Senate Republicans are furious that Vice President JD Vance's ditched them to hawk his new book, according to a new political analysis.
The frustration reached a breaking point this week when GOP leadership scheduled a critical meeting to discuss stalled legislation, only to have the vice president cancel last minute to appear on Joe Rogan's podcast, according to Wall Street Journal columnist Kimberly Strassel.
"Lawmakers can count on a few fingers the times former Sen. Vance has set foot in the Capitol," she wrote. "As they twist in the legislative winds, they glimpse him mainly on his TV and podcast book tour— 'Real Time With Bill Maher,' 'CBS News Sunday Morning,' Fox News, even ABC’s 'The View.' Or he’s in Switzerland leading fruitless Iran negotiations. The anger has only grown over Mr. Vance’s decision to position himself as scolder of the body over which he constitutionally presides, rather than showing up for the work."
Meanwhile Senate Republicans are struggling to pass crucial legislation before the midterms, Strassel noted, adding the House facing just 20 legislative days and the Senate only 30, the backlog of unfinished business is staggering.
What Senate Republicans desperately need—and what Vance refuses to provide—is a "dedicated White House liaison" capable of speaking authoritatively for the president, brokering compromises, and enforcing party discipline. Instead, they're watching their constitutional presiding officer conduct a book tour, Strassel argued.
Without Vance's support, Senate Republicans are reportedly fuming.
"As we approach incredibly consequential midterms for this nation and this presidency," of those senators told Strassel, "Senate Republicans are pretty confused as to why the president of the Senate is actively criticizing the GOP, while also being absent from his Senate duties."