In a charged political maneuver, Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance lambasted the Democrats for their handling of public safety and crime during a recent visit to Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal reported that just hours before Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz's rally in Milwaukee, Vance presented his critique in Kenosha, underlining his recurring focus on safety and governance.
During his third trip to Wisconsin in three weeks, Vance chose the backdrop of the Kenosha County Courthouse—a site embroiled in the 2020 protests—to deliver his remarks.
He used this setting to highlight issues he claims are exacerbated by Democratic leadership or a lack thereof.
Vance's speech pointedly accused Vice President Kamala Harris and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers of faltering during the crucial moments of the 2020 protests. According to Vance, their actions—or inactions—contributed to the severity of the events that unfolded.
He credited former President Donald Trump with de-escalating the riots, asserting that Trump's intervention prevented further chaos. “Who was it that pacified the streets of Wisconsin and ensured that those riots didn't spiral out of control and burn down the entire city? That was President Donald J. Trump,” Vance stated, stressing the effectiveness of Republican leadership during crises.
Alongside his critique of past Democratic responses, Vance also addressed broader campaign issues, including immigration and sanctuary cities. In Eau Claire, he previously linked illegal immigration to increased crime, a stance he reiterated in Kenosha with promises to abolish sanctuary cities and deport illegal immigrants.
Moreover, Vance criticized the current administration's handling of manufacturing, energy policies, and public safety. These areas, he argued, have suffered under Harris's vice presidency, impacting American lives and jobs.
The vice presidential hopeful also took a moment to comment on the Democratic National Convention (DNC) being held in Chicago, humorously noting, “It's almost a joke to me that they held it in Chicago, which has become the murder capital of the United States of America thanks to very failed Democrat leadership.”
Accompanying Vance were notable local Republican figures such as Senate candidate Eric Hovde, U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, and Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner. Their presence underscored the support Vance has within the Republican establishment in Wisconsin.
At an Italian deli in Kenosha, Vance's interaction with locals like Dan Klemack—who expressed fervent support for a Trump-Vance ticket—highlighted his appeal among voters who feel positively about the previous administration's economic policies.
However, Democratic delegates present in the city expressed displeasure with Vance's timing and choice of location. Delegate Henry Pahlow noted, “We're upset about him coming to Kenosha and coming at the same time as they're (Harris and Walz) going to be there,” reflecting the tensions surrounding the overlapping political events.
The strategic significance of Wisconsin as a swing state was palpable in Vance's frequent visits and targeted messages. With polls indicating a tight race between Trump and Harris in Wisconsin, every political move and statement carries weight in swaying voters.
His jocular response to a crowd member’s support for the Green Bay Packers during the speech also demonstrated Vance’s attempt to connect on a personal level with the state's residents, underscoring the relational aspect of political campaigning.
As both political camps prepare for the upcoming presidential election, the interactions in Wisconsin are likely to be a microcosm of the national political climate, marked by sharp divisions and intense debate over leadership, policy efficacy, and the direction of the country.
