Donald Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance, has a response to the advice from allies and fellow Republicans urging Trump to focus on policy rather than personal attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris.
Vance believes Trump's unfiltered style is part of his appeal. "He says what’s actually on his mind. He’s not always filtered," Vance said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
However, Vance pointed out that the campaign is primarily focused on policy. "That’s 90% of what we’re doing. And I think that’s going to keep on happening," he added.
Harris has gained momentum recently, evident in her rising poll numbers, fundraising, and large crowds. Despite this, Trump has continued to criticize her on issues like border security, crime, and inflation, often including personal attacks.
Watch the latest video at foxnews.comTrump's advisers are reportedly trying to steer him towards focusing on Harris's policies rather than her personal traits. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy publicly advised Trump to stop questioning Harris's crowd sizes and focus on her positions instead.
McCarthy stressed the urgency of this shift. "You’ve got to make this race not on personalities," he said. "Get out there and start making the case."
Nikki Haley, a former rival in the Republican primaries, echoed similar sentiments, advising that the campaign focus on policy rather than personal jabs.
When asked about this criticism, Vance defended Trump's approach, stating, "Donald Trump has earned the right to run the kind of campaign that he wants to run."
Vance reiterated that the focus is on policy, but also emphasized Trump's authenticity, contrasting him with Harris, whom he criticized as being overly scripted.
The Harris campaign has dismissed Trump's recent criticisms as "unhinged" and his agenda as "dangerous and bizarre."