Hindustan Times ·
When JD Vance tried to help Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign defeat Trump: ‘I hate Hillary. But I hate Trump more’
A new report says JD Vance advised Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign against Trump, while his spokesperson strongly disputes that account.
Vice President JD Vance reportedly tried to help Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign defeat Donald Trump, despite privately disliking the Democratic candidate, according to a new Vanity Fair report. An intermediary who worked with Clinton’s campaign told the magazine that Vance repeatedly asked to speak with Jake Sullivan, then a senior policy adviser to Clinton.
Vance reportedly wanted Clinton to focus more on Midwestern states and address concerns among working-class voters. He also said he believed Trump could not win. Vance’s spokesperson has rejected the claim that he was trying to help Clinton win.
JD Vance reportedly sought Jake Sullivan’s help
According to the report, Vance contacted an intermediary connected to Hillary Clinton’s campaign and asked to be introduced to Jake Sullivan.
“JD called me and said, ‘Can you put me in touch with Jake Sullivan?’” the intermediary told Vanity Fair.
The person initially brushed off the request, saying Sullivan was too busy. Vance reportedly called again and made clear why he wanted the conversation. His concern, according to the source, was stopping Trump from reaching the White House.
“He called me again and he said, ‘I hate Hillary. But I hate Trump more. Trump can’t win. He can’t win. Hillary’s going to lose, but she doesn’t have to,’” the source said.
The report says Vance eventually spoke directly with Sullivan, and their discussion focused on states including Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.