JD Vance to make campaign stops in Ohio hometown and Virginia Monday
JD Vance, the Republican senator from Ohio recently chosen as former President Trump’s running mate, is embarking on a campaign blitz on Monday. This move comes as Vice President Kamala Harris and her team work to consolidate Democratic support following President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race.
Vance, who survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, was named as Trump’s vice-presidential pick just a week ago.
He is scheduled to hold a campaign rally in his hometown of Middletown, Ohio, on Monday afternoon, followed by another rally in Radford, Virginia, in the evening.
Meanwhile, during an event honoring NCAA college athletes, Harris addressed the nation from the White House for the first time since Biden’s announcement. “Our president, Joe Biden wanted to be here today.
He is feeling much better and recovering fast, and he looks forward to getting back on the road,” Harris began. She lauded Biden’s tenure, saying, “Joe Biden’s legacy of accomplishment over the past three years is unmatched in modern history.”
Harris also spoke warmly of Biden, emphasizing his “honesty, integrity, commitment to his faith and family, big heart and love, deep love of our country.” She noted her personal experience with Biden’s dedication, saying, “I am a firsthand witness that every day our president, Joe Biden, fights for the American people. And we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation.”
President Biden, who has been in self-isolation in Rehoboth, Delaware, after testing positive for COVID-19 last week, announced on Sunday that he would not seek re-election. He endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee and committed to focusing on his presidential duties for the remainder of his term. Biden has not been seen publicly since his announcement.
Efforts to secure Harris’ nomination are already in full swing. Campaign officials have made hundreds of calls urging delegates to nominate her at next month’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, both influential Democrats, have expressed their support for Harris. Whitmer endorsed Harris via a post on X, and Beshear indicated his endorsement on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” even hinting at his interest in being Harris’ running mate.
In a statement released on Sunday, Harris affirmed her commitment to the nomination, saying, “I intend to earn and win this nomination. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party – and unite our nation – to defeat Donald Trump.”
According to sources, the Trump campaign has been preparing for Harris’ potential entry into the race for weeks, anticipating that Biden might step aside after his faltering performance in a recent debate in Atlanta. With both sides gearing up for the electoral battle, the political landscape is set for a dramatic showdown.