In a national exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, GOP vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance defended former President Donald Trump’s tendency to speak off the cuff, emphasizing that Trump’s unfiltered remarks are part of his appeal to many voters. However, Vance also acknowledged that the focus in the campaign should be on policy discussions, stating that 90% of their messaging revolves around policy issues. Despite Trump’s blunt remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris’ crowd sizes, race, and intellect, Vance emphasized that the campaign is primarily centered around policy discussions.
Vice President Harris has been experiencing a surge in momentum since replacing President Biden at the top of the Democrats’ 2024 ticket, evident in public opinion polling, fundraising efforts, and the large crowds she is attracting on the campaign trail. As Trump has criticized Harris on critical issues such as border security, crime, and inflation, his advisers are urging him to shift his focus from personal attacks to branding Harris as an ultra-liberal and addressing her stance on policy issues. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley have also advised Trump to concentrate on policy discussions rather than personal attacks.
Despite criticism from fellow Republicans and advice from allies to tone down personal attacks on Harris and focus on policy issues, Trump has continued to make remarks about the vice president’s crowd sizes, race, and intellect. Vance defended Trump’s approach, stating that the former president has earned the right to run his campaign as he sees fit, having won primary elections in the past. Vance emphasized that their campaign is primarily focused on policy discussions and highlighting the differences between their approach and that of the Harris campaign.
In response to criticism from Republicans and allies, Vance reiterated that both Trump and himself are focused on prosecuting the case against Harris on policy grounds. He criticized Harris as being inauthentic and hiding behind a teleprompter, contrasting that with Trump’s willingness to speak his mind and offend others. The Harris campaign has characterized Trump’s recent criticism as “unhinged” and his agenda as “dangerous and bizarre,” highlighting the differing approaches between the two campaigns.
Despite concerns from allies and fellow Republicans about Trump’s approach to the campaign, Vance defended the former president’s right to run his campaign as he sees fit, emphasizing that they are focusing on policy discussions rather than personal attacks. While Trump’s advisers are encouraging him to shift his focus from personal attacks to policy discussions, the former president has continued to make blunt remarks about Harris. The contrast in approaches between the two campaigns highlights the differing strategies in addressing policy issues and characterizing the opposing candidate.
