Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) didn’t hold back during a campaign stop in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, as he criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her lack of recent media engagement. Vance, who was in the city for his own campaign event, made his way to reporters stationed near Air Force Two and took the opportunity to address Harris’s perceived avoidance of press questions.

“I wanted to take a close look at the plane because, who knows, it might be mine soon,” Vance quipped before turning to a more serious point. “But I also thought you might be getting a little lonely since the Vice President hasn’t been answering questions from you all for over two weeks.”

Harris’s selection of Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) as her running mate has been a significant development in the race, yet her limited engagement with the press has drawn criticism from those who believe she should be more transparent with voters. Vance’s comments echoed these concerns, suggesting that Harris’s campaign is being run “from her basement,” with limited public interaction.

The encounter with the press wasn’t just a moment of levity for Vance; it was a calculated move to draw attention to what he and other Republicans see as a flaw in Harris’s campaign strategy. By pointing out her lack of media availability, Vance aimed to underscore the belief among conservatives that Harris is not fully engaging with the American electorate.

The video of Vance’s remarks quickly spread across social media, with the senator posting, “I thought the reporters traveling with Kamala might need some company since she never answers their questions.” The comment highlighted a frustration that many conservatives have voiced over Harris’s campaign tactics.

As the 2024 presidential race progresses, Harris’s narrow lead over former President Donald Trump has become a focal point for both parties. According to recent polling averages from Real Clear Politics, Harris holds just a 0.5% lead over Trump, a margin that could easily shift as the campaign continues and as third-party candidates potentially draw votes from the major contenders.

Vance’s public critique is part of a broader Republican strategy to challenge Harris’s transparency and question her readiness to take on the responsibilities of the presidency. Whether these attacks will sway voters remains to be seen as the election draws closer.