Republican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance is facing intense scrutiny following the resurfacing of a 2021 comment where he referred to Democratic politicians as a "bunch of childless cat ladies with miserable lives." The statement has ignited a firestorm of criticism, particularly from Hollywood actress Jennifer Aniston, among others. Despite the backlash, Vance stands firm, defending his remarks as sarcastic and arguing that his main message is being misinterpreted.
In an interview with conservative media personality Megyn Kelly, Vance sought to clarify his stance. "Obviously it was a sarcastic comment. People are focusing so much on the sarcasm and not on the substance of what I actually said," Vance explained. "The substance of what I said, Megyn-I'm sorry, it's true," he insisted.
Vance, a father of three, stressed that his criticism was aimed not at individuals without children, but at what he views as the Democratic Party's anti-family and anti-children agenda. "This is about criticizing the Democratic Party for becoming anti-family and anti-children," he asserted. "The simple point that I made is that having children, becoming a father, becoming a mother, I really do think it changes your perspective in a pretty profound way."
In the original 2021 interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Vance questioned why prominent Democratic politicians, including Vice President Kamala Harris, do not have children. He suggested that this lack of offspring indicates a disconnect with the future of the country. "The entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children," he said. "How does it make any sense we've turned our country over to people who don't really have a direct stake in it?"
The comments have triggered widespread condemnation. Jennifer Aniston, who has been open about her struggles with in-vitro fertilization (IVF), expressed her dismay. "I truly can't believe that this is coming from a potential VP of the United States," she said. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, also targeted by Vance, shared his personal experiences with adoption challenges, highlighting the insensitivity of Vance's remarks.
Despite the controversy, Trump co-campaign chairman Chris LaCivita has voiced strong support for Vance. "JD was the best pick," LaCivita said. "The president loves him. We love him."
The backlash has also seen reactions from other celebrities. Pop star Kesha, known for her candid opinions, condemned Vance's remarks in no uncertain terms. "F--- that man," she told paparazzi at Los Angeles International Airport, adding that she fully supported Kamala Harris.
The remarks have prompted political responses. Harris' campaign used the controversy to highlight the Republican Party's efforts to restrict reproductive healthcare. On World IVF Day, Harris' team released a statement pointedly addressing Vance's comments and the broader Republican stance on reproductive rights. The statement read, "Happy World IVF Day To Everyone Except JD Vance."
The controversy has also elicited a response from Kerstin Emhoff, Doug Emhoff's ex-wife. She released a statement to NBC News defending Harris amid Vance's attacks: "For over 10 years, since Cole and Ella were teenagers, Kamala has been a co-parent with Doug and I. She is loving, nurturing, fiercely protective, and always present. I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it."
