Vance Criticizes Harris Economic and Immigration Impact on Seniors
Calls for Senior Citizen Support at a campaign event at TYR Tactical in Peoria, Arizona.
By Christy Kelly, October 24, 2024 9:09 am
During a campaign event at TYR Tactical in Arizona last Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Senator JD Vance highlighted the economic challenges facing senior citizens, emphasizing the need for increased support. Reflecting on his own upbringing by his grandparents, Vance expressed a deep understanding of the struggles that come with living on a fixed income, especially amid rising costs.
“The ones who have been limited by a fixed income are the ones who have been hit the hardest by Kamala Harris inflation,” Vance said. He outlined a plan to make life more affordable for older Americans, pledging to lower grocery and housing costs and eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits. “I love my senior citizens,” Vance said, “but I know that many of our grandparents are saying, ‘Can I get a little bit of help?’ We need to make the American Dream more affordable for everyone.”
Vance didn’t hold back in his criticism of Kamala Harris, accusing her of failing to provide clear solutions or answer basic questions. “There’s no specifics with Kamala Harris,” he said, pointing out that she often avoids answering questions directly. Vance took aim at her economic agenda, accusing it of being an attack on American energy independence. “Her plan is to wage war on American energy, driving up the price of gas and food,” Vance asserted.
In contrast, Vance promoted Donald Trump’s energy strategy, which he described as a straightforward solution to reduce energy costs. “Trump’s plan to bring down energy is ‘drill, baby, drill,’” he said, emphasizing a return to domestic oil and gas production as a means to lower prices at the pump.
Vance also criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of border security, accusing them of dismantling Trump-era policies that were effective in curbing illegal immigration. “Biden and Harris came into office bragging that they were going to undo all of Trump’s border policies, and that’s exactly what they did,” Vance stated. He accused Harris of wanting to “open the border and roll out the red carpet for illegal immigration.”
In stark contrast, Vance reiterated Trump’s commitment to strengthening border security, including building a border wall and ensuring that those who entered the country illegally are sent back to their home countries. “Trump wants to build the wall and send people who came here illegally back home,” Vance emphasized.
The Senator addressed claims by Harris that Trump intends to cut Medicare, calling it a “lie” designed to mislead voters. “Trump plans to make sure that those benefits go to people who paid for them, not illegal aliens,” Vance argued, challenging Harris’s alleged intentions to provide benefits to undocumented immigrants, a move Vance claimed would “bankrupt our country.”
Vance recounted that during a vice presidential debate, Walz suggested that the country must act with compassion toward undocumented individuals. However, Vance pushed back, arguing that true compassion should be directed toward American citizens first. “There’s nothing compassionate about bankrupting our country,” he said.
The rally in Peoria opened with a warm and enthusiastic welcome for Kari Lake, as chants of “Kari, Kari” filled the room when she walked in. Leaning into economic concerns and border security, Lake set the tone for the event, criticizing the current administration and calling for stronger leadership. She took a moment to address the media, pointing out a couple of journalists who she claimed “rolled their eyes” during the national anthem, which drew boos from the crowd. Lake also expressed her gratitude to Peoria Mayor Jason Beck, owner of TYR Tactical, noting how he built the company with a vision to innovate tactical gear for military and law enforcement.
Abe Hamadeh, who is widely expected to win and represent District 8, where the event was held, also took the stage. Known for his optimistic demeanor, he reminded the crowd that he’s “the happy warrior,” but added, “I’m also a pissed patriot.” Hamadeh acknowledged the challenges Arizonans have faced, emphasizing, “we have been through a lot together.”
State Senator Janae Shamp delivered a pointed critique of the Biden-Harris administration, stating, “there has never been a better duo at destroying our country.” Shamp told attendees it felt “almost therapeutic” to fill out her ballot, expressing hope that after four “long and arduous” years, Arizona could regain a sense of security and optimism.
The event was rounded out by remarks from GOP Chairwoman Gina Swooba, U.S. Representative Debbie Lesko, and Maricopa recorder candidate Justin Heap, who each rallied the crowd with calls for unity and a strong showing in the upcoming elections.
PHOTO ALBUM (Photos by Arizona Globe Reporter Christy Kelly)
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