Senator JD Vance’s recent visit to Tucson, Arizona, marks a notable shift as he rallies to promote early voting and the “America First” agenda. He criticizes Kamala Harris’s efforts to distance herself from Biden’s policies. Vance played an ad from one of Harris’s interviews where she suggested that she wouldn’t change anything that Biden did during his tenure. The crowd cheered as immigration and inflation have been important issues for them.
Arizona’s Pivotal Role
Arizona holds 11 Electoral College votes and is a crucial battleground with polls slightly favoring former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris. Despite past outcomes where Trump and Biden each claimed the state narrowly, there remains no clear favorite this election cycle. Vance capitalized on this uncertainty, teaming with Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz, focusing on key urban centers such as Phoenix and Tucson to bolster voter support on the first day of early voting. The joint decision to campaign in Tucson reflects the state’s significant influence.
Although typically critical of mail voting, Vance now strongly encourages early voting, contrasting with Trump’s stance. His newly tuned approach seeks to engage as many voters as possible, emphasizing the difficulties some citizens have faced in participating in past electoral processes. Voting early, in Vance’s view, ensures every voice is heard in this critical election season.
JD Vance mobbed by supporters during a campaign rally in Tucson, Arizona.pic.twitter.com/DTXddznBpU
— The American Conservative (@amconmag) October 9, 2024
Rallying Support in Tucson
Senator Vance’s campaign in Tucson culminated in a rally held at the Tucson Speedway, where around 500 supporters gathered. The event, initially planned as a half-hour address, was shortened due to the mid-90s Arizona heat. Despite a local faux pas regarding Arizona’s dry heat, Vance’s address connected with his audience as he criticized the current administration’s handling of FEMA resources, urging focusing on the needs of American citizens.
Vance’s pragmatic shift to support early voting was met with enthusiasm, setting a new tone for his campaign. His promises included fortified border security and strict immigration policies, including deportations and terminating FEMA funds for border responses. While Tucson experienced a 13% decrease in violent crime rates last year, Vance’s rhetoric emphasized safety and security concerns to rally support.
VANCE IN TUCSON:
Supporters are lined up here at Tucson Speedway with VP candidate and Trump running mate JD Vance set to speak here at noon. @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/MK5thyOLOF
— Ryan Fish (@RyanFishTV) October 9, 2024
Policies and Promises
Senator Vance’s speech was punctuated with vows to prioritize America’s interests, aiming to close borders and prevent drug trafficking. Criticisms of Vice President Harris underscored concerns over border issues, crime, and taxes, resonating with the audience’s conservative values. He implied a continuation of incumbent policies under Harris, conflicting with her campaign’s fresh start rhetoric. Vance’s assurance to bolster military support was met with cheers, feeding into patriotic sentiment.
Vance’s criticism of Harris extended to alleged failures in addressing global conflicts, painting a vision of weakened international influence. The absence of confrontations with Walz placed the primary focus on contrasting policies, anticipating a vigorous campaign in Arizona as early voting continues. These strategies reflect the pressing need to engage and secure the support of voters concerned about domestic and foreign policy issues.
