Ohio’s U.S. Senator J.D. Vance addressed constituents in Middletown after being selected as Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate last week. The rally was Vance’s second on the campaign trail but his first as an individual and took place shortly after President Joe Biden announced his exit from the race.
Attendees hold Vance themed signs.
Supporters of Trump and Vance lined the sidewalks of Middletown High School where the rally was held – some arriving as early as 9 a.m. and waiting more than 3 hours to get inside. Mary Ann Stelzle, an attendee from Mason, said she came because she admires Vance’s story.
“I think he is on a good path,” Stelzle said. “But (I hope) that he stays on the good path and can just work for the people and not for the government.”
Stelzle also said she believes Vance will be a good compliment to Trump and wants to help get them both elected to office because of their stance on issues like the economy and immigration.
Vendors like Don Anderson echoed these sentiments with Trump-Vance apparel and souvenirs for attendees to purchase while waiting in line. He said it was time for people to get together and do the right thing.
“J.D. Vance is a local guy, we’re very proud of him and proud to be in the area,” Anderson said. “We’re doing our best to come out here and get with everybody. I think there was a much bigger crowd than we anticipated.”
Despite the crowd's general enthusiasm, several attendees expressed frustration about the lack of water, shade and restrooms available to the public. Others were upset with the choice of venue; it reached capacity with less than half the crowd inside. Some were there to show their disapproval of the Trump ticket.
Susan Bidwell, an attendee from Middletown, said she was there for her seven grandchildren.
“I think it is important to protect them and their future,” Bidwell said. “I was also a public educator for 30 years and children listen and children respond, and I’m concerned about the message that he’s sending.”
Bidwell stood on the corner with other protesters holding signs that read “Roe Roe Roe your vote” and “Grab them by the ballot.”
Before taking the main stage for his speech, Vance addressed the crowd gathered outside the school. His impromptu address sparked chants of “Vance'' and “U-S-A” that carried into the auditorium.
Vance’s speech focused heavily on his upbringing in Middletown. He recalled memories of his grandmother’s gun collection, his high school math teacher and some local delicacies such as Milton’s Donuts.
"I love this town, and I'm so grateful to have been formed by it," Vance said. "My life wasn't that different than a lot of people in Middletown. It was tough, but it was surrounded by loving people."
In a statement by Middletown City School District, Superintendent Deborah Houser said J.D. Vance exemplifies the aspirations the district holds for every student.
“As a graduate of Middletown High School, J.D. Vance has achieved success in his chosen career,” Houser said. “Middies will rise to achieve anything they put their minds to."
Vance’s speech was not just a trip down memory lane. He called out the Biden Administration and the news organizations for unfair portrayals of Trump and encouraged voters to use their own voices to endorse the Trump ticket.
“We have to push back on every channel that we can,“ Vance said. "The media is never going to be fair to President Donald J. Trump, but you're going to be fair, so use the voice. Go on social media and actually make the case for President Trump and Vice President Vance.”
Vance also praised his running mate Donald Trump for his commitment to the American people and for the opportunity to run as vice president.
“Let's talk about the man who was a business leader, who had billions of dollars, who didn't need any of the sacrifices that public service created, and yet, he went out there and he did it anyway,” Vance said. “That's the type of people we want to become public servants, and thank God he served for four years as president of the United States.”
Attendees wear Trump Vance 2024 shirts around the rally
Vance concluded the rally by outlining the Trump-Vance platform, emphasizing their position of relevant issues like the economy and immigration.
"Let's re-elect Donald J. Trump," he said, receiving a standing ovation. "Middletown, I love you and I wouldn't be here without you."
