Vance Slams Harris, Walz During Pittsburgh-Area Campaign Stop

NEW KENSINGTON, PA — Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance appeared at a VFW near Pittsburgh Thursday, touting former President Donald Trump's veterans policies during his term in office.

Vance also took time to accuse Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz of avoiding media scrutiny as the pair barnstorm toward next week's Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

"I think I have to go before the American people and make the case for why I deserve to have this job," Vance said in a Forbes video of his comments.

"I think it's disgraceful that Tim Walz and Kamala Harris are running from every media interview, running from every reporter. They refuse to respect the American people enough to stand before them and ask them for their vote."

Under heavy security in the wake of the attempted assassination of Trump in Western Pennsylvania last month, Vance spoke at VFW 92 in Westmoreland County at an invitation-only event.

In an appearance lasting just under 40 minutes, Vance kept up his criticism of Walz's military credentials.

The Ohio senator repeatedly has accused Walz, a 24-year veteran of the Army National Guard of misleading voters in the past about having served in a combat zone. In 2003, Walz was deployed to Italy in a supportive role but saw no combat.

He accused Harris and Walz of attempting to play the victims of Republican-fueled carping regarding the issue.

“I think the victims are the veterans who are having their service disparaged because the guy who wants to be their vice president is lying instead of telling the truth," he said.