JD Vance Attacked For Calling Kamala Out
Ohio Senator JD Vance has recently faced criticism for a comment comparing Vice President Kamala Harris’ performance in a CNN interview to that of Caitlin Upton, the former Miss Teen USA who became famous for an incoherent response during the 2007 pageant. Upton’s viral moment occurred when she struggled to explain why some Americans couldn’t locate their country on a map, a response that led to widespread mockery and personal distress for her.
In her 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant appearance, Upton was asked why recent polls showed that a significant portion of Americans couldn’t find the U.S. on a world map. Her response was muddled: “I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because some people out there in our nation don’t have maps and I believe that our education such as in South Africa and the Iraq, everywhere such as, I believe that our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S., should help South Africa and should help Iraq and the Asian countries so we will be able to build up our future.”
This response led to intense media scrutiny and online mockery, causing Upton to later reveal that the experience left her with suicidal thoughts. Her spokesperson recently addressed Vance’s comments, stating that it’s unfortunate this incident is still being brought up and urging an end to online bullying. They recommended resources for those struggling with similar issues.
Senator Vance shared a clip of Upton’s answer on social media, joking that it was indicative of how Harris performed in her CNN interview with Dana Bash. This comparison ignited a firestorm on social media, with some accusing Vance of being classless and insensitive. Critics, including commentators Sam Clench and Brian Normoyle, argued that Vance’s use of the clip was an unacceptable form of ridicule.
The Trump team, however, defended Vance’s right to humor in political discourse. They emphasized that while Upton’s past struggles are regrettable, it’s important to handle public figures and their mistakes with a sense of humor and perspective.
Adding to the complexity, Upton has been linked with Trump’s modeling agency and has expressed support for Trump’s policies in recent years, which some argue complicates the narrative around her. Vance, previously criticized for disparaging comments about Democrats, defended his actions by noting that his remarks were often misinterpreted.
As this situation evolves, it remains clear that political commentary continues to be a contentious and sensitive arena, particularly when it intersects with personal histories and past traumas.
