Nikki Haley has taken aim at JD Vance, Donald Trump’s vice-presidential candidate, condemning his recent remarks about childless women as “not helpful” and distracting from substantive policy discussions. Haley’s criticism comes as the political world gears up for the high-stakes debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10.
In an interview with CBS’s Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation, Haley addressed Vance’s controversial comments, which included disparaging remarks about women without children, particularly targeting the head of the nation’s largest teachers’ union. Vance had expressed his discontent over the union leader’s childless status, describing it as disorienting and disturbing.
Haley criticized Vance’s approach, emphasizing that focusing on personal characteristics rather than policy issues is counterproductive. “It’s not helpful,” Haley asserted, arguing that Republicans should concentrate on substantive issues like tax reform, housing costs, immigration, and national security rather than engaging in personal attacks. She added, “I have said that, and I will continue to say to Republicans, stop it! That’s not helpful.”
The backlash against Vance’s remarks intensified after a resurfaced 2021 video showed him referring to Kamala Harris and other Democrats without children as “childless cat ladies” and claiming that professional women who prioritize their careers over starting families choose “a path to misery.”
Vance’s response to Haley’s criticism has yet to be announced. As tensions mount within the Republican camp, Haley has also recently made headlines for her comments on Trump’s demeanor and strategy, suggesting that while she supports him, she is not fully aligned with his approach.
With Trump and Harris set to debate on September 10, hosted by ABC News, the focus will soon shift to their direct confrontation. The debate is expected to cover a wide range of issues, providing a platform for both candidates to present their policies and respond to their opponents’ criticisms.
