affected him during his childhood in Middletown, Ohio. The book, which was later made into a successful movie, resonated with many in attendance.
Despite his strong rhetoric, Vance’s campaign trail has not been smooth. He has faced criticism for past comments comparing prominent Democrats to «childless cat women.» When a journalist asked about this topic, a voice from the crowd shouted, «This cat woman loves you!» Vance responded with a smile, «I love you too, ma’am,» and defended his words.
“What I said is very simple: I believe American families are good, and government policy should be more pro-family,” Vance emphasized. “If the media want to be offended by a sarcastic comment I made before running for the United States Senate, they have every right to be. But do you know what offends me? That ordinary Americans can’t afford food prices.”
With his visit to Philadelphia, JD Vance revealed his willingness to confront the Democratic ticket with a message that resonates with the concerns of many American families, positioning himself as a significant figure in the electoral race.
