“Asset to our country.” Supporters rally behind JD Vance during his visit to Radford

RADFORD, Va. (WDBJ) - Hundreds of people showed up in Radford showing their support for Republican VP nominee JD Vance during his second solo campaign stop Monday night.

Despite many being unable to secure seats inside, the enthusiasm outside the Dedmon Center was high.

“He’s a United States Marine,” said Radford resident Woody Gaskins.

“Well, you know, he’s kind of a new candidate. So I wanted to, you know, find out a little bit more of what he’s going to bring to the table,” said Pulaski resident Thomas Howlett.

Vance’s appeal seems to lie not only in his political stance but also in his perceived understanding of community values and the aspirations of everyday Americans.

“I was very happy, very happy,” explained Radford resident Marty Brownrigg. “He is in with the community. He knows how we think, how we do things, he’s very in line with the whole situation of how we need to carry our nation.”

Rally-goers expressed anticipation for what Vance and his ally, former President Donald Trump, may bring to the political arena.

“JD Vance is an asset to the community.” said Roanoke Valley Republican Women Chairwoman Barbara Duerk. “He’s an asset to our country. He’s an asset to us, the people that live here that make make America great,” said

“I want to get $1.89 gas. I want to get interest rates down to maybe 3%. I’d like the southern border closed. Should I keep on?” added Gaskins.

“We’re in awful distress and he knows, along with Trump, how to bring us out of it,” said Brownrigg.

Despite Vance’s past criticism of Trump, including remarks before the 2016 election likening him to Hitler, Vance’s supporters appear undeterred. They emphasize his ability to evolve and his current alignment with Trump’s vision for the country as reasons for their unwavering support.

“I don’t think that he the fact that he was openly critical of Trump to begin with is a bad thing necessarily, but being able to see... the things that your country needs to move forward. And I think that him being able to see that in Trump is a good thing,” explained Pulaski resident Evan Alger.

“Trump took a bullet for us,” added Brownrigg. “And there are not many men that could do that and rise up again and still want to fight for our nation. I pray every day for him.”

To watch J.D. Vance’s full speech, click here.

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