Senator JD Vance Holds Rally in Johnstown, Pa., Stands Firm on 2020 Election Claims
In the heart of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Senator JD Vance of Ohio hosted a campaign event at a military vehicle factory, where he again refused to concede that former President Donald J. Trump lost the 2020 election. The senator’s remarks echo his positions expressed during a recent vice-presidential debate where he faced similar questions.
Senator’s Remarks on the Election
Speaking to supporters, Vance stated, “I think the election of 2020 had serious problems. You want to call it rigged? Call it whatever you want to, it wasn’t OK.” His comments came during a rally where he took questions from the audience and reporters. In an earlier interview, he had been asked five separate times whether Trump lost the election, and he opted not to answer.
At the rally, Vance acknowledged the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol but downplayed its significance, insisting that there was a “peaceful transfer of power” despite the violence. He referred to the rioters as “a few knuckleheads” who acted inappropriately, despite the fact that many have faced criminal convictions for their roles in the insurrection that disrupted Congress from certifying Joseph R. Biden Jr. as the new president.
Audience Reaction and Atmosphere
The crowd at the event was largely supportive of Vance. The audience, which filled roughly half of the available seats, responded to reporters’ inquiries about the 2020 election and the Capitol riot with vocal disapproval, some even standing in their seats to boo. This strong support was evident as Vance received a standing ovation and chants of “JD” filled the factory.
Focus on Current Issues
Vance also criticized big tech companies, suggesting that their actions had a negative impact on Trump during the election. He expressed frustration with the media’s focus on the 2020 election, arguing that more attention should be paid to pressing current issues, especially concerning the economy. “I’m a hell of a lot more worried that American citizens can’t afford a good life in their country,” he stated, putting blame on Vice President Kamala Harris for the economic struggles facing many Americans.
Future Plans and Promises
After the Johnstown event, Vance proceeded to a town-hall meeting at a packed airport hangar in Reading, Pa.. There, he emphasized the importance of the attorney general’s role in a prospective second Trump administration. He claimed he and Trump would “clean house” at the F.B.I. and the Justice Department. “We’re going to fire the people responsible,” he mentioned, referring to individuals involved in the impeachment proceedings against Trump, which he deemed “fake.”
The senator’s remarks and campaign strategies suggest he aims to maintain a strong bond with the pro-Trump base as he moves forward in Ohio’s upcoming elections. The support from his local audience reflects his alignment with grassroots sentiments, especially in regions that historically lean Republican like Johnstown.
