In his message, The Republican nominee for vice president spoke about how he and former President Donald Trump planned to improve the American economy, make food more affordable, and address the immigration crisis.
Vance was back in North Carolina after a weekend trip to Greenville, where he attended ECU's football game against Appalachian State.
At Union Hall, Vance spoke and took questions for nearly 50 minutes in front of hundreds of voters. He also called out Democrats.
"We get to send a message to Kamala Harris and everybody else," Vance said. "You are fired."
He asserted that he and Trump have a better record on fixing issues at the Southern border, and touted the nation's robust economy during Trump's presidency, when the cost of items at the grocery store and prices at the gas pump was lower.
"So to everybody who wants us to have a secure border, Donald Trump's policy is to secure the border and build that wall," Vance said.
He pushed the Trump/Vance ticket to North Carolina voters, saying "We're going to turn North Carolina red and send Kamala Harris back to San Francisco where she belongs."
"No matter where you grew up or no matter where you're from, you ought to be able to afford a nice meal on a Friday night," Vance said. "And when we say Make America Great Again, that's what we really mean, is, if you work hard and play by the rules, you ought to be able to afford a good life in the country that your parents and grandparents built. It's really that simple."
Vance accused Harris of stealing from the Trump playbook - and touting some of his policies as her own -- such as when she came out in favor of not taxing tips months after Trump did so.
"She can steal one of your hats, sir, and put it on and say Make America Great Again because Kamala Harris is practically just running on the Trump agenda right now," Vance told the crowd.
Asked about the Federal Reserve's half-point interest-rate cut, Vance responded by saying Democrats are excited about the rate cut - but it's not enough.
"We want our young families to be able to afford the American Dream," Vance said. "That's why we've got to get Donald J. Trump back to the White House."
There was a lot of energy in the room as hundreds came out to hear Vance speak.
"I've been super excited ever since the announcement of Vance and hearing him speak. Articulate, intelligent, quick, really good complement to Trump's kind of brash as he brings a bit of a nice stability to the ticket," said voter Dennis Luci. "That's really exciting. Young. And it's a sense to see that kind of come in and to the ticket as compared to -- it's the new generation with respect for the old one."
Luci, a Franklin County resident, said he came to hear more about how he and his family would be affected by a Trump-Vance White House.
"I just would love to hear more talk about policies and less defense of personality," Luci said.
And he's looking forward to Election Day.
"I can't wait," Luci said.
Another couple came from Durham to hear Vance speak.
"We've never been to a political event, and we thought this was a good time," they said.
Vance's visit follows the Democratic nominee for vice president, Tim Walz, visiting Asheville on Wednesday.
Both campaigns have made North Carolina a priority because of polls showing a close race and the significant amount of electoral votes. The state's result in the November election could swing the presidency one way or the other.
Trump announced Friday that he will be in Wilmington on Sept. 21.
Trump's campaign said the rally will start at 2 p.m. and be held at Aero Center Wilmington, 1830 Flightline Road. Doors open at 10 a.m.
The former president will focus his remarks on affordable housing, citing a report that nearly half of North Carolina renters are being "crushed under the weight of unaffordable rents."
Trump has won the state two presidential elections in a row, but his margin of victory in 2020 was slim and Democrats see it as an opportunity to upset the race.
The Harris-Walz campaign held a virtual news conference Wednesday, touting endorsements from Republicans who are voting for the Democratic ticket this fall.
"With Vice President Harris and Governor Walz, we have two leaders who support those of us who have put our lives on the line to defend the promise of America, stand up for our values, and will protect our fundamental freedoms. The same cannot be said for Donald Trump, JD Vance and their extreme MAGA allies like Mark Robinson," said State Sen. Val Applewhite. "Trump is not fit for leadership because he disrespects those who serve our country and only looks out for himself."