Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance on Saturday refused to describe Russian President Vladimir Putin as an “enemy,” saying instead, “I think he’s clearly an enemy.” He’s a competitor. ”
“But I think we also have to be smart about diplomacy,” Vance, former President Donald Trump’s running mate, added in an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday. Ta. “Just because you don’t like someone doesn’t mean you can’t have a conversation with them from time to time.”
His remarks were in response to a question from host Kristen Welker about whether Vance views Putin as a friend or foe.
“If we’re going to end the war in Ukraine, I think it’s important that fundamentally, at some level, we have to have some negotiations between Ukraine, between Russia, between our NATO allies in Europe.” added the senator. “And that’s exactly the part that’s needed.”
Vance also responded to former Vice President Mike Pence’s comment last year that he asked President Trump to “ignore his oath to the Constitution.”
When asked whether his loyalty as vice president lies with Trump or the U.S. Constitution, Vance said, “Of course my loyalty is to the American people and the Constitution.”
“I don’t see a conflict between loyalty to the Constitution and support for Donald Trump,” Vance added. “That’s why I’m trying to convince my fellow Americans that Donald Trump’s presidency worked for them, and I want us to get back to those smart policies.”
In a separate interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Saturday, Vance assured viewers that Trump would abide by the Constitution if re-elected.
“I’m not worried about Donald Trump. I think Donald Trump believes in the Constitution. That’s why he’s running for president for a third time. It’s because Kamala Harris is leading the world’s largest economy. Because he’s worried that he caused it to fall apart,” Vance said. Host Margaret Brennan.
“I think Donald Trump believes in the U.S. Constitution. I know he does. I’ve seen it in his actions. I’ve talked to him about it. ” Vance added. “And personally, yes, my first loyalty is to the people of the United States and the Constitution of the United States. The best way to faithfully serve these people and the Constitution is to live in places where Americans can afford to live. I think it’s about getting us back to “a decent life again.” ”
In the NBC interview, Vance also addressed criticism that has come out in recent weeks from several members of Trump’s first administration, including former chief of staff John Kelly and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley.
“Donald Trump had already been president for four years. If he was who John Kerry said he was, why did Donald Trump bring peace and prosperity?” Vance asked.
He also accused Trump’s opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, of using the Justice Department to target political opponents. There is no evidence that the Justice Department is targeting Harris or President Joe Biden’s political opponents.
“The current Justice Department, under the leadership of Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, is going after their current Democratic political opponents. I think it’s shameful, but it’s happening.” said Mr. Vance, doubling down on Mr. Welker’s rebuttal of the claim.
The Harris campaign, the White House and the Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment.
The senator went on to call Kelly a “disgruntled former employee” and told Welker: You mentioned one or two disgruntled former employees, Kristen, that Donald Trump fired. ”
