J.D. Vance, U.S. Senator and running mate of former President Donald Trump as the Republican presidential candidate, called President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race under pressure from the Democratic Party "completely shameful." He also continued his offensive against Vice President Kamala Harris, a leading Democratic presidential candidate, saying she "lied."
According to Bloomberg News and others, on the 22nd (local time), Vance spoke at a rally held at a high school in his hometown of Middletown, Ohio, saying, "George Soros, Barack Obama, and two elite Democrats entered a smoke-filled room and decided to throw Biden overboard," adding, "That's not how you select a Democratic candidate," and calling it a "threat to democracy."
President Biden, who had faced pressure within the Democratic Party to withdraw due to concerns about his age, announced the day before that he was withdrawing from the Democratic presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. In response, Vance raised his voice, saying, "What is happening in this country is completely shameful." He also criticized Democratic leaders for pressuring President Biden to step down, calling it an "insult to voters."
He claimed, "Harris, Democratic Senate colleagues, and the media all lied," asserting, "Everyone who has seen Biden knew he was incapable of performing the duties of the presidency." He also questioned Vice President Harris's patriotism, saying, "She speaks with a spirit of criticism rather than gratitude for this country's history."
Additionally, Vance sarcastically expressed frustration that in the upcoming September debate, it would be Vice President Harris, not President Biden, facing former President Trump, saying he would be unable to participate in the debate. Currently, it remains uncertain who will be the Democratic vice-presidential candidate. Previously, Vance had spoken with Vice President Harris after being nominated as the Republican vice-presidential candidate.
Vance's rally on this day was his first solo event since being nominated as former President Trump's running mate at last week's Republican National Convention. Returning to his hometown as the vice-presidential candidate, Vance mentioned his childhood teachers, family, and neighbors, repeatedly emphasizing his background by saying, "I represent the people of forgotten communities."
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