JD Vance made controversial comments in a 2022 Fox News interview with Tucker Carlson, where he appeared to suggest that individuals without children, including Vice President Kamala Harris, should not be allowed to work in politics because they “don’t really have a direct stake” in the country. Ron Filipkowski, the editor-in-chief of MeidasTouch.com, shared the clip on social media, where it quickly gained traction and sparked outrage. Vance’s comments received criticism for their sexist and discriminatory nature, particularly in light of the ongoing racist and sexist abuse directed at Harris online as she became the front-runner for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.
Despite having two stepchildren who refer to her as “Momala,” Harris has faced criticism from conservatives for not having biological children, with some suggesting this should disqualify her from office. Vance specifically targeted women in his remarks, referring to them as “childless cat ladies” who are “miserable at their own lives” and making decisions to make the rest of the country miserable as well. He questioned the logic of having individuals without children in positions of power, such as Harris, Pete Buttigieg, and AOC, within the Democratic Party.
Social media users expressed disgust at Vance’s comments, highlighting the insensitivity and harmful nature of his remarks towards women and individuals without children. Many pointed out the flaws in his argument, such as the fact that George Washington, a Founding Father and former president, did not have biological children of his own. Others highlighted the diversity of circumstances that can lead individuals to not have children, emphasizing that reproductive history should not be a determining factor in one’s ability to contribute to society or hold political office.
Republican users also criticized Vance, questioning his decision to alienate potential voters by making such divisive and discriminatory comments. Some Republican women expressed feeling a sense of primal hatred and disgust towards Vance, believing that his remarks were not representative of their values or beliefs. Comments from users who identified as stepparents, adoptive parents, or foster parents highlighted the hurtful impact of Vance’s words on families that may not fit his narrow definition of parental relationships.
Overall, the backlash against JD Vance’s comments underscores the importance of inclusivity and empathy in political discourse, reminding individuals that one’s parenting status does not define their worth or ability to contribute to society. By perpetuating harmful stereotypes and excluding those who do not conform to traditional family structures, Vance’s remarks have ignited a conversation about the need for greater understanding and acceptance of diverse lived experiences in the political sphere.
