John McCain Wouldn’t Back Harris if He Witnessed the Border Crisis

During a recent rally in Phoenix, Arizona, Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance expressed skepticism regarding whether the late Senator John McCain would support Vice President Kamala Harris if he were alive today. Vance’s comments shed light on the ongoing political discourse surrounding endorsements and legacy in the current presidential race.

These remarks come after Jimmy McCain, the son of the late senator, publicly endorsed Harris earlier this week. Vance firmly asserted, “I do not believe for a second that if John McCain were alive today and he sees what’s going on at the American southern border, that he would support Kamala Harris and all the destruction she has wrought.” He emphasized his conviction that McCain would not align himself with Harris’s policies, especially regarding border security.

John McCain, who passed away in 2018 after a long battle with brain cancer, was a prominent figure in Arizona politics. Known for his outspoken criticism of Donald Trump, McCain’s strained relationship with the former president was well-documented. He even requested that Trump not attend his funeral, and after his passing, Trump refrained from issuing a typical eulogy.

Earlier in the week, in a notable shift, Jimmy McCain announced he had registered as a Democrat and will be backing Harris in the upcoming election. He explained his endorsement to CNN, mentioning it was influenced by accusations against Trump campaign staffers who allegedly interfered with an Army staffer at Arlington National Cemetery trying to prevent their campaigning efforts. Trump strongly denied these claims, while Army officials stated that the staffer had been “abruptly pushed aside.”

When asked about the endorsement from the McCain family, Vance responded dismissively, stating, “Who cares what somebody’s family thinks about a presidential race?” He insisted that his focus remains on the opinions of Arizona voters, asserting, “John McCain died what, five, six, seven years ago? And the media is turning into a story what John McCain’s family says about Donald Trump.” Vance further encouraged discussions about the endorsements from other political families, bringing up Tim Walz’s family as a counterpoint.

Reflecting on John McCain’s legacy, Vance noted that although he never met the former senator, he admired McCain’s commitment to serving the country and believed he would appreciate this dedication over personal animosities. Both men had faced significant political backlash during their careers, with McCain famously being mocked by Trump for his military service, stating he preferred “people who weren’t captured.” Such comments contributed to the longstanding tension between them.

Vance emphasized his goal to connect with Arizona voters, mentioning, “Whatever John McCain’s family thinks, whatever John McCain would have ultimately thought about Kamala Harris’ policies, my goal here is to persuade every single person in this room and every single person in the state of Arizona that their lives will be better if they elect Donald J. Trump.” Vance’s comments highlight the ongoing battle for voter support amidst shifting political landscapes.

In response to Vance’s comments, Wes Gullett, John McCain’s former state director, defended the legacy of the late senator in relation to the border issue. He asserted that McCain would have sought comprehensive solutions rather than politicizing the situation. Gullett went on to criticize Trump’s rejection of the latest border bill, labeling it “malarkey,” while underscoring the importance of the McCain name and their enduring influence within Arizona politics.

In addition to discussing the endorsements and political legacies, Vance addressed the more pressing issue of school shootings in the United States. Following a tragic event involving a 14-year-old arrested for a school shooting in Georgia, Vance remarked that such incidents are now “a fact of life” and emphasized the urgent need to strengthen security measures in schools across the country.