Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), the GOP vice presidential nominee, criticized the Democratic National Convention for presenting a “dark message” about former President Trump, which he argues contrasts sharply with their claimed “joyful” tone.
At the convention in Chicago, Democrats have been vigorous in their attacks on Trump and his running mate, warning of the potential consequences of a second Trump term. Vance, speaking with CNN’s Jake Tapper, argued that the Democrats’ focus on condemning Trump fails to provide a clear vision for their own agenda.
“They’re essentially suggesting that if you support Donald Trump to change the country’s direction, you’re a bad person,” Vance said. “This negative approach doesn’t align with the supposed joyful nature of the Democrats.”
He pointed out that while the convention has seen numerous criticisms of Trump, it lacks substantive discussion about how Kamala Harris plans to address the country’s issues. Vance also suggested that Democrats are intensifying their attacks on Trump in hopes of provoking a reaction, urging them to temper their rhetoric following the recent attempt on Trump’s life.
In response to the speeches by former Presidents Obama and Michelle Obama, Trump has lashed out, questioning if his opponents’ attacks mean he should deviate from policy-focused discourse.
Vance aimed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s acceptance speech, accusing him of avoiding a discussion on Harris’s record and instead creating a negative portrayal of Trump. “They can’t talk about Kamala Harris’s achievements, so they’re fabricating a negative image of Trump,” Vance said. “I believe Trump’s record was beneficial for Americans, and I’d like to see that return.”