‘Quick-Witted’ Vance Poses ‘Greatest Threat’ To Harris In Debate, Former VP Comms Director Says
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) would be a formidable rival in a debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, said a former top aide to Harris.
Ashley Etienne, who served as Harris’ communications director in 2021, made the comment during a recent CNN panel discussion about former President Donald Trump’s search for a running mate.
“J.D. Vance would … pose the greatest threat to Kamala Harris in some respects. I mean, he’s an incredible debater,” Etienne said. “I think he has this quality that makes him seem palpable to that 1 to 2% that actually might vote or that, you know, that’s undecided that will actually pay attention to the debates because most people don’t pay attention to the debates.”
She added, “I think he’s just got a quality about him where he’s just super smart and sharp and quick-witted. I just think … it’s going to be a challenge to see the two of them face-to-face. I mean, maybe it’s just me, but I think he’s going to be the greatest threat to her.”
Leading up to the observation about Vance, CNN host Laura Coates asked Etienne to comment on a New York Times report that cited multiple sources who said Trump is thinking about debate performances when it comes to making a selection for a vice presidential nominee. Etienne suggested the news was revealing to her.
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“It says to me that to some degree that they think that she’s somewhat of a threat,” Etienne said. “I mean, she’s a former prosecutor. She spent time in courts defending her clients and defending the interests of California. So, to me, it says, you know, that he might be slightly nervous.”
Vance is just one of the Republicans who Trump is reportedly considering as a running mate as he runs for a second term in the White House ahead of an expected announcement at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next month.
Trump’s campaign has reportedly sent vetting materials to Vance, as well as to North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), House Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), and former Cabinet member Ben Carson. The Associated Press reported that the list is “fluid and evolving.”
