The Associated Press has recently faced criticism for refusing to call out falsehoods being spread about Senator JD Vance (R-OH) by Kamala Harris’ campaign. Instead of correcting the record, the AP has claimed that these instances are simply cases of “vetting” Vance rather than addressing misleading information.
Vice President Kamala Harris and her team have been targeting Vance for his comments on the left’s positions, which he refers to as “anti-family and anti-child.” They have taken clips out of context in an effort to create negative narratives without allowing viewers to hear the entirety of Vance’s statements.
On July 31, 2024, Kamala HQ shared a video with the caption “JD Vance says he and Trump will ‘go to war against’ childless people, who he calls ‘sad, lonely, and pathetic’: ‘They should feel like their life is inadequate.'” However, upon listening to the full clip, it becomes clear that this is not at all what Vance said.
Vance discussed how people like his older sister, who took care of him in a chaotic home environment, should not feel like their lives are inadequate due to the cultural messaging surrounding parenthood and childlessness. He argued that it is time for Republicans to call out this anti-family ideology within the Democratic Party.
Despite these facts, Associated Press reporter Steve Peoples defended the Harris campaign’s misleading portrayal of Vance’s comments under the guise of good journalism. In response to criticism from GOP strategist and Donald Trump Jr. adviser Arthur Schwartz, he tweeted, “Hard to believe that new videos continue to emerge on Vance’s focus on people without children. This is what vetting is for.
Vance spoke with Megyn Kelly about the left’s criticisms of his past remarks, urging Republicans not to back down from discussing this issue honestly and transparently. While the AP may refuse to call out falsehoods, it remains crucial for both parties and their supporters to engage in open dialogue about these important topics without resorting to misrepresentation or dishonesty.