JD Vance's "anytime, anywhere" media strategy
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Sen. JD Vance talks to reporters beside his campaign plane in Eau Claire, Wis., last month. Photo: Alex Brandon/AP
Campaign sources tell Axios that despite having to defend past comments, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) has signed up for a tough conversation with the N.Y. Times' "The Interview" podcast.
Why it matters: It's part of a "come-at-me" media strategy by Vance, who has faced constant questions about "childless cat ladies" and other previous statements about women and parents.
The big picture: Vance, a Yale Law grad who always loved debate, invites questions from reporters on the trail — and plunges into hostile interviews — more often than any of the other three national candidates.
- Vance recently told his team he wants as many events as possible to include a press conference or press Q&A segment, a top adviser told Axios.
Inside the strategy: Vance's team says he's aiming to speak to the middle by engaging with outlets that reach beyond the MAGA base.
- "He can often be combative, but he's not trying to own the libs when he engages with the MSM — he's trying to persuade the middle," the adviser said.
- In addition to exposure in legacy media, the MAGA base regularly sees Vance's press interactions go viral on X.
Reality check: It's not clear it's working. Vance was underwater in favorability — 32%-44% — in an ABC News/Ipsos poll out over the weekend.
- By contrast, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is seen favorably by a double-digit margin, 42%-31%.
By the numbers: Since being picked by President Trump, Vance has done 94 interviews, press conferences and gaggles with the media — and has actively courted adversarial outlets that Republicans often avoid.
- Vance has given nearly as many interviews to traditional media outlets as he has conservative media, according to a campaign count.
- Vance did all five major Sunday shows in the past month, including three of them in one day.
Behind the scenes: Trump has been impressed with Vance in unscripted scenarios and has called him a "great political talent," a top campaign source says.
- "Vance's Combativeness May Vex Some Voters, but Trump Likes It," said a headline on the front page of Monday's New York Times.
What's next: Vance is scheduled to join "The All In Podcast" — popular with the "tech bro" crowd — and is in talks with NPR and other major podcasts.
