DALLAS — At a private breakfast on Thursday in Dallas, Vice President JD Vance was met with chants of “48” from delegates representing crucial battleground states, according to four attendees.
Vance, aligning with a message delivered by President Donald Trump on Wednesday, emphasized to the gathering that the 2026 election would be a pivotal choice between sensible Republicans and what he described as the “crazy people” on the left, as reported by individuals who spoke under the condition of anonymity due to the private nature of the event.
Addressing the audience before his significant speech later that night, Vance cautioned that if Democrats regained control of Congress, it would result in the reversal of Republican-led tax cuts and economic progress. Present at the meeting were Republican lawmakers, state party officials, and convention participants from Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
“We need to nationalize this election and highlight the outrageous actions of the Democrats,” Vance stated, according to audio obtained by POLITICO. He warned that a Democratic victory would lead to two years filled with investigations and excessive scrutiny.
Vance, who could potentially become the 48th president of the United States if elected, received a positive reception, and discussions about the 2028 race were prevalent among Republican lawmakers and attendees, although Vance did not address the race or his future aspirations. He highlighted several Republican accomplishments benefiting working-class Americans.
During the event, House GOP Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) praised Vance, stating that “the stars are the limit for the vice president.”
Vance also focused on Trump’s executive actions aimed at reducing prescription drug prices, calling it “the single issue with the most widespread popular appeal.”
Top Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio has informed GOP lawmakers and Trump officials in private briefings over the past year that efforts to reduce prescription drug costs are widely favored by voters. He urged Republicans to prioritize these efforts to counter Democratic criticisms on healthcare issues. Trump independently decided to cut favored nations agreements with major drug manufacturers after GOP leaders in Congress opposed the idea due to its divisive nature among traditional Republicans.
Vance notably did not mention Trump’s promise of a $5,000 dividend for every American adult during his GOP convention speech on Wednesday night. However, he defended the proposal on Fox News, suggesting it might include income limits.
The vice president’s office did not respond to requests for comment on his statements.
Vance is also scheduled to appear on “The Charlie Kirk Show” on Thursday to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Kirk’s death.
On Wednesday, Vance received cheers and waves from the crowd as he took his seat next to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shortly before Trump’s entrance at the convention.
Vance’s major address on Thursday night follows a nearly two-hour keynote speech by Trump, which covered key topics like tightening border security and banning transgender men from participating in women’s sports.
