It seems like Donald Trump is unfazed by the renewed attention on his running mate, J.D. Vance’s controversial remarks from a few years ago. Rather than being worried, Trump views the comments as a testament to Vance’s dedication to family values, defending his choice of the Ohio Senator as his vice presidential candidate.
During an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham, which aired on Monday evening, Trump was quick to defend Vance.
He emphasized that Vance’s commitment to family is a key reason why Trump picked him for the ticket.
According to Trump, Vance’s family-oriented views stem from his unique upbringing and are central to his values.
“He grew up in a very interesting family situation.
And he feels family is good,” Trump explained. “And I don’t think there’s anything wrong in saying that.”
The remarks in question date back to a 2021 interview with Tucker Carlson on Fox News, where Vance criticized the Democratic Party by referring to some of its members as “childless cat ladies.”
He argued that these individuals, dissatisfied with their own lives, were seeking to impose their discontent on the rest of the country.
Vance clarified on Friday that his comment was intended to highlight what he sees as anti-child policies from the Democratic side, not to demean individuals without children.
He extended well wishes to Kamala Harris and her family, but maintained his stance that the Democratic Party’s policies are harmful to children.
Kamala Harris, who recently became the Democratic presidential nominee, has faced backlash in response to Vance’s comments.
Although Harris doesn’t have biological children, she is a stepmother to two daughters from her husband Doug Emhoff’s previous marriage.
Emhoff’s ex-wife, Kerstin, has defended Harris, calling the attacks on her baseless and praising her role as a caring and protective stepmother.
Trump, in support of Vance, argued that not everyone’s value should be judged based on their parental status. He insisted that being childless doesn’t diminish a person’s worth or their contributions to society.
Trump believes that Democrats are exaggerating Vance’s remarks and misinterpreting their meaning.
“He’s got tremendous support, and he really does among a certain group of people, people that like families,” Trump stated. “He made a statement having to do with families.
That doesn’t mean that people that aren’t a member of a big and beautiful family with 400 children around and everything else, it doesn’t mean that a person doesn’t have – he’s not against anything.”
On The Megyn Kelly Show, Vance explained that his comments were meant to be sarcastic and that the focus should be on the substance of his critique of Democratic policies.
He argued that becoming a parent profoundly changes one’s perspective and that society has become increasingly negative towards the idea of having children.
Democrats have criticized Vance’s remarks as being anti-woman, anti-gay, and offensive to those struggling with infertility. They argue that his comments reflect a broader, harmful attitude towards individuals and families that don’t fit a traditional mold.