Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance defended Donald Trump’s false comments about Kamala Harris’ racial identity, saying it was reasonable for Trump to call Harris a chameleon who pretends to be different depending on the audience. Vance did not find Trump’s comments about Harris turning black to be concerning, despite criticism from Harris’ campaign. Trump’s remarks, made at the National Association of Black Journalists’ convention, have sparked controversy and may alienate non-White voters.
Vance claimed Harris was raised in Canada and accused her of using a fake Southern accent while campaigning in Atlanta. Harris’ campaign responded by calling Vance and Trump divisive and hateful for their comments. Trump’s questioning of Harris’ racial identity is reminiscent of his past attacks on Black political rivals, including the birther conspiracy theory about Barack Obama. Harris pushed back against Trump’s remarks, calling them divisive and disrespectful.
Vance, who was once a harsh critic of Trump, now defends the former president and agrees with his comments about Harris. He has changed his stance on various issues, including his previous disdain for the police. Vance believes Harris should explain her changing policy stances and be open with the American people. He also defends Trump’s statement that voters focus on the top of the ticket when casting their ballots, dismissing questions about his own readiness to be president.
In response to questions about whether he would be a chameleon by his own definition, Vance points to Harris’ shifting policy stances during her presidential campaign in 2019. He believes it is reasonable to change one’s mind but expects politicians to be transparent with voters. Trump’s failure to directly answer a question about Vance’s readiness for the presidency is downplayed by Vance, who asserts that voters are ultimately choosing Trump as their leader. Despite his previous criticism of Trump, Vance now supports the former president’s comments about Harris and defends his own changing positions on issues.
Overall, Vance and Trump’s comments about Harris have caused controversy and drawn criticism from her campaign. Trump’s questioning of Harris’ racial identity and Vance’s defense of these remarks highlight the divisive nature of the current political climate. Harris has responded to Trump’s comments with calls for unity and respect. Vance’s shifting positions on various issues, as well as his defense of Trump, showcase the complexities of political alliances and the importance of transparency and accountability in public office.
