Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, on the campaign trail as former President Donald Trump’s vice-presidential pick, made an eyebrow-raising appeal to Delaware County voters Sunday: bring as many friends and family as possible to the polls to “vote 10 times the legal way.” The comment, aimed at rallying voter turnout, quickly caught fire, sparking debate over election integrity and adding another layer of tension to an already contentious campaign season.
Trump Jr.’s Absence at Delco Rally Draws Speculation
The rally in Aston Township was set to feature both Vance and Donald Trump Jr., yet Trump’s eldest son was notably absent. His no-show left attendees wondering, especially given Trump Jr.’s frequent presence at campaign events. While Trump Jr. has often served as a high-energy surrogate for his father’s 2024 run, there was no official explanation for his absence from Sunday’s rally. The venue, known for hosting notable political events, most recently featured Vice President Kamala Harris at a town hall, which lent the rally added significance in the battleground state.
Other prominent Republicans joined Vance, including Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, and Pennsylvania Republican Party Chair Lawrence Tabas. With Trump Jr. off the agenda, the speakers zeroed in on core campaign themes: the economy, immigration, and criticism of the Biden administration, particularly Vice President Kamala Harris.
Criticism of Harris and the Economy Take Center Stage
Vance took the opportunity to address the Democratic ticket with biting humor. “You have had, I’m sure, tough days at work. Your hands hurt, your back’s tired,” Vance said to the crowd, “but think about it. You have never had to go out there and try to convince the American people that Kamala Harris can be the President of the United States. That’s tough.” Vance’s remarks drew laughs and applause from the audience, who he believed would resonate with his jabs.
On the economy, Vance praised Trump’s prior administration for what he described as stronger economic conditions for American workers. He argued that the Biden-Harris administration has presided over a period of inflation and higher energy and food costs, putting pressure on American families. Although the nation’s economic indicators have shown positive signs in recent months, the Trump campaign has remained focused on inflation, especially in household staples. Vance’s portrayal of economic woes fed into this narrative, casting Trump as the antidote to what he called Biden’s “failing policies.”
Strong Words on Immigration: “Pack Your Bags”
Turning to immigration, Vance promised a hard-line stance reminiscent of Trump’s initial campaign. “If you came into this country illegally, pack your bags, because in three months you’re going back home. It’s that simple,” Vance stated, underscoring Trump’s proposed plan for mass deportations and a stricter border policy. For the crowd, these comments reinforced Trump’s “America First” agenda, one of his cornerstone policies from his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. The message was clear: Trump, and by extension, Vance, aimed to return to a policy of tough immigration control and mass deportations to curb what they call a “border crisis.”
Vance’s rhetoric, however, drew immediate backlash from Democrats and immigrant advocacy groups, who argue that such measures ignore the complex social and economic factors at play in immigration patterns. But to the rally’s attendees, the straightforward promise was energizing, aligning with their concerns over national security and job protection.
Record Early Voting in Pennsylvania Reflects High Stakes
As Election Day approaches, Pennsylvania has seen a record number of early votes cast. Nearly 1.8 million mail and absentee ballots have already been returned, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State’s latest figures. Among those ballots, Democratic voters account for the majority, with a significant 400,000-voter lead over Republicans, while more than 200,000 ballots were cast by unaffiliated voters.
However, Pennsylvania Republicans, including Vance, seem unconcerned about the early voting gap. “We got November the fifth,” Vance reminded the crowd, emphasizing that a significant portion of the GOP base still intends to vote in person. His message was clear: don’t just vote—bring friends and family to the polls as well.
In an attempt to clarify his comments about “voting 10 times the legal way,” Vance leaned into the phrase, saying he expected it would attract media scrutiny and accusations of promoting election fraud. He explained that his goal was to inspire Pennsylvanians to not only cast their own vote but to mobilize others to do the same. Yet, the phrasing left some wondering whether Vance’s rally cry was tactically brilliant or politically risky.
Shapiro Hits Back: “Stop Lying About Our System”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was quick to respond to Vance’s rhetoric, taking a stand on the campaign trail in Philadelphia the same day. Shapiro didn’t mince words, openly calling out what he referred to as “bulls–t” from Trump and Vance regarding election integrity. “My hope is that Donald Trump stops lying about our system, because every time he lies about it, it stokes up all kinds of bulls–t online, all kinds of conspiracy theories,” Shapiro told reporters.
In a sharp rebuttal, Shapiro challenged Trump and Vance to run their campaigns based on what they would actually do to improve Pennsylvanians’ lives, rather than casting doubt on election legitimacy. “Here’s the deal,” Shapiro continued, “how about you appeal to Pennsylvanians based on what you might do to help make their lives better?” Shapiro’s remarks underscored the Democrats’ frustration with what they view as fear-mongering tactics and a disregard for election administration efforts across Pennsylvania.
Vance’s Rallying Call: Making Pennsylvania “Too Big to Rig”
As the rally drew to a close, Vance left the crowd with a final rallying cry: make this election “too big to rig.” His statement resonated with supporters eager to make their voices heard, especially in a critical swing state like Pennsylvania, where electoral outcomes often hinge on narrow margins. Vance’s message struck a chord with those who feel their values are underrepresented in current national leadership.
But Vance’s rhetoric also raises questions about the broader impact of such calls to action. His statements may energize the base, yet they continue to polarize voters in a battleground state already divided by political loyalties. With Pennsylvania playing a central role in the upcoming election, both sides are pushing hard to ensure every vote is counted, and every voter feels heard.
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