During a quick stop at a diner in Minnesota on Sunday morning, Sen. JD Vance on Sunday spoke about his past criticisms of former President Donald Trump.
When asked by ABC News if he and Trump have talked about his past criticism of the former president, Vance said yes, adding that Trump “doesn’t care about what I said eight years ago.”
“I mean, look, President Trump and I have talked a lot about this,” Vance said. “In fact, I sometimes joke that I wish that he had the memory of Joe Biden, because he’s got a memory like a steel trap, and he certainly remembers criticisms that people have made.”
Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. J.D. Vance and his family greet supporters at the Park Diner in St. Cloud, MN, July 28, 2024.
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
“But this is where the media, I think, really misses Trump — Donald Trump accepts that people can change their mind, and you ask, ‘Why did I change my mind on Donald Trump?’ Because his agenda made people’s lives better,” Vance said.
“This whole thing is not about red team versus blue team or winning an election for its own sake. It’s about getting a chance to govern so that you can bring down the cost of groceries, close that border and stop the fentanyl coming across our country for four years,” Vance continued, saying he was “wrong” about Trump.
Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. J.D. Vance and his family greet supporters at the Park Diner in St. Cloud, MN, July 28, 2024.
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
“He did a better job of that than anybody that I’ve ever seen as president in my lifetime. So I changed my mind, because he did a good job. And that’s what you do when people do a good job and you’re wrong. I’ve talked to President Trump a lot about it, but look, he, I mean, he just, he doesn’t… He doesn’t care about what I said eight years ago. He cares about whether we together [and] can govern the country successful.”
When asked again if the two have talked about the subject, specifically in the last week since his comments have resurfaced, Vance admitted that they haven’t spoken about it and their conversations have focused on the race ahead.
-ABC News’ Kelsey Walsh, Soorin Kim and Hannah Demissie
During the 2024 election campaign for Harris, Governor Andy Beshear made headlines when he commented on JD Vance’s Appalachian roots. Vance, a Republican candidate running for office, has often touted his upbringing in Appalachia as a key part of his identity and platform. However, Beshear’s remarks shed light on the complexities of Vance’s connection to the region and raised questions about his authenticity as a candidate.
In a recent interview, Governor Beshear pointed out that Vance’s family moved out of Appalachia when he was a child, and he spent much of his formative years in Ohio. This led Beshear to question the extent of Vance’s understanding and connection to the challenges faced by residents of the region. Beshear emphasized the importance of having a deep and genuine understanding of the issues affecting Appalachia in order to effectively address them as a political leader.
Beshear’s comments sparked a debate among voters and political analysts about the significance of Vance’s Appalachian roots in his campaign. Some argued that Vance’s upbringing in the region gives him a unique perspective and insight into the struggles faced by its residents. Others, however, questioned whether Vance’s privileged background and limited time spent in Appalachia truly qualify him to represent the region’s interests.
As the 2024 election campaign for Harris heats up, Vance will likely face increased scrutiny over his connection to Appalachia and his ability to address the region’s needs. Governor Beshear’s comments have brought attention to this important issue and highlighted the importance of authenticity and understanding in political leadership.
Overall, Governor Andy Beshear’s remarks on JD Vance’s Appalachian roots have added a new dimension to the 2024 election campaign for Harris. They have raised important questions about Vance’s qualifications and authenticity as a candidate, particularly in relation to his connection to the region. As voters consider their choices in the upcoming election, they will undoubtedly weigh these factors carefully in determining who is best equipped to represent their interests and address their concerns.
