Staff Reports
Donald Trump has found himself in the middle of a bit of a storm thanks to his running mate, J.D. Vance, and his comments concerning “childless cat ladies.” At the recent National Association of Black Journalists conference in Chicago, a panel discussion turned into a chaotic free-for-all as Trump attempted to downplay Vance’s remarks. Rather than throwing the Ohio senator under the bus, Trump claimed ignorance about Vance’s comments during his selection process, cleverly painting him as a family-centric guy who just might have chosen unfortunate wording.
In a not-so-tactful attempt to clarify the situation, Trump emphasized Vance’s belief in the importance of family. However, when pressed on whether he endorsed Vance’s eyebrow-raising position that those with children should have more voting power, Trump danced around the subject like a contestant in a ballroom competition. He finally made it clear that he wasn’t exactly in agreement but made sure to shy away from directly condemning his vice president. It seems the former president prefers to maintain harmony among his ranks rather than get embroiled in a needless family feud.
Trump downplays JD Vance’s ‘childless cat ladies’ comments https://t.co/Az8yhQHIiQ
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 1, 2024
Trump, ever the master of shifting narratives, took the opportunity to turn the spotlight back on the Democrats, claiming that they’re the party with the family issues. He suggested that their extreme pro-abortion stance creates a disconnect with family values. While he may have overlooked the fact that abortion is indeed illegal at certain stages in many states, it didn’t stop him from launching a rhetorical attack against his opponents. It’s almost as if he believes the left has single-handedly turned family life into a thing of the past, complete with their radical agendas.
Vance has faced a wave of backlash for his comments since he joined Trump’s ticket, but Trump defended him, citing Vance’s strong work ethic and relatability to working-class Americans. The former president shared Vance’s journey from a challenging upbringing to Yale Law School, skillfully redirecting attention away from the current controversy. Trump’s remarks have the potential to resonate with voters who appreciate a comeback story and despise when elite institutions overlook hardworking individuals.
However, when asked whether Vance would be ready to step into the vice-presidential role on Day One, Trump appeared to falter. He waxed poetic about his respect for Vance and past candidates while subtly asserting that vice presidents historically lack any real sway in elections. With all the drama surrounding his chosen running mate, it seems Trump is trying to keep Vance’s name from becoming synonymous with political gaffes. After all, for Trump, the key issue remains promoting himself as the chosen one while everyone else can take a back seat—quietly. In the end, it’s not who the vice president is but who gets to sit in the big chair behind the Resolute Desk that truly matters.
