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Trump's campaign stops have always been, primarily, about Trump. You can tell that by the amount of time he spends talking about himself (a lot) versus how much time he spends talking about the candidate for whom he is ostensibly campaigning (very little).
Comstock is right. It's hard to see Trump's characterization of Vance as little more than a lackey benefiting him in his surprisingly competitive race against Democrat Tim Ryan this fall. Even for those voters who like Trump, the portrayal of Vance as little more than a lickspittle isn't terribly appealing.
But that's not what Trump cares about. Not really.
That's what you always have to remember when you are trying to understand the strategy or motivation behind something Trump does. Trump is all about Trump -- first, last and forever.
And so, the most important thing Trump wanted to get across to those in attendance in Ohio over the weekend is not why they should vote for Vance. It's that he remains uber-popular among Republicans and that every GOP candidate -- Vance included -- is desperate to have his endorsement.
That such an argument is belittling to Vance and makes him look both small and desperate is of no concern for Trump. The key (and only) concern is how does it make Trump look -- strong, powerful and still very much coveted.
That's all that matters.