Janice R. Andrews
Senator JD Vance (R-OH) sparked controversy on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday when he called Vice President Kamala Harris “anti-child.” Throughout his political career, Vance has pushed the image that Democratic leaders are disengaged from family values. This was brought to light in the contentious discussion with anchor Dana Bash.
As the vice presidential nominee for Donald Trump, Vance did not hold back while criticizing Harris and the policies of the Democratic Party. He labeled them as “anti-family,” citing Harris’s positions on other matters, such as COVID-19 concealing laws and climate change, as examples of this perspective.
During the interview, Vance stated, “I criticized Kamala Harris for being part of a set of ideas that exist in American leadership that is anti-family.” “I never judge someone for not having children, Dana. I chastise those who are anti-child. Furthermore, I believe that Kamala Harris—
Bash cut him off, questioning Vance about his contentious remarks. “You believe she is against children?” she questioned sharply.
In response, Vance cited what he described as Harris’s “bizarre statements,” including a speech in which she expressed sympathy for those who feel “climate anxiety” when thinking about starting a family. Vance misrepresented Harris’s statements, implying that she favored the concept of forgoing children because of worries about climate change. The complete context of Harris’s words does not support this assertion.
Persisting in his assault, Vance compared Harris’ purportedly pro-child position to the COVID-19 masking regulations that were put in place during the epidemic, which he says hurt young children. “I believe that we would not have made as many of those mistakes if we had more people who had the right perspective and a little bit more understanding of how little kids actually operate,” Vance said.
Vance seemed slightly unsettled when Bash rebutted, pointing out that the masking regulations were implemented during the Trump administration. In response, Bash said, “People didn’t know as much because it was literally a novel virus,” underlining the ambiguity and often changing facts that marked the early phases of the epidemic.
As the conversation went on, Vance became more defensive and accused Bash of dwelling too much on his earlier comments. Vance objected, saying, “You’ve now asked me three questions about comments that I made three years ago.” In an effort to change the subject, he questioned Harris’ involvement in the immigration policy of the Biden administration as well as her claims about President Joe Biden’s mental health. But Bash promptly reminded Vance that he was the subject of the interview, not the vice president.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who spoke on the show following Vance’s interview, denounced Vance’s tone, calling it unproductive and polarizing. Buttigieg remarked, “I’m a dog guy with two kids, but I’m one of the millions of Americans he managed to insult there.” “However, the other part—which claims that everyone who disagrees with him is ‘anti-child,’ is really concerning. Isn’t that an inherent aspect of his identity? He doesn’t appear to be able to articulate a vision for this nation that involves uplifting, constructing, or supporting people. It’s always insulting.
As both parties prepare for what looks to be a fierce campaign, Vance’s remarks are expected to spark further controversy as the 2024 election season heats up.
