Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) took a swipe at Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent avoidance of the press during a campaign stop in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on Wednesday. While reporters gathered near Air Force Two, where Harris was scheduled to speak, Vance made his way over to address her lack of media interaction.
“I wanted to check out the plane—it might be mine soon,” Vance said with a smile. “But I also thought you all might be lonely since the Vice President hasn’t taken any questions in 17 days.” Vance’s remarks were a clear critique of Harris, who has been accused by Republicans of dodging tough questions during her campaign.
Harris, who recently named Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) as her running mate, has been criticized for her cautious approach to media engagements. Vance suggested that Harris is running a “basement campaign,” with little direct engagement with the American public.
The exchange was quickly picked up on social media, with Vance sharing a video clip of his comments. “I figured I’d come say hello since Kamala never answers questions from the press,” Vance posted, echoing a sentiment that many conservatives have expressed regarding Harris’s campaign style.
As the 2024 election approaches, polls show Harris with a slim lead over former President Donald Trump. According to Real Clear Politics, Harris holds a 0.5% lead, a margin that could easily change as the campaign heats up. Vance’s public critique reflects ongoing Republican efforts to challenge Harris’s transparency and question her preparedness for the presidency.
