'If you love Mexico, get your a** there': Vance hits out at protester made to leave Republican rally
US vice president JD Vance, who was addressing the Republicans’ midterm convention in Dallas on Thursday, slammed a protester for waving Mexican and Palestinian flags at the event. Vance, who is reportedly being viewed as a potential heir to the 'Make America Great Again' movement, asked the protester to move to Mexico instead of residing in the United States.
A protester waves a Palestinian flag as US Vice President JD Vance speaks during second day of the Republican National Committee midterm convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, (AFP)“Well, my friend, if you love Mexico so much, get your a— over there. I’ll buy you a plane ticket,” he said. Vance's response received a roar of approval from the crowd, the Associated Press reported.
While the protester was removed from the convention, several others marched down streets chanting, “say it loud, say it clear, Donald Trump’s not welcome here”. They were however prevented by the police from reaching too close to the venue.
Vance delivered his keynote at the Republican convention organised by Trump to urge the voters to save their party’s majorities in Congress.
Vance pivoted from the confrontation to a broader political message, urging Republicans to turn out to vote in the midterm elections in November.
“We got to send a message this November. This country was handed down to us by our parents and their parents before them. We received this national birthright, and we are going to fight for it by electing Republicans this November,” he said.
The incident fit into the Republican narrative against the Democrats, which seeks to portray the latter as extremists working against national interests. Vance called Democrats “the party of hatred” as he urged Republicans to remain united for the midterms.
“Don’t give the country over to a bunch of crazy people because you happen to disagree with us on a policy issue here or there,” he said.
Vance’s response also highlighted the cultural and immigration tensions that Republicans are using to energise their voter base ahead of the midterms.
Republicans are increasingly worried about the midterm elections, with both House and Senate majorities at risk. The party faces weak enthusiasm among voters, worries about the economy and affordability, and concerns over President Donald Trump’s low approval ratings.
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