Grand Rapids, MI - In his recent campaign visit to Byron Center, Ohio Senator and Vice Presidential Nominee J.D. Vance delivered a powerful message to the community. Addressing the crowd, he emphasized that places like Byron Center have been neglected and deceived by America's political elite.

"Byron Center has been cast aside, and a lot of places in this country have been cast aside by America's ruling class in Washington, D.C.," Vance stated. He criticized politicians who make promises but undermine industries, offshore jobs, and suppress American wages through illegal labor. "You, my friends, have been betrayed," he asserted.

Throughout his speech on August 14th, Vance highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris' role in this perceived betrayal. He claimed that Harris' tenure has resulted in higher food and energy prices, job losses due to immigration and foreign competition, and increased crime and overdoses.

The solution proposed by Trump's campaign, according to Vance, lies in closing the border with Mexico, deporting undocumented immigrants, and lifting regulations on farmers and oil and gas producers. "When we say 'Make America Great Again,' we mean something simple: safe streets for our families, a secure border, affordable food for children, and the American Dream, whether it's buying a home or seeing your children do better than you did," he emphasized. "That is achievable again. Let's get it done."

The speech was delivered outside Cordes Inc., a family-owned trucking company specializing in sand and gravel products and scrap metal. Co-owners Steve and Charlie Cordes joined Vance on stage, sharing their concerns about economic challenges faced during President Joe Biden's administration.

Michigan is considered a crucial state for both campaigns as they strive to secure the presidency this fall. Recent polling averages indicate that Harris holds a slight lead over Trump, with Harris at 49% and Trump at 47%, according to The New York Times.

This was Vance's third campaign appearance in Michigan since his announcement as Trump's running mate on July 15th. His previous stops included a rally with Trump at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids and remarks outside a police station in Macomb County.

The contrasting tones of Trump and Harris' campaigns have often been highlighted by pundits. While Trump paints a somber picture of America's current state, Harris offers a message of joy. However, Vance dismissed Harris' optimistic tone and campaign as "fake."

"Donald J. Trump's campaign instead offers something very, very different," he said. "Not a fake optimism but a very real hope, a hope and a vision to see that hope become reality in this country once again."

In response to Vance's critique, Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow (D) defended Harris and criticized Trump's vision. She argued that Trump's campaign prioritizes billionaires and big corporations over working families. "A choice between a disgraced former president, who is also a felon, who left office with the worst job record of any president in modern American history, and Vice President Harris, who helped deliver one of the strongest job markets in history," Stabenow stated.

Harris has campaigned on the slogan "we're not going back," referring to Trump's presidency. This phrase has resonated with thousands of supporters during Harris' rallies. However, Vance argued that America has been moving backward during Harris and Biden's administration.

"We've been going back to a place where Americans aren't kings in their own country but paupers begging their government for precious scraps of safety, security and food," he said. "We are going back, Kamala Harris, because of you, and we're going to fire you because we want to take this country forward."

Furthermore, Vance reiterated Trump's promise to conduct "largest domestic deportation operation in the history of our country" on his first day in office. "Kamala Harris turned Border Patrol into a travel agency for violent criminals and freeloaders from around the world," he claimed. "Now, President Trump and I have a different message: if you're in this country illegally, start packing your bags because Donald Trump is going to send you home and he's going to do it on day one."