Republican U.S. vice presidential nominee JD Vance has openly stated his belief that Donald Trump did not lose the 2020 presidential election. This declaration comes after weeks of avoiding the subject, as Vance addressed reporters during a campaign event in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
When asked directly if Trump lost to President Joe Biden in 2020, Vance responded emphatically, “No! I think there are serious problems in 2020. So, did Donald Trump lose the election in 2020? Not by the words that I would use.” This statement aligns with Trump’s ongoing claims of widespread voter fraud, which lack evidence according to numerous investigations.
Vance’s remarks highlight the continuing influence of Trump’s narrative within the Republican Party. Trump, now running for president again in 2024, has suggested he may challenge the results of the upcoming election if he does not succeed against Democrat Kamala Harris, the current vice president. His previous attempts to overturn the 2020 election results resulted in federal and state indictments, and he is still awaiting trial for those charges. Trump’s refusal to accept the election outcome also contributed to the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, by thousands of his supporters.
During a recent debate on October 1 with Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz, Vance had sidestepped the question regarding the 2020 election outcome. Walz criticized him for his vague response, calling it “a damning non-answer.” However, in Williamsport, Vance clarified that he does not support “some crazy conspiracy theory” about the election results. Instead, he attributes Trump’s loss to what he describes as online censorship by large tech companies.
With Pennsylvania being one of the most critical battleground states in the upcoming election, Vance’s comments could significantly influence voter sentiment. His stance reflects the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party regarding the legitimacy of the 2020 election and the impact of social media and technology on public discourse. As the election approaches, the conversations surrounding voter fraud and election integrity are likely to intensify, particularly in key states like Pennsylvania.
