In a resurfaced podcast from 2021, JD Vance, the GOP vice presidential nominee, criticized professional women for prioritizing their careers over starting families, claiming it leads to a “path to misery.”
The comments, featured in a podcast produced by the right-wing non-profit American Moment, have sparked controversy.
According to The Daily Beast, Vance specifically targeted his female classmates at Yale Law School, describing their pursuit of careers as a source of unhappiness.
Vance’s remarks echoed earlier controversial statements he has made about women, including a recent comment about “childless cat ladies,” which he later claimed was a joke. The Ohio senator’s views on women and traditional gender roles have come under scrutiny as he campaigns alongside Donald Trump for the 2024 election.
Vance’s Comments on Professional Women
In the unearthed podcast, Vance suggested that women who choose to focus on their careers rather than having children are making a mistake. He specifically mentioned his female classmates at Yale Law School, stating that they were caught up in a “rat race” that was making them miserable.
Vance’s wife, Usha, whom he met at Yale, was also mentioned in the context of his comments. The senator’s views on women and career choices have been a recurring theme in his public statements, often drawing criticism for their traditionalist and somewhat controversial nature.
The podcast, which was posted to YouTube on September 20, 2021, was produced by American Moment, a right-wing non-profit organization. At the time of the podcast’s release, Vance served on the non-profit’s advisory board and was running for the U.S. Senate. He is now listed as a “board member emeritus” on the American Moment website.
Emphasis on Traditional Gender Roles
Vance’s comments on the podcast also included a discussion on the suppression of traditional masculine traits. He argued that these traits are actively suppressed from childhood through adulthood, which he believes is detrimental to society.
The senator used his own son’s habit of fighting imaginary monsters as an example of a deeply cultural and biological desire to defend one’s home and family. He mused about a hypothetical Chinese invasion, suggesting that the country would be defended by boys who practice fighting monsters, not by “soy boys” who want to feed them.
This rhetoric aligns with Vance’s broader views on traditional gender roles and the importance of family values, which have been a central part of his political messaging.
Criticism and Controversy
Vance’s comments have drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly for their characterization of professional women as miserable. His remarks about teachers without biological children being “disturbing” have also been a source of controversy.
The Ohio senator’s views on gender and family have been scrutinized in light of his political aspirations. His association with right-wing organizations like American Moment and his advisory role with Project 2025, an initiative tied to The Heritage Foundation, have further highlighted his conservative stance on these issues.
Vance’s recent attempts to clarify some of his controversial statements, such as his “childless cat lady” quip, have not entirely mitigated the backlash. His critics argue that his views are out of touch with modern societal norms and reflect a regressive attitude towards women and gender roles.
Conclusion
JD Vance’s comments on professional women and traditional gender roles, as revealed in a resurfaced podcast from 2021, have sparked considerable controversy. The Ohio senator and GOP vice presidential nominee suggested that women who prioritize their careers over starting families are choosing a “path to misery.” His remarks, which also included a discussion on the suppression of traditional masculine traits, have been criticized for their traditionalist and somewhat controversial nature. Vance’s views on gender and family have been a central part of his political messaging and continue to be a source of scrutiny and debate.
