Trump suggests having JD Vance as his VP will make 'virtually no impact' on the race

• Trump sought to downplay any impact that JD Vance may have on his own chances of winning.
• "Historically, the vice president — in terms of the election — does not have any impact," he said.
• It comes as Vance faces scrutiny over his "childless cat ladies" remarks.

On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump suggested that his choice of Sen. JD Vance as his running mate would have no impact on the race.

Trump's remarks — delivered in the midst of a chaotic interview at the National Association of Black Journalists' conference — come after the Ohio senator has faced scrutiny for a string of past remarks, including about "childless cat ladies." Vance also appears to be the worst-polling vice presidential candidate in decades.

"Historically, the vice president — in terms of the election — does not have any impact. I mean, virtually no impact," Trump said. "Historically, the choice of the vice president makes no difference. You're voting for the president."

The former president did offer praise for Vance, saying he's "outstanding in every way." Trump also said that he chose Vance in part because "he's a very strong believer in work and the working man and woman."

Democrats quickly seized on Trump's remarks. "The American people already knew JD Vance wasn't fit to lead, and now it's clear Donald Trump agrees with them," Democratic National Committee spokesman Alex Floyd said in a statement.