Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., recently criticized former President Trump’s decision to choose Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, as his vice-presidential running mate, calling it a “poor choice.”
In a Sunday interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Schumer voiced his concerns about Vance’s role on the GOP ticket. “Trump’s choice of Vance is incredibly misguided,” Schumer remarked. He suggested that Trump might be regretting his selection, noting that Vance’s recent actions have seemed increasingly erratic and extreme. Schumer hypothesized that Trump might be questioning his decision and pondering whether to replace Vance before it’s too late.
Schumer pointed out that Trump has a limited window, about 10 days, to decide whether to retain Vance on the ticket or opt for another candidate. Schumer argued that Vance’s continued presence could add more complications for Trump, potentially benefiting the Democratic side.
The controversy around Vance intensified following remarks he made in a 2021 interview, where he criticized certain members of the Democratic Party, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, referring to them disparagingly. The left has seized on these comments, framing them as problematic.
However, Trump 2024 senior campaign adviser Chris LaCivita has defended Vance, claiming that his comments are being taken out of context. LaCivita emphasized that the campaign does not condone negative attitudes towards women, despite media interpretations.
Vance, who gained national prominence with his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” has been portrayed by Republicans as a champion for the working class, contrasting his background with the elite politicians he criticizes. Despite this, the Harris campaign has criticized Vance as being unfit for office, arguing that he would merely support Trump’s policies without considering the broader national interest.
In response, Vance defended himself at a recent rally, emphasizing his military service and questioning Harris’s commitment to border security. He challenged her to reflect on her own record and questioned her stance on loyalty to the nation.
Meanwhile, Schumer defended the Biden-Harris administration’s border policies, asserting that Democrats have worked to address the border crisis effectively, contrary to Republican claims of wanting chaos for political gain. Schumer argued that the voters will side with the Democrats’ approach over Trump’s tactics.