Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, the running mate of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, faced a mixed reception as he took the stage at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) convention in Boston on Thursday. While some in the crowd applauded, several audience members could be heard booing as Vance approached the podium.

Acknowledging the mixed reactions, Vance addressed the boos with a smile, stating, "Sounds like we got some fans and some haters, that's OK, let's listen to what I have to say here, and I'll make my pitch." Despite the initial reaction, Vance expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from President Edward Kelly and the entire IAFF membership. He praised the brave and selfless work of firefighters, calling them the embodiment of the American spirit.

Vance also acknowledged the previous day's speech by Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, commending the union for inviting both sides to present their views. The audience responded positively to Vance's show of respect for their inclusive approach.

The IAFF convention has become a platform for both major political parties to appeal to labor unions. with the GOP increasingly courting these traditionally Democratic-supporting groups. Walz's speech focused on the Democratic Party's close ties to organized labor, emphasizing their commitment to protecting firefighter benefits, compensation, and safety. Meanwhile, Teamsters President Sean O'Brien spoke at the Republican National Convention in July, highlighting the party's efforts to reach out to unions.

During his speech, Vance shared personal stories about his mother's struggle with addiction, acknowledging the support firefighters provide to those affected by addiction. Despite his initial hesitation towards President Trump, Vance claimed to be a strong advocate for working people, both union and non-union. His pro-worker agenda drew mixed reactions from the audience, with applause for certain agenda items and boos for others.

The online realm also became a battleground following Vance's speech. Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign account posted videos of the crowd booing Vance, while the Trump War Room campaign account shared clips of the crowd applauding specific agenda items like abolishing vaccine mandates.

At the conclusion of his speech, Vance reassured the audience that regardless of their support, President Trump and himself would never stop fighting for firefighters and first responders. However, Harris campaign senior spokesperson Sarafina Chitika criticized Vance's attempts to sell the "Trump-Vance Project 2025" agenda, accusing them of undermining workers and labor protections.

The IAFF convention continues to serve as a platform for political discourse, highlighting the ongoing efforts of both parties to win over labor unions. As the presidential race heats up, the battle for union support remains a key focus for candidates on all sides.

Updated: August 29, 2024, 3:25 p.m. ET