Republican VP Candidate Sparks Controversy with “Cat Lady” Comments

Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance has faced backlash and criticism for his recent comments referring to prominent Democrats as “childless cat ladies.” The comments, made during a 2021 interview with Fox News, have reignited the age-old sexist trope and sparked fury among women. Many women have now reclaimed the term as a call to action in this election season.

During the interview, Vance expressed his frustration with the current state of the country, claiming that it was being run by Democrats and “a bunch of childless cat ladies.” He argued that these individuals were unhappy in their own lives and wanted to make the rest of the country miserable as well. Vance specifically mentioned Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, and AOC as examples of the Democrats’ future leaders who do not have children.

Vance’s comments resurfaced on social media, along with an unrelated 2021 tweet in which he used the term “weird cat ladies” as an insult. These remarks have added fuel to the fire of controversy surrounding Vance, particularly in regard to his stance on family policies.

Backlash and Criticism

Vance’s comments have not been well-received, with many individuals, including women from both sides of the political spectrum, condemning his remarks. Critics point out that his comments were inaccurate, as Kamala Harris is a stepmother of two children and Pete Buttigieg and his husband recently became parents to twins.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, actor Whoopi Goldberg, and TV personality Meghan McCain are among those who have publicly criticized Vance’s comments. Even conservative figures such as Sen. Lindsey Graham and Fox News host Trey Gowdy have shaded Vance’s remarks.

Cat Lady Trope and its Historical Context

The term “cat lady” has a long history as a derogatory stereotype aimed at childless women. The association between women and cats dates back to ancient Egypt, where cats were revered and associated with deities. However, in the Middle Ages, cats became linked to witchcraft and paganism, leading to a negative perception of them.

During the Victorian Era, the trope of the single woman and her association with cats gained popularity. Unmarried women were often portrayed as having cats as their companions, and this image persisted into the early 20th century.

Reclaiming the Cat Lady Title

Despite its negative connotations, feminists have sought to reclaim the cat lady title in recent years. The term has been embraced by many women, and there is now a range of merchandise available online celebrating the cat lady identity. Some feminists see the term as a symbol of independence and empowerment.

Impact on Voter Perception

Vance’s comments are likely to alienate single women, who make up a significant portion of the population and are a key voting bloc. Additionally, the millions of cat owners across the country may also take offense to the derogatory remarks. Many social media users have pointed out that influential celebrities, such as Taylor Swift, who identify as cat ladies, have yet to endorse a 2024 candidate.

Conclusion

JD Vance’s comments referring to prominent Democrats as “childless cat ladies” have sparked outrage among women and reignited the age-old sexist trope. The backlash against Vance’s remarks highlights the importance of respectful and inclusive language in political discourse. The cat lady stereotype, while historically negative, has been reclaimed by some as a symbol of empowerment. The impact of Vance’s comments on voter perception, particularly among single women and cat owners, remains to be seen.

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