JD Vance Declares ‘Joy is Gone’ from Harris Campaign as Trump Promises to ‘Kick Cartels’ in Tucson Stump Speech

Senator JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, addressed a crowd of approximately 400 at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, proclaiming that the “joy is gone from the Kamala Harris campaign.” This marked his second visit to Tucson in a fortnight, underscoring the significance of Arizona in the ongoing presidential race.

As the election nears—with only 14 days remaining—polling indicates a competitive showdown between Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump for Arizona’s 11 electoral votes. Vance previously held a rally at the Tucson Speedway racetrack on October 9, further highlighting the state’s political importance.

Vance asserted, “In just two weeks, Arizona is going to send Kamala Harris a message: go back to San Francisco where you belong.” His comments resonated with supporters and members of the National Border Patrol Council, who accompanied him on stage.

In a notable contrast to Trump, Vance accurately pronounced Harris’s first name throughout his remarks. He criticized her for her stance on border policy, claiming she aimed to dismantle Trump’s immigration initiatives. “You know what Donald Trump thinks we ought to do: build that wall, finish that wall,” he stated fervently.

During his address, Vance referenced the tragic murder of U.S. Marine Nicholas Douglas Quets, who was shot while traveling in Mexico. He vowed to take action against the Mexican cartels responsible for such violence and offered a “solemn promise” to Quets’ family, noting, “The cavalry is coming,” and that the Trump presidency would confront cartel violence decisively.

Vance further claimed that Harris’s policies had transformed Mexico into a “narco-state,” leading to increased violence and instability at the border. He drew attention to a grim past event—an ambush in 2019 during Trump’s presidency that resulted in the deaths of a group of women and children. Such enduring cartel violence underscores the ongoing challenges facing both nations.

In direct response to Vance’s remarks, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly criticized him for allegedly spreading fear and misinformation, describing it as a tactic to distract from Trump’s “dangerous agenda.” Vance, responding to a question about potential deportations of DACA recipients, emphasized the need to expel individuals living without appropriate documentation swiftly.

He also highlighted concerns regarding fentanyl trafficking, attributing the flow of this dangerous drug to Chinese manufacturers and Mexican cartels. “You need to have a president who goes to China and tells them what’s what: stop manufacturing this crap,” Vance remarked, noting the prevalent smuggling through U.S. border crossings.

In conjunction with Vance’s speech, Troy Miller, head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, reported a 55 percent decline in border apprehensions since June, attributing success to collaborative federal efforts aimed at mitigating both drug smuggling and illegal immigration.

Vance’s appearance concluded with endorsements from the National Border Patrol Council leadership, reinforcing their support for the Trump-Vance ticket. Gina Swoboda, chairwoman of the Arizona Republican Party, added a religious motif to the rally by asserting the necessity of protecting constitutional freedoms.

Post-event, Vance visited Delicias Mexican Grill, where he engaged with patrons and sampled food. Although he did not order a full meal, he expressed gratitude to his supporters before departing, leaving an impression of camaraderie and campaign vigor.