Senator JD Vance, R-Ohio, who is the running mate of former President Trump, informed donors that contesting against Vice President Kamala Harris represents a “distinct opportunity.” However, he recognized her youth and lesser public profile compared to President Biden may pose challenges for the campaign.
“We have a very distinct opportunity, but at the same time, a very distinct challenge. Let’s face it, just ten days ago, everyone had an opinion about the two candidates running for president. Love them or hate them, there were strong feelings about Donald Trump and Joe Biden after the past eight years,” Vance shared privately with donors in Minnesota regarding Biden’s choice to withdraw from the race and support Harris, as recorded by the Washington Post. “However, with Kamala Harris, people aren’t as familiar.”
These comments arise as the Trump campaign adapts to the new dynamics of the race, shifting from focusing on a candidate whose age and cognitive abilities were significant concerns for many voters, to emphasizing Harris’ role in an administration that remains unpopular with the general public.
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Former President Trump, left, and Senator JD Vance of Ohio. (Getty Images)
Vance indicated to donors that the campaign should scrutinize Harris’ past stances, including her opposition to fracking, her support for the “defund the police” movement, and her history on border issues, as the report mentions.
This sentiment mirrored what Vance expressed to reporters shortly after Biden’s exit, citing that Harris’ participation in the administration represents a vulnerability for the vice president, particularly concerning border security matters.
“I don’t believe the political landscape changes at all,” Vance remarked. “We were facing Joe Biden’s open border policy and Kamala Harris’s open border. Kamala Harris backed the Green New Deal. Moreover, she defended President Biden even when it was apparent that he had significant cognitive difficulties for a long time.”
Nonetheless, Vance conceded to donors that running against Harris introduces a fresh challenge for the campaign, pointing out that she lacks some of the “baggage” that Biden carried during his campaign.
“We’ve all experienced a bit of a political surprise,” Vance admitted. “The downside is that Kamala Harris doesn’t carry the same baggage as Joe Biden; whatever we can say, Kamala is significantly younger, and she is evidently not struggling in the same manner as Joe Biden.”
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Despite this, the campaign continues to express confidence in facing the vice president, whom Trump asserts is a worse option than Biden.
“Lyin’ Kamala Harris, the Biden-appointed ‘Border Czar’ who has yet to visit the border, and whose incompetence has led us to the WORST and MOST DANGEROUS border situation in the world, has absolutely dismal poll numbers against a brilliant young man named DONALD J. TRUMP! Democrats should think twice about what they wish for,” Trump posted on Truth Social following the announcement of Biden’s exit last week.
Trump advisor Jason Miller conveyed a similar view in an interview with Fox News the day after Biden’s departure, suggesting that “Democrats are leaping from the frying pan into the fire.”
“They may have eliminated one issue with Joe Biden, but they’ve now inherited an entirely new problem with Kamala Harris,” Miller commented.
Vice President Kamala Harris. (REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt/Pool)
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When contacted for comment by Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for Vance stated that the campaign is eager to face Harris, a candidate whose popularity has been historically low.
“Numerous polls indicate President Trump outperforming Kamala Harris as voters become aware of her failing, extreme liberal agenda,” spokesperson William Martin remarked on Tuesday. “Her far-left policies are even more toxic than those of Joe Biden, especially in key swing states that will determine this election, such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.”
Meanwhile, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung told Fox News Digital that Harris is a “weak” candidate.
“Democrats are in total disarray following their decision to remove Biden from the race, showcasing that they pose the real threats to democracy,” Cheung stated on Tuesday. “Kamala Harris remains weak, failed, and dangerously liberal, and no amount of deception from her or her campaign can erase her disgraceful record.”
Polls indicate a closer contest for Trump against Harris following Biden’s withdrawal, with the Real Clear Politics polling average showing Trump leading Biden nationally by 3.1 points but only leading Harris by 1.7 points.
Harris has also made significant strides in presidential betting markets, with Trump now given a 55% chance of winning the election against Harris, who holds a 39% chance, according to the Real Clear Politics betting odds average.
Former President Trump speaks at a Buckeye Values PAC Rally in Vandalia, Ohio, on March 16, 2024. (KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
While Trump holds a 16-point advantage, he previously enjoyed an almost 43-point lead over Harris on July 20, the day before Biden’s exit, and nearly a 52-point advantage over Biden.
However, Martin argued that Trump will have significant leverage once voters become more acquainted with Harris’ policies.
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“Her far-left policies are even more detrimental than Biden’s, especially in the key swing states that will decide this election, like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin,” Martin asserted.
The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Stay updated with the latest from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.
