We’ve Gained Some Fans and a Few Haters

Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) faced a mixed reaction from the audience while speaking at a firefighter union gathering in Boston on Thursday. The event was organized by the International Association of Fire Fighters, where Vance delivered his remarks following Representative Carlos A. Gimenez (R-Fla.), a former firefighter.

As he took the stage, Vance was met with boos from some attendees. In response, he acknowledged the crowd’s divided sentiments saying, “Semper fi, guys,” referencing the Marine Corps motto that translates to “always faithful.”

“We got some — it sounds like we got some fans and some haters. That’s OK,” he continued. “Let’s listen to what I have to say here, and I’ll make my pitch.”

Throughout his speech, Vance expressed gratitude towards firefighters, emphasizing their vital role in public safety. He stated, “You make a difference every single day, and I thank you for it.” Vance assured the audience that the campaign of former President Trump would steadfastly support firefighters and first responders who contribute to the safety of the nation.

Vance highlighted his involvement in several pieces of legislation, including the Social Security Fairness Act and his support for the Fire Grants and Safety Act. Yet, the atmosphere became tense again when he claimed that the Trump-Vance ticket represented the “most pro-worker Republican ticket in history,” prompting further boos from the audience.

Despite the negativity, Vance managed to earn applause during certain parts of his address. Many in the crowd cheered when he asserted that Republicans would uphold the right to free speech, including opposition to “unconstitutional COVID vaccine mandates.” He also received appreciation when he mentioned the need to respect workers’ rights to collective bargaining, and he paid tribute to Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter who tragically died during an attempted assassination against Trump in Butler, Pa.

Vance recognized the diverseness in the audience’s opinions. “Now I know this is a diverse union. Some of you love President Trump, and some of you clearly don’t,” he admitted. “I’ve heard from both sides.”

He revealed that he, too, was once skeptical of Trump. “This may come as a shock to you, but once upon a time, I wasn’t a Trump guy either, and trust me, the president never lets me forget it,” he joked.

Towards the conclusion of his speech, Vance made a pledge: “I’ll tell you, whatever your politics and whatever your preferences, I make this solemn promise, whether you support us or not, whether you ultimately endorse us or not, President Trump, and I believe in our firefighters, we believe in our first responders, and we will never stop fighting for you.”

The Trump campaign and various Republican figures later commended Vance for his efforts to campaign in Boston, a region traditionally known for its Democratic leanings. Earlier in the week, Walz also campaigned at the same conference.

In this politically charged atmosphere, Vance’s speech highlighted both support and opposition within the audience, reflecting the broader national dialogue on political affiliations and issues surrounding first responders.

Source: Nexstar Media, Inc.