JD Vance Says He Doesn't Regret 'Childless Cat Ladies' Comment

In a recent interview aired on Sunday, GOP vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) addressed the controversy surrounding his 2021 comment about "childless cat ladies," suggesting that while he regrets the way it was perceived, it does not rank high among his list of regrets.

The remark, made during a 2021 appearance on "Tucker Carlson Tonight," has followed Vance throughout his campaign, often highlighted as a reflection of his broader views on what he describes as an increasingly "anti-family" culture. The comment has become a point of contention, particularly among some women, and has been seized upon by Democrats as a rallying cry.

Vance says he was making a broader point 

In his interview with NBC News' Kristen Welker, Vance was again confronted about the statement and its impact. He maintained that his comment was intended as a joke to emphasize his concerns about family policies and economic challenges facing Americans. "This country has become too anti-family," Vance said. "It's too expensive to afford a house. It's too expensive to afford groceries."

When pressed about the backlash, especially from some women who found the comment offensive, Vance remained resolute. "I think that it's much more important for me to just be a normal human being who sometimes says things ... people disagree with," he said. He continued, "I have a lot of regrets, Kristen, but making a joke three years ago is not at the top ten of the list."

Focus should be on policy, says Vance 

Vance defended his approach by stressing that he would continue to make candid remarks and jokes, viewing them as part of his authentic persona. "I'm going to say things from time to time that people disagree with. I'm a real person, I'm going to make jokes, I'm going to say things sarcastically," he stated. “And I think that what's important is that we focus on the policy.”

Earlier this month, Vance reiterated that his controversial comment was meant to underscore his push for more family-friendly policies, such as expanding the child tax credit. Despite the backlash, Vance's focus remains on addressing what he perceives as broader issues facing American families.