The air crackled with anticipation as Republican vice presidential nominee Senator JD Vance took the stage at a NewsNation town hall in Detroit, Michigan. The event, designed to connect with undecided voters, aimed to delve into the plans and objectives of a potential second Trump administration. However, the atmosphere took an unexpected turn when a familiar voice broke through the microphone – former President Donald Trump himself.
Trump’s surprise phone call, catching both Vance and the audience off guard, injected a dose of levity into the serious discussions. With a playful question, “How brilliant is Donald J. Trump?”, he sparked a lighthearted exchange. Vance, with a chuckle, responded, “This is supposed to be undecided voters. I would hope that I have your vote of all people.” He quickly added, “Sir, of course, you’re very brilliant, and we both agree that it’s important to have very smart people running our government.”
The playful banter continued as Trump inquired about Vice President Kamala Harris’s intelligence, to which Vance diplomatically responded, “That’s a tough one.” Trump, interjecting with a laugh, said, “Don’t say it. We don’t need any more. We’re doing just fine.”
Beyond the lighthearted exchange, Trump used the opportunity to express his support for Vance, declaring that he was doing a “fantastic job” and exuding strong approval of his running mate’s performance.
Throughout the town hall, Vance faced repeated questions about his readiness to assume the presidency if Trump were unable to serve. However, he consistently steered the focus back to Trump, assuring the audience that the former president is “as healthy as an ox” and fully capable of completing a full term if re-elected.
Dismissing any concerns, Vance asserted, “There’s no chance that he’s not going to be able to complete a full four-year term. I think he’s going to do it. He’s going to do it with a ton of energy.”
He pointed to Trump’s active campaign schedule as evidence, stating, “Just look at the campaign schedule that Donald Trump has kept compared to his Democratic opponents. He’s doing like three public events for every event Kamala Harris has done.”
The unexpected phone call and Trump’s subsequent remarks undoubtedly provided a memorable moment for those present at the town hall. It also highlighted the unique dynamic of the 2024 election, where Trump remains a powerful force even beyond the presidency, influencing not only the campaign but also public perceptions of the candidates.