WATCH: Vance Calls For Unity Amongst Conservatives In TPUSA Speech
Vice President JD Vance used his headlining address at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest — a yearly event that gathers the nation’s most influential right-wing thought leaders and activists in the country — to stress unity as Democrats vow to impeach President Donald Trump should they retake the House next year.
The event kicked off with a rather contentious start on day one, when Daily Wire founder Ben Shapiro took aim at Candace Owens over her decision to spread baseless conspiracy theories over the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Owens insinuated that the U.S. Military, French Foreign Legion, Egyptian government, Israel, and Turning Point USA themselves were either involved in the assassination or helped to cover it up.
She later walked back some of her more ludicrous claims after meeting with Erika Kirk.
Shapiro also took aim at other influential figures on the right, including Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon, as he has long had a feud with both of them. Carlson and Bannon used their respective speeches to respond, with Carlson comparing Shapiro to leftists who demand that people “disavow” those they don’t like.
Bannon went a step further, calling Shapiro a “cancer” who should be expelled from the movement. Both Carlson and Bannon also took shots at Shapiro over Israel policy and support for foreign engagements.
In his keynote address, Vance urged the various factions of the right to come together, while also arguing that some of the more extreme conspiracy theories advanced by Owens are unhelpful.
“Charlie invited all of us here for a reason, because he believed that each of us — all of us — had something worth saying, and he trusted all of you to make your own judgment. And we have far more important work to do than canceling each other. We have got to build. And President Donald Trump is a builder,” the vice president said.
He continued on this theme, arguing against denouncing or deplatforming fellow conservatives and highlighting Kirk’s role as a unifier. “We have far more important work to do than cancelling each other; we have got to build. We’re building a better country right now, and you have a rightful place in the success of your nation and the success of this movement. And we build by adding, by growing, not by tearing down. Winning demands teamwork,” Vance continued.
Vance also spoke about fostering unity through inclusive patriotism, extending an invitation to those who share core values regardless of background. “People of every faith come to our banner because they know that the America First movement will make their lives better. If you love America, if you want all of us to be richer, stronger, safer, and prouder, you have a home on this team.”
Vance is heavily favored to secure the Republican nomination for president at this point of time.
According to the RealClearPolitics polling average, the vice president finds himself way out ahead of the field with average support close to 50 percent. This laps any potential challengers including Donald Trump Jr. and Marco Rubio — both of whom poll around 10 percent, though they have also already expressed support for Vance’s candidacy should he decide to run.