Single, childless women respond to Vance’s claims that they lack concern for America

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance has stirred controversy after a 2021 interview resurfaced in which he described women without biological children, including Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, as “childless cat ladies” with “no direct stake” in the country. In the interview with Tucker Carlson on FOX News, Vance suggested that those in government who are unhappy with their lives want to impose their misery on others. 

Harris, although childless, is a stepmother to her husband Doug Emhoff’s two children. Vance’s remarks may affect him in the 2024 presidential race, which focuses heavily on abortion rights and women’s autonomy. In other interviews from 2021, Vance had also argued that people without children should have reduced political influence and face higher taxes.

Democrats have been buoyed by recent victories in ballot initiatives supporting abortion rights in traditionally Republican areas and swing states. Vance’s comments reflect the growing divide between the parties on issues of sexual values and personal choices. Conservative figures who share Vance’s views advocate for a discussion on traditional values, despite disliking his approach.

Democrats and many activists criticize Vance’s comments as an attack on personal freedoms, emphasizing that leaders should work to support all types of families. Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families Fund, argued that leaders should acknowledge and support diverse family structures. Vance later attempted to clarify his remarks, stating that they were meant sarcastically and that the real issue was the substance of his statements.