JD Vance recently made an appearance at the International Association of Fire Fighters Convention in Boston. During his speech, he was booed by some union members. Vance’s attempt to connect with the audience resulted in a mixed reaction, highlighting the challenges his campaign faces with labor groups. This has led to people wondering what exactly happened and why was he booed.
Here’s what people need to know about JD Vance’s speech, the crowd’s reaction, and its potential impact on his relationship with firefighters.
JD Vance booed during his speech in Boston
JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, received a mixed reception from firefighters at the International Association of Fire Fighters Convention in Boston on August 29, 2024. His speech elicited both applause and boos from the audience.
As he took the stage, JD Vance was booed by union members. He acknowledged the divided response, saying, “Sounds like we got some fans and some haters, that’s okay.” Vance then urged the audience to reconsider their support of the Democratic Party, asking, “After supporting Democrats for so long in this union, what has it gotten you?” (via Fox News)
Vance’s remarks came a day after Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz spoke at the same convention, receiving a more favorable response. Vance criticized Democrats for broken promises, pointing to declining union membership and stagnating wages as evidence of betrayal. He claimed that his and Trump’s ticket was the “most pro-worker Republican ticket in history.” This statement drew further boos from the crowd.
Vance also addressed the anti-police protests of 2020. He pledged that a Trump-Vance administration would not bail out those who targeted first responders during the unrest. He criticized current policies on COVID-19 mandates and promised to abolish mandates and rehire firefighters terminated due to those requirements.
His appeals aimed to sway union members traditionally aligned with Democrats. He portrayed his ticket as dedicated to defending workers’ rights and public safety. The reaction to Vance’s speech highlights the tension between Republican efforts to gain union support and the historical alignment of labor unions with the Democratic Party.
