JD Vance stands by comment about “childless women with cats” despite criticism.
Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance recently found himself under fire for his comments about “childless cat ladies,” but he’s standing by his words. Vance’s controversial statement from 2021 resurfaced this week, leading to intense scrutiny and backlash. However, during an interview on “The Megyn Kelly Show” podcast, Vance clarified that his comment was meant to be taken sarcastically.
Vance explained, “I’ve got nothing against cats. I’ve got nothing against dogs. People are focusing so much on the sarcasm and not on the substance of what I actually said. The substance of what I said, Megyn — I’m sorry, it’s true.”
In his appearance on Fox News last year while running for a Senate seat in Ohio, Vance criticized the leadership of the U.S., suggesting that it was dominated by “a bunch of childless cat ladies.” He highlighted figures like Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, and AOC, claiming that the future of the Democratic Party was being shaped by individuals without children.
Despite the backlash, Vance has reiterated that his criticism is not directed towards individuals who cannot have children due to biological or medical reasons. Instead, he aimed to call out what he perceives as the Democratic Party’s anti-family and anti-child stance. The genesis of his comments stemmed from a conversation with his wife, Usha, regarding the societal pressure she faced to prioritize her career over having more children.
Reflecting on the topic of parenthood, Vance emphasized the importance of having kids, noting that being a parent can alter one’s worldview. He pointed out the unfortunate reality that many working mothers feel pressured to limit their family size for fear of career setbacks.
However, not everyone was supportive of Vance’s views. Actress Jennifer Aniston, who has been vocal about her struggles with fertility, criticized Vance’s previous statements and his stance on reproductive rights. Specifically, she called out his voting record on fertility treatment legislation, highlighting a bill he opposed that sought to safeguard and enhance access to treatments like IVF.
Reacting to Aniston’s comments, Vance expressed his dismay, clarifying that his daughter is only two years old and if she were to face fertility challenges in the future, he would do everything in his power to support her. He reaffirmed his belief in the value of families and the beauty of welcoming children into the world.
It’s clear that Vance’s comments have sparked a heated debate, with supporters and detractors voicing their opinions on his candid remarks. Despite the controversy, Vance remains resolute in his stance on family, children, and the societal attitudes surrounding parenthood.
