J.D. Vance Blasts Kamala Harris, Tells Her to 'Go to Hell'
Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance criticized Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris during a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, for her role in the Biden administration's handling of the 2021 Afghanistan troop withdrawal. Vance labeled Harris as "disgraceful" and accused her of failing to hold anyone accountable for the incident, which resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members at Abbey Gate. This criticism was made in response to a reporter's question regarding the Biden administration's decisions during the withdrawal.
Vance's comments come amidst ongoing scrutiny of the U.S. pullout from Afghanistan, with various investigations conducted by the Biden administration and Congress. In a 2023 report, the White House largely attributed the chaotic withdrawal to the policies of the Trump administration. During his speech, Vance also addressed an incident involving Trump campaign officials at Arlington National Cemetery, where a reported altercation occurred during a ceremony honoring the fallen service members. Vance defended the Trump campaign's actions and criticized the media's portrayal of the incident.
Vance also emphasized his own military experience, suggesting it qualifies him for the vice-presidential role. He argued that Harris had not adequately investigated or responded to the events surrounding the Afghanistan withdrawal and the subsequent bombing at Abbey Gate. Harris, along with President Joe Biden, has previously defended the decision to withdraw troops, despite the tragic outcome and the multiple investigations that followed.
