Amid a surge of enthusiasm for Kamala Harris, JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential pick, faced a rocky reception during a speech in Byron Center on Wednesday, marked by several notable gaffes and missteps.
During the event, Vance made a striking error regarding car prices, claiming that “thanks to Harris’s spending policies, the average new car costs nearly $50,000 a year.” This figure, far above the typical cost of an economy vehicle, seemed more aligned with luxury car prices, drawing confusion and criticism.

In an awkward moment, Vance also flubbed a response to a supporter’s call to “fire Granholm,” referring to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. Instead, Vance mistakenly suggested firing the Agriculture Secretary, confusing the role with that of Tom Vilsack, who is the actual Agriculture Secretary.

The Ohio senator attempted to address controversy surrounding Donald Trump’s recent comments in an interview with Elon Musk. Trump’s praise of Musk for firing striking workers had sparked backlash from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, whose president labeled the actions as “economic terrorism.” Vance, however, attempted to downplay the comments, saying, “Donald Trump was not talking about firing Michigan autoworkers,” but rather “employees of Twitter who use their power to censor American citizens.”

Vance’s campaign has struggled with his public image, as reflected in recent polls by the centrist Democratic firm Blueprint. Descriptors like “young,” “smart,” and “businessman” have diminished in favor among voters since his selection as the Republican vice-presidential candidate.
Additionally, Vance’s past remarks have added to the negative perception. Notably, his comment about childless adults lacking a “direct stake” in the country’s future, and his controversial defense of a Texas abortion law with no exceptions for rape and incest, have left many voters unsettled. According to the survey, approximately 50% of participants were aware of Vance’s derogatory comments about “childless cat ladies,” and 62% were troubled by his description of pregnancies resulting from rape as “inconvenient.”
As the campaign trail continues, Vance’s missteps and controversial statements will likely be scrutinized further, potentially impacting his standing in the race.