Former President Donald Trump was back on the endorsement track Saturday with another rally, this time in Ohio. Trump, as he is wont to do at his rallies, discussed a variety of issues before the endorsements of him began. These ranged from Biden to the economy, the border, the Russia-Ukraine war, the media, the 2020 election, and people he doesn’t like.
On Saturday night in Delaware, Ohio, he was there to endorse JD Vance for the United States Senate. Trump acknowledged that Vance has also said some nasty things about him in the past. The former president even through a swear word that slipped through television censorship.
“You know what, it’s a guy who said some bad things about me,” Trump said. “But you know what, everyone else did too. In fact, if he held me to that standard, I don’t think he would have endorsed anybody in the country.”
Trump on JD Vance at his rally: “You know what? He’s a guy who said bad things about me… But you know what, everyone else did too. In fact, if I were that standard, I don’t think he would ever have endorsed anybody in the country.”
— Allan Smith (@akarl_smith) April 23, 2022
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Trump just over a week ago issued a statement saying he was aware of criticism Vance had of him in the past.
“It is time for the entire MAGA movement, the largest in our country’s history, to rally behind JD’s campaign because, unlike so many other pretenders and wannabes, he will put America first. In other words, JD Vance has my complete and full support,” Trump said.
Photo by Drew Angerer / Getty Images
Trump’s endorsement of Vance, a former Marine, has many Ohio Republicans divided on his decision. Many Ohio delegates for Trump in 2016 wrote in a letter saying they felt “betrayed” by Vance’s endorsement.
“While we are aware of the pushback you are receiving from your supporters for your endorsement of Vance, please understand that we are not your typical Republican in Ohio,” the letter obtained by Fox News reads. “We are the original and proud ‘Trumpers’ who served as your delegates in Ohio when everyone was against you or supported other candidates.”
“You trusted us in 2016 to do what was best for Ohio,” the letter further stated. “We respectfully request that you reconsider your endorsement of JD Vance to show his fans in Ohio and in our great states why we first believed in you in 2016.”
The conservative group Committee for a Better Ohio said it believes Trump is “out of touch” and out of touch with Republicans in his state.
“For him to endorse JD Vance it really seemed like President Trump wasn’t up to speed on what was going on in Ohio and what his supporters here wanted,” said Tom Zawistowski, the group’s executive director.
When Trump brought Vance onstage on Saturday night, the crowd appeared to give him a rousing applause.
Vance called Trump “the best president of my generation” before echoing many of Trump’s political ideals.
Vance will face former state treasurer Josh Mandel in the primary. Early voting began on April 5 and will continue until May 2. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 3 in the Buckeye State.
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