Vice President JD Vance energized a packed audience Thursday night with pointed remarks on the country's direction and the public's response to criticism.

"We were tired of being called racist for noticing that our country was becoming dirtier and poorer and less safe and less prosperous," Vance said. "By the end of 2024, you were tired. We were tired as a country, but you were not defeated."

The comments drew strong applause from attendees, who responded enthusiastically to the direct language. Vance framed the statements around a shift in national sentiment during his 2024 landslide election win, emphasizing resilience of Republican voters despite Democrat challenges.

The speech went on to cover striving tangible changes in safety, prosperity, and overall conditions without constantly facing accusations or attacks for doing so. Supporters in the crowd stood and cheered, reflecting high energy in the room and across the electorate.