JD Vance’s Unorthodox Positions: A Comprehensive Review
Since Donald Trump’s announcement of J.D. Vance as his vice-presidential pick, a pattern has emerged: Vance makes peculiar statements about conservative values, followed by days of clarification without retraction.
Pro-Natalism and the Role of Women
Vance’s preoccupation with pro-natalism has drawn criticism. In 2020, he agreed with Eric Weinstein’s assertion that women’s purpose after menopause is to assist in raising grandchildren. His comments sparked backlash, with Margaret Atwood questioning if postmenopausal women without grandchildren should be executed.
Vance also praised his wife’s Indian heritage, suggesting it played a role in her willingness to care for their child. While a spokesperson defended Vance, the incident raised concerns.
Economic Motives Behind Amazon and Abortion
In 2021, Vance attributed riots following George Floyd’s murder to Amazon’s desire to eliminate competition. He also expressed skepticism towards corporate support for abortion access, claiming companies seek cheap labor and discourage parenting.
Vance’s Abortion Stance
Vance has expressed support for an outright ban on abortion. However, in an interview with Fox News, he dismissed concerns raised by suburban women about abortion rights, stating they prioritize “normal” American values.
Unpopular Vice-Presidential Choice
A FiveThirtyEight analysis reveals that Vance’s popularity as a vice-presidential candidate falls below that of Sarah Palin in 2008.
Joke Mishaps and Controversy
Vance’s speech before the Milwaukee Police Association included an unsuccessful joke about his dog. His comments on immigration, linking Irish immigrants to crime and ethnic enclaves, sparked further criticism.
Soda Incident
Vance’s presence at the Milwaukee Police Association was marked by a tense moment involving his Mountain Dew addiction. A campaign representative requested the deletion of a photo of Vance with the beverage, highlighting potential sensitivity around his personal habits.
