Another controversial remark made by J.D. Vance regarding “people without kids” has resurfaced, and this time, he’s directed his criticism at childless teachers.
Vance, a Republican Senator from Ohio, has previously sparked outrage with similar comments, including his infamous 2021 critique of “childless cat ladies.”
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In July of that year, Vance claimed that the United States was being run by “a bunch of childless cat ladies,” who he said were in charge through their influence on the Democratic Party and corporate oligarchs.
Vance didn’t hold back, describing these women as “miserable” and dissatisfied with their lives and choices. He singled out Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as examples of these “childless cat ladies.”
The remarks, filled with disdain for those without children, painted a picture of people Vance believes are unfit to lead because they lack the experience of parenthood.
Now, another clip from October 2021 has resurfaced, bringing more attention to Vance’s contentious views on childless individuals. In this video, Vance takes a similar tone, this time targeting “leaders of the left” at a Center for Christian Virtue leadership forum, as reported by NBC News.
He accuses these leaders, specifically those without children, of trying to “brainwash” the next generation. One of his main targets in the clip was Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers.
Vance expressed his unease with what he perceives as childless leaders shaping the minds of children, saying: “So many of the leaders of the left, and I hate to be so personal about this, but they’re people without kids trying to brainwash the minds of our children, that really disorients me and disturbs me.”
He specifically took aim at Weingarten, stating that because she doesn’t have children of her own, she shouldn’t be influencing other people’s kids.
Unearthed audio: JD Vance says teachers who do not have biological children “disorient and really disturb” him: “She should have some of her own [children]” pic.twitter.com/Rqx2PLfjT5
— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 27, 2024
Randi Weingarten, who’s the head of the most powerful teachers’ union in the country, she doesn’t have a single child,” Vance said. “If she wants to brainwash and destroy the minds of children, she should have some of her own and leave ours the h*** alone.”
His comments ignited significant backlash, as many questioned Vance’s views on what it means to be a “real parent” and whether parental status should dictate a person’s ability to lead or teach.
Critics quickly pointed out that Vance’s definition of “childless” might be too narrow. For instance, when his earlier comments about Kamala Harris surfaced, people were quick to note that the Vice President is a stepmother to two children, Cole and Emma Emhoff.
Similarly, Weingarten, whom Vance criticized in the latest clip, is also a stepmother. She has previously described herself as a “mother by marriage” to her wife Sharon Kleinbaum’s children from a previous relationship.
In response to Vance’s resurfaced remarks, Weingarten took to X (formerly Twitter), where she voiced her disappointment and frustration with his comments. “Gross!” Weingarten tweeted. “JD Vance’s comments are sad and insulting to millions of modern families, and school teachers including Catholic nuns, none of whom should be targeted for their family decisions.”
Gross! JD Vance's comments are sad and insulting to millions of modern families, and school teachers including Catholic nuns, none of whom should be targeted for their family decisions. https://t.co/diVEQEHH2b
— Randi Weingarten 🇺🇸💪🏿👩🎓🟣🌴🥥 (@rweingarten) August 27, 2024
Her response resonated with many who feel that Vance’s views on parenthood and leadership are outdated and dismissive of the diverse ways people form families today.
“JD Vance called Kamala Harris a ‘childless cat lady’ despite her being married with two stepchildren because he’s a misogynistic garbage fire. Women only have value to the GOP as broodmares,” one person said on X.
Vance’s rhetoric continues to fuel debate over what qualifies someone to lead, educate, or shape public policy, raising deeper questions about modern family dynamics and whether parenthood should be a prerequisite for leadership or authority.
But what do you think of his comments? Let us know your thoughts!
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