Vance Dismisses NYC Rally Criticism, Emphasizes Economic Concerns in Racine Speech

RACINE, Wis. (WRJN) — For the second time in a week, the person seeking to be second in command spoke to supporters at Racine’s Memorial Hall.   There were similarities, with U.S. Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio Monday night doing the same as Governor Tim Walz did the week prior, encouraging people to vote early. 

Sen. Vance rallied about 500 supporters at Memorial Hall on Monday night, urging early voting and outlining his campaign’s economic platform.“Every day, we have an opportunity to get our country back on track,” Vance declared, adding promises to make housing more affordable and to deport undocumented immigrants. 

During the Racine campaign event, Vance addressed criticism stemming from comments made by a comedian at a Trump rally held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

“A comedian made a joke, and I don’t think that’s news worth making,” Vance said. “I’m a hell of a lot more offended that my fellow Americans can’t afford to buy groceries or pay their credit card debt,” Vance quipped. “That’s more offensive than what a comedian said at Madison Square Garden.”

The rally featured a lineup of speakers, including Congressman Bryan Steil and U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, who flew in with Vance from a prior appearance. Steil called on attendees to mobilize their communities: “Make sure your neighbors vote; we need every last Trump supporter out there.”

Local businesswoman Dawn Patzke voiced her support for Trump-Vance and shared her experience with economic challenges. “Under Trump, we could compete with Asian companies; now it feels like we’re struggling just to stay afloat.”  

Governor Walz held a campaign event in Waukesha on the same day as the Vance rally. There, he met with local leaders including Mayor Shawn Reilly, a former Republican who has endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Trump are both in the state tomorrow.  Former President Bill Clinton comes to Milwaukee Thursday, with Trump back in Wisconsin Friday for a rally at the Fiserv Forum.