Is JD Vance Sabotaging Donald Trump’s Campaign?
Is JD Vance out to sabotage Donald Trump’s campaign to prevent the man he once called “America’s Hitler” from returning to the White House? He’s certainly doing a good job at it with his blatantly misogynistic comments that are especially alienating woman voters.
Misogynistic Comments Alienate Women Voters
It’s not just that three years ago during his Senate campaign in Ohio he ranted about “childless cat ladies” ruining the country. Vance just continues to stamp his membership card in the he-man woman hater’s club.
Mocking Vice President Kamala Harris
On Thursday afternoon — after CNN had posted a brief preview of its upcoming interview with Vice President Kamala Harris –Vance posted this on X, formerly Twitter.
Vance’s intent was to imply that Harris is stupid and can’t handle an interview. So he dredged up a clip from the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant in which Miss South Carolina Teen Caitlin Upton flubbed the answer to a question on live TV. That clip went viral at the time.
The Infamous Pageant Clip
In the pageant, Upton was asked a rather difficult question in which she was asked to explain why many Americans can’t locate the United States on a world map.
Q: “Recent polls have shown a fifth of Americans can’t locate the U.S. on a world map. Why do you think this is?”
Upton stumbled through her response.
“ I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because, um, some people out there in our nation don’t have maps and, uh, I believe that our, uh, education like such as, uh, South Africa and, uh, the Iraq and everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should, uh, our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S., uh, should help South Africa and should help Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future.”
Upton was only 18 years old at the time and was understandably nervous appearing on a live television broadcast.
Upton’s Redemption
“The Today Show” was kind enough back then to give Upton a chance to rephrase her answer in 2007. And she said:
“Well, personally, my friends and I, we know exactly where the United States is on our map. I don’t know anyone else who doesn’t. And if the statistics are correct, I believe that there should be more emphasis on geography in our education so people will learn how to read maps better.”
Vance’s Hypocrisy
Now if Vance wants to mock someone for giving rambling, incoherent answers to a question, he should just replay a tape of his 78-year-old running mate’s responses to questions posed by reporters.
Response from Caitlin Upton
The entertainment website Dateline and other news outlets reported that Upton had responded to Vance’s remarks in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that read:
It’s a shame that 17 years later this is still being brought up. There’s not too much else to say about it at this point. Regardless of political beliefs, one thing I do know is that social media and online bullying needs to stop.
HAVE A BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Dateline wrote that in the past Upton has retweeted Donald Trump tweets and anti-lockdown messages. By Friday afternoon, the post had disappeared from X with a message: “This Post is from an account that no longer exists.”
Vance Digs Himself Deeper
Vance dug himself into a deeper hole when he went on CNN Friday morning. Host John Berman asked Vance whether he was aware of a 2015 New York Magazine interview in which Upton said she suffered from depression, including “thoughts of committing suicide” after the beauty pageant clip resulted in widespread mockery.
Berman asked: “So when you posted this last night, were you aware that the woman you were posting a picture of had contemplated committing suicide for the attention it received?”
Vance replied: “No, certainly not John. My heart goes out to her, and I hope that she’s doing well. .. Look I’ve said a lot of stupid things on camera. Sometimes when you’re in the public eye you make mistakes. I think the best way to deal with it, laugh at this stuff, and try to have some fun in politics.”
Vance’s Defense
Vance then tried to defend himself by saying “politics has gotten way too lame, way too boring.”
“You can have some fun while making a good argument to the American people about how you’re going to improve their lives,” Vance said.
Berman gave Vance another chance to apologize to Upton, and he replied:
“I’m not going to apologize for posting a joke. But I wish the best for Caitlin I hope she is doing well.”
“What I’d say is one bad moment shouldn’t define anybody,” he concluded. “And the best way to deal with this stuff is to laugh at ourselves.”
Backlash Against Vance
Vance’s refusal to apologize drew a strong backlash.
