Governor Andy Beshear has sparked controversy on social media once again by targeting vice presidential candidate and Ohio Senator JD Vance during his speech at the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, particularly over the topic of abortion.
In a Tuesday morning interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Beshear was questioned about the Republican Party’s views on abortion and seized the opportunity to criticize Vance, whom he has previously labeled a “phony.”
“JD Vance calls pregnancy resulting from rape ‘inconvenient,’” Beshear remarked, adding, “Inconvenience is traffic. Make him go through this.”
Beshear further stated that Republicans lack empathy regarding the party’s stance on abortion issues.
In response to Beshear’s comments, Vance took to X, formerly known as Twitter, asserting that the governor’s remarks suggested he wished for a member of Vance’s family to experience sexual assault. “What a disgusting person,” Vance stated.
During a follow-up with reporters, Beshear clarified that he did not wish harm upon anyone in Vance’s family, dismissing Vance’s interpretation as “ridiculous” and a diversion tactic. “Obviously, I don’t wish anybody harm, nor would I ever, but what this is about is JD Vance is trying to make himself the victim,” Beshear remarked.
Beshear’s comments seemed to reference statements made by Vance in September 2021 when he was asked about exceptions to anti-abortion laws for victims of rape and incest. Vance had argued that the focus should be on whether a child has the right to live, even if their birth circumstances may be viewed as difficult for society.
Previously, Vance has suggested that abortion policies should primarily be a state issue while advocating for some minimum national standards. He also indicated that a future Trump administration would not endorse a ban on the abortion drug mifepristone, which has been part of a conservative policy agenda associated with The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025.