Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) took the opportunity to inspect Air Force Two on Tuesday after both he and Vice President Harris arrived at the same Wisconsin airport. Vance used the moment to criticize Harris for her reluctance to engage with the media.
“Since I might be flying on this plane in a few months, I thought I’d take a look at it,” Vance remarked in front of Air Force Two. “I also noticed that the VP doesn’t answer reporters’ questions, so I thought you all might appreciate a visit.”
Sen. JD Vance has expressed dissatisfaction with Harris’s avoidance of media interactions and unscripted settings
In response to Vance’s actions, Harris’s campaign labeled his behavior as “strange.” “Just to clarify,” said Harris spokesperson Ammar Moussa, “JD Vance seems to be shadowing Vice President Harris across the country. He approached her plane today, but now he’s asking for a debate?” Moussa continued, “This is becoming odd.”
KamalaHQ, the campaign’s social media team, responded with a TikTok video showing Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D), interacting with children in Wisconsin. The video then cuts to Vance’s plane, accompanied by a meme from Abby Lee Miller of “Dance Moms.”
Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) also weighed in, humorously noting Vance’s small rally turnout by sharing a photo of him leaving Harris’s plane with only a few people. On TruthSocial, Harris’s campaign made similar remarks about the smaller crowds at Trump-Vance events compared to recent Democratic rallies. Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, added a disparaging comment about the cleanliness of Air Force Two.
Vance has been critical of Harris for avoiding press interactions and unscripted events, echoing these criticisms outside Air Force Two. “It’s disgraceful,” Vance said, advocating for more direct campaigning from Harris.
He expressed a desire for Harris to explain her evolving positions, particularly on policing and border issues. Vance has also challenged Harris to a debate, offering August 13 as a potential date, though he remains cautious about committing until both Harris and Walz are officially nominated.
As of Tuesday, Harris and Walz were confirmed as the Democratic nominees for president and vice president after the Democratic National Committee’s virtual roll call vote.
