Vance Discusses Engagement with Trump: 'We’re Each Reaching Out to Different Audiences in Unique Ways'.
By Henry J. Gomez, Alec Hernández, and Jillian Frankel
**WASHINGTON** — A week ago, the strained relationship between former President Donald Trump and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp seemed irreparable. Trump’s ongoing criticism of Kemp, a key Republican in a crucial battleground state, appeared to jeopardize Trump’s campaign.
Then, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, Trump’s running mate, reached out to Kemp.
Following their conversation, Kemp, who with his wife had been the target of harsh attacks from Trump, appeared on Fox News to publicly endorse the GOP ticket. Trump soon afterward expressed his gratitude to the governor for his supportive remarks.
In an interview with NBC News aboard his campaign plane on Tuesday night, Vance downplayed his role in mending the rift, suggesting he was just one of many influential voices in Kemp’s ear. Vance described a strategy, approved by Trump, that leverages his ability to connect with people in ways Trump cannot.
“There are a lot of similarities, but also many differences,” Vance said, reflecting on his relationship with Trump. After their initial joint campaign events, Vance recalled Trump telling him, “I trust you. We should be in different places, unless it’s a major event… divide and conquer.”
“We’re each trying to engage with different people in different ways, and running the campaign as effectively as possible,” Vance continued. “Trump sets the tone and policy, and I aim to support that.”
The discord between Trump and Kemp originated from the governor’s refusal to alter the 2020 election results in Georgia, where Trump narrowly lost to President Joe Biden. Democrats are eyeing Georgia again this year, with Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz launching a bus tour there on Wednesday.
Vance explained that his conversation with Kemp emphasized their shared priorities. “I approached it by saying, ‘I’m not trying to change your view on the president, just as I’m not trying to change the president’s view on you. You agree on 90% of the issues. Set aside personal differences,’” Vance said. “I believe many people were delivering this message to both Trump and Kemp. I’m pleased with the outcome, but I don’t take credit for it.”
Kemp’s senior adviser, Cody Hall, stated that “the governor reiterated his long-standing support for the Republican ticket and commitment to winning Georgia for Trump, emphasizing that the country cannot afford a Kamala Harris presidency.”
In the interview, Vance also discussed reconciling his policy positions with Trump’s, particularly on abortion. Vance had opposed a constitutional amendment in Ohio last year that enshrined abortion rights in the state and had supported federal abortion restrictions. However, since joining the GOP ticket, Vance has deferred to Trump’s stance of leaving abortion decisions to the states.
“I don’t see it as compromising my values,” Vance said. “I’m pro-life and want to save as many babies as possible. But voters have their say, and I strongly opposed the amendment in Ohio, which was rejected. We need to rethink how we present our case to the American people.”
Vance noted there was no “radical misalignment” between him and Trump. “Even if there were, voters chose him, and he chose me,” he said. “My role is to support the campaign and help him become the next president.”
The interview aboard Trump’s campaign plane, known as Trump Force 2, followed Vance’s recent fundraiser in Nashville and a visit to Big Rapids, Michigan..
Vance is scheduled for events in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin on Wednesday, states that, along with Michigan, make up the "blue wall" industrial region that supported Trump in 2016 but flipped to Biden in 2020. As a Midwesterner with a focus on his working-class roots and economic populist views, Vance has made 20 stops in these three states since becoming the vice presidential nominee.
In Big Rapids, where a proposed electric vehicle battery plant has sparked political controversy due to its ties with China, Vance's event was initially planned as a small-scale discussion on the economy. However, it turned into a larger rally with hundreds of people gathered on a horse farm under the hot sun and humid conditions.
During the event, Vance introduced a new critique of Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, accusing her of mimicking Trump's policies. He joked, “I’ve heard that for her debate, she’s going to don a navy suit, a long red tie, and adopt the slogan ‘Make America Great Again.’”
Following the rally, Vance visited a nearby A&W restaurant, where he served root beer floats on a shaded patio, took selfies with supporters, and held a baby. This visit contrasted sharply with his recent awkward encounter at a bakery in Valdosta, Georgia, where he struggled with casual conversation amid a media frenzy, leading to viral social media footage.
“I felt terrible for that woman,” Vance said, referring to the bakery employee. “We walked in with a large security and media presence, and she was clearly unprepared and terrified. I felt awful for her.”
Vance expressed his preference for genuine retail politicking and emphasized the need for better planning in future visits. “I don’t want scripted events—I prefer real interactions with people. We need to ensure that those we engage with are comfortable with being on camera,” he said.
Vance’s mother, Beverly Aikins, joined him on Tuesday’s trip. Vance has shared her struggles with drug addiction in his memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," and noted her approaching 10 years of sobriety in his recent convention speech. Aikins expressed her admiration for her son, stating, “He’s an amazing human being and truly believes he can make a difference.”
On his campaign plane, with Aikins beside him, Vance mentioned that he has yet to decide who will play Tim Walz in preparations for their upcoming debate.
“I try to understand the details well, whether it’s at a rally, press conference, or policy speech, because it helps me form my own views,” Vance said. “I think it’s crucial to let these things develop organically and avoid over-scripting or over-preparing.”..
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