Vance's Controversial Views on Grandparenting

In a resurfaced 2020 podcast appearance, JD Vance, a Republican Senate candidate from Ohio, has come under fire for comments suggesting that the primary role of postmenopausal women is to raise grandchildren. During his discussion on ThePortal podcast with host Eric Weinstein, Vance agreed with the notion that having grandparents involved in child-rearing is a significant, albeit unadvertised, aspect of marrying into certain cultures, specifically referencing his wife’s Indian heritage. Vance's remarks have reignited scrutiny following previous sexist comments he made, including disparaging remarks about "cat ladies." In the podcast, he shared insights about his wife Usha's family, who emigrated to the U.S. shortly before her birth. He emphasized the positive impact of grandparent involvement, stating that it enriches a child's life, while also questioning the economic implications of such familial support. The conversation took a critical turn as Vance highlighted the economic inefficiency of relying on family members for childcare instead of paid labor, suggesting that this reflects a broader issue within liberal economic frameworks. He argued that society's focus on GDP and paid labor overlooks the value of familial contributions, which he believes are essential for a well-functioning society. The Independent has reached out to Vance's campaign for a response to the backlash, as his comments have sparked discussions about the role of family in modern society and the implications of prioritizing economic metrics over traditional family structures.