Senator JD Vance defended his controversial remarks about Haitian immigrants eating pets during a rally in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on Tuesday. His comments had stirred controversy after he told CNN’s Dana Bash it was permissible to “create stories” to highlight issues important to his constituents, specifically regarding unfounded claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio.
At the rally, Vance reiterated his stance, arguing that it is the media’s responsibility to fact-check stories, not his. He maintained that numerous constituents had reported seeing incidents in Springfield, insisting that his role as a U.S. senator is to listen to the concerns of his constituents, regardless of media criticism.
Vance’s speech included pointed critiques of the press, which he accused of dishonesty and failing to address what he termed real issues. His comments resonated with the crowd, who responded enthusiastically to his attacks on the media.
“I created a story by directing media attention to Springfield,” Vance said, aiming to shift focus to the concerns he believes are being ignored. His remarks also extended to broader immigration issues, invoking a recent crime by an undocumented individual in Prairie du Chien, which Republicans have used to bolster their narrative about immigrant crime. Despite research showing that immigrants do not commit crimes at a higher rate than U.S.-born individuals, Vance continued to emphasize the perceived dangers of illegal immigration.
Vance also criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, attributing a recent assassination attempt at Mar-a-Lago to the rhetoric and actions of Democrats and Harris’s campaign. He painted a dire picture of a potential Harris presidency, alleging it could lead to increased global conflict and domestic chaos.
The rally, which drew several hundred attendees, featured strong support for Vance’s stance on immigration. Victoria Bischel, a local business owner, expressed her agreement with Vance’s position, emphasizing her belief in legal immigration while criticizing unauthorized entry into the U.S.
Vance’s rhetoric, particularly on immigration and media criticism, was met with a positive reception from the rally audience, underscoring the divisive and provocative nature of his campaign messaging.
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