Chris Graham, writing in the Augusta (Va.) Free Press, called Vance “a soulless prick” and “a sociopath.” His column even highlighted the dictionary definition of sociopath:
Sociopath (n.): a person with antisocial personality disorder, a mental health condition that causes people to lack empathy and disregard the rights and feelings of others.
And former Republican Rep. Barbara Comstock of Virginia asked this question of Vance:
Did Trump Jr. (your real boss) make you put this up or do you come up with this endless misogyny on your own? (Does your wife laugh at this? Did you run it by her?)
The Bulwark’s Revelation
The Bulwark, a website founded by anti-Trump conservatives Sarah Longwell, Charlie Sykes, and Bill Kristol, added an additional detail about a job that she accepted from Donald Trump’s modeling agency in New York City.
Vance also left out the second part of the story. Shortly after that moment, Upton was offered a job . . . by Donald Trump, who gushed over her beauty.
“When I walked into his office, he said: ‘You are more gorgeous than I expected. You are going to model for my agency, and I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer,’ ” Upton recalls. “It was unreal.”
Upton, again, was a teenager at the time.
Trump’s Scandalous Behavior
Trump owned the Miss Universe Organization –which also includes the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants — from 1996 to 2015 when he entered the presidential race and his derogatory comments about Mexicans drove away broadcasters NBC and Univision, Rolling Stone wrote.
Rolling Stone detailed Trump’s scandalous behavior as the pageant owner, including allegations that in 1997 he entered the Miss Teen USA changing room where girls as young as 15 were in various states of undress.
FAQs on Vance’s Misogynistic Comments
What Did Vance Say About VP Harris?
Vance made a comparison between VP Harris and a teen beauty queen, which many interpreted as misogynistic and dismissive of her qualifications and role in public office.
Why Did Vance’s Comments Backfire?
- His comments were seen as belittling and demeaning, particularly given the historical context of women in politics.
- Many people felt that his attempt to mock VP Harris was not only sexist but also unprofessional and disrespectful.
- The comparison to a teen beauty queen was perceived as trivializing her accomplishments and experience.
How Did People React to Vance’s Comments?
The public reaction was overwhelmingly negative, with many calling out Vance for his sexist remarks. Social media platforms were filled with outrage and support for VP Harris, while some also criticized Vance’s behavior as a reflection of broader societal issues.
What Has Been the Impact on Vance’s Reputation?
Vance’s reputation has suffered significantly due to these comments. Many have criticized him for his lack of respect towards women in power and his inability to engage in constructive political discourse.
How Did VP Harris Respond to the Comments?
VP Harris did not directly address Vance’s comments but has continued to focus on her work and the issues she is passionate about. Her silence has been interpreted by some as a sign of her confidence and professionalism in the face of such attacks.
What Role Does Misogyny Play in Politics Today?
Misogyny remains a significant issue in politics today, with many women facing sexist remarks and behaviors from their male counterparts. This incident highlights the need for greater awareness and action against such behaviors.
How Can We Promote Respectful Political Discourse?
- Encourage respectful language and behavior in public discourse.
- Hold politicians accountable for their actions and words.
- Support initiatives that promote gender equality and challenge sexist stereotypes.
What Can We Learn from This Incident?
This incident underscores the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their gender or position. It also highlights the need for ongoing education about gender equality and the impact of language on society.
How Can We Support VP Harris and Other Women in Politics?
- Engage in respectful dialogue about politics and avoid personal attacks.
- Support policies and initiatives that promote gender equality.
- Encourage more women to participate in politics by providing resources and opportunities for them to get involved.
What Is the Broader Context of Sexism in Politics?
Sexism has long been a pervasive issue in politics, affecting both men and women but disproportionately impacting women. This incident is part of a larger conversation about how to address these issues effectively.
How Can We Move Forward After Such Incidents?
By continuing to advocate for respectful dialogue, holding politicians accountable for their actions, and promoting gender equality through education and policy changes, we can work towards creating a more inclusive political environment.
