“This Weirdo is Also a Stalker”: J.D. Vance Criticized for Following Harris and Walz
Sarah L. Voisin / The Washington Post via Getty Images file
The Nation’s Joan Walsh recently published a column describing J.D. Vance as a “stalker” for shadowing Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, across the country. Walsh painted a stark contrast between the Democratic and Republican campaigns.
“The rollicking Harris-Walz lovefest was in sharp contrast with Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance’s dour appearance in Philly earlier in the day,” Walsh wrote. “Vance is scheduled to trail the pair to all the swing states they plan to visit this week. What is Donald Trump doing, sending his weirdo running mate out to stalk the charismatic Democratic duo, like a hangdog ex-husband? The low-energy Trump has exactly one event this week, in the critical swing state of… Montana.”
At Vance’s rally in Philadelphia, approximately 200 people attended, with Vance speaking under a large blue banner displaying only “Kamala.” This small turnout paled compared to the Democrats, who exceeded capacity in their venue.
In Michigan, Vance spoke outside a police station, attracting more staff and media than supporters. He attempted to discuss immigration but instead insulted Gov. Walz’s 24-year military service. Vance, who served four years without witnessing a “firefight,” accused Walz of “stolen valor,” inadvertently highlighting Trump’s own avoidance of military service due to “bone spurs.”
The situation was similar in Wisconsin, where Vance was filmed marching with a group of white men and Secret Service agents to the vice president’s plane. Walsh noted that the Michigan rally had over 50,000 RSVPs, necessitating a change of venue to accommodate the crowd.
“He’d be better off campaigning from his couch than stalking Harris and Walz around the swing states. Nice work, Donald Trump, setting your running mate up for failure,” Walsh mocked.
Democratic Party Chair Jamie Harrison echoed this sentiment, saying, “Why am I not surprised that this weirdo is also a stalker.” General counsel Jamie O’Grady agreed, calling it “creepy, weird stalker energy.” The group Vote Vets shared a video with the caption, “This creepy weirdo is giving off serious stalker vibes.”
Vance’s approach has drawn significant criticism and raised questions about the effectiveness of his strategy. As the 2024 election season heats up, the contrast between the enthusiasm for the Democratic ticket and the lackluster response to the Republican events may play a crucial role in the campaign’s outcome.
