Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) sought to downplay tensions between former President Donald Trump and the McCain family during a campaign rally in Arizona, according to a report by the Washington Examiner.

Speaking to voters in the late Sen. John McCain's home state, Vance addressed the ongoing feud while emphasizing policy differences between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election.

At a Phoenix rally on Thursday, Vance acknowledged the turbulent relationship between Trump and McCain but claimed the two "didn't let their personal grievances get in the way of serving the country."

He expressed doubt that McCain would have supported Harris if he were alive today, particularly given the current situation at the southern border.

McCain Family Endorsement And Ongoing Feud

The issue came to the forefront after Jimmy McCain, the late senator's youngest son, recently announced his decision to join the Democratic Party and endorse Harris. This move was reportedly prompted by an incident at Arlington National Cemetery involving a Trump campaign official.

Vance dismissed the endorsement as a distraction from more pressing policy matters. He stated:

I mean, look, who cares what somebody's family thinks about a presidential race? I care about what these people care about the presidential race.

The senator then pivoted to highlight that several members of Gov. Tim Walz's family, Harris's running mate, had expressed support for Trump.

Historical Context Of Trump-McCain Tensions

The feud between Trump and the McCain family has deep roots, dating back to the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump famously questioned John McCain's hero status, citing his capture during the Vietnam War.

The relationship further deteriorated in 2017 when McCain cast the deciding vote against repealing the Affordable Care Act.

Despite these past conflicts, Vance argued that McCain's legacy and policy positions would not align with the current Democratic ticket. He asserted:

I do not believe for a second that if John McCain were alive today, and he sees what's going on at the American southern border, that he would support Kamala Harris and all the destruction that she's brought.

Impact On Arizona's Political Landscape

The McCain name still carries significant weight in Arizona, particularly among independent voters who appreciated the late senator's maverick reputation. This dynamic has created challenges for some Republican candidates in the state.

Kari Lake, the current Republican nominee for Senate, previously faced backlash for her comments about the McCain family. She once boasted about driving "a stake through the heart of the McCain machine," a statement that may have contributed to her loss in the 2022 gubernatorial race.

Vance's visit to Arizona, which included campaigning with Lake, appears to be part of a broader strategy to navigate these complex political waters. The Republican ticket is betting heavily on immigration as a key issue in this border state, where recent polls show Harris trailing slightly.

Other McCain Family Members' Positions

While Jimmy McCain has thrown his support behind Harris, other members of the family have taken different stances. Meghan McCain, John McCain's daughter and former co-host of "The View," has stated that she will not vote for either Trump or Harris in November.

Meghan McCain has been vocal in her criticism of Trump, previously calling him a "piece of s***" for disrespecting her father. However, she maintains that she is a "proud member of the Republican Party" despite her opposition to the former president.

Vance's Campaign Strategy In Arizona

Vance's Arizona tour, which included the stop in Phoenix and an earlier event with Kari Lake in Mesa, appears to be part of a calculated effort to balance appealing to Trump's base while not alienating McCain supporters.

By acknowledging the feud but focusing on policy differences, Vance is attempting to shift the conversation away from personal conflicts and towards issues like immigration that the Trump campaign believes will resonate with Arizona voters.

As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how effectively candidates can navigate the complex political landscape in Arizona, where the McCain legacy continues to influence voter sentiment. Vance's approach of minimizing personal conflicts while emphasizing policy differences may provide a template for other Republican candidates in the state. The success of this strategy could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of both the presidential and down-ballot races in this key battleground state.