Ashley Etienne, Vice President Harris' former communications director, believes Ohio Sen. JD Vance could pose a significant threat to Harris in the upcoming election due to his impressive debate skills, intelligence, and appeal to undecided voters.
Ohio Sen. JD Vance has emerged as a top contender for former President Trump's vice presidential nomination, according to recent reports. Vance's selection could pose a significant challenge to Vice President Kamala Harris, according to Ashley Etienne, who served as Harris' communications director in 2021.
"I think JD Vance would pose the greatest threat [to] Kamala Harris, in some respects. I mean, he's an incredible debater," Etienne told CNN. "I think he has this quality that makes him seem palpable to that one to two percent that actually might vote or that is undecided, that will actually pay attention to the debates because most people don't pay attention to the debates."
JD Vance Emerges as Top Vice Presidential Contender for Trump, Posing a Threat to Kamala Harris
Vance, a first-term senator, has been a staunch supporter of Trump throughout his campaign and legal woes. He recently joined Trump at a Manhattan courtroom where Trump was found guilty on 34 charges related to falsifying business records.
Vance's impressive debate skills and intelligence have been widely acknowledged. Etienne described him as "super smart," "sharp," and "quick-witted." These qualities could make him a formidable opponent to Harris on the debate stage.
JD Vance Emerges as Top Vice Presidential Contender for Trump, Posing a Threat to Kamala Harris
In addition to his personal qualities, Vance's political background and appeal to certain voter demographics could also pose a threat to Harris. He is a political outsider who appeals to working-class voters, particularly in the Rust Belt region. This demographic has been pivotal in recent elections and could be a key battleground in the 2024 presidential race.
Vance's experience as a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley could also prove advantageous for Trump's ticket. He has a network of wealthy donors and business contacts that could help boost Trump's campaign funds and provide strategic advice.
JD Vance Emerges as Top Vice Presidential Contender for Trump, Posing a Threat to Kamala Harris
Trump himself has acknowledged Vance's potential as a vice presidential pick. In a recent interview with Fox News, Trump said that he has "a pretty good idea" of who his vice presidential nominee will be and hinted that an announcement could be made at the Republican National Convention in July.
Harris' disapproval rating has remained high, with 55% of registered voters having an unfavorable opinion of her, according to a recent Fox News national survey. This could make her vulnerable to a strong opponent like Vance.
JD Vance Emerges as Top Vice Presidential Contender for Trump, Posing a Threat to Kamala Harris
Vance is not the only potential vice presidential candidate under consideration by Trump. Other contenders include former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, and former Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. However, Vance's recent vetting documents request and his close ties to Trump make him a strong frontrunner for the nomination.
If selected as Trump's running mate, Vance would bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the campaign. His impressive debate skills, political outsider status, and appeal to working-class voters could pose a significant challenge to Harris and the Democratic ticket in the upcoming election.
