Governor Andy Beshear’s recent comments about Vice Presidential candidate and Ohio Senator JD Vance have sparked significant debate on social media, particularly following Beshear’s reference to abortion during his speech at the Democratic National Convention.
In an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Beshear addressed the Republican Party’s views on abortion, specifically criticizing Vance, whom he has previously labeled a “phony.” “JD Vance calls pregnancy resulting from rape ‘inconvenient,’” Beshear stated, suggesting that Vance should personally experience the realities surrounding such discussions.
Beshear went on to express that Republicans lack empathy regarding abortion issues. Vance reacted to these remarks on X, formerly known as Twitter, accusing Beshear of implying that he wished harm upon Vance’s family. “What a disgusting person,” Vance commented.
Following Vance’s response, Beshear clarified in a press briefing that he had never suggested anyone in Vance’s family should be harmed, calling Vance’s take “ridiculous” and a diversion from the main topic. “Obviously, I don’t wish anybody harm, nor would I ever,” he said, asserting that Vance was attempting to portray himself as a victim.
Beshear’s comments drew on Vance’s statements from September 2021, where he was questioned about exceptions in anti-abortion laws for victims of rape and incest. At that time, Vance suggested that the crux of the matter was not about forcing women to deliver a child, but rather about whether the child should be allowed to live despite the circumstances of their conception being deemed inconvenient.
Vance has asserted that abortion should largely be a state issue while supporting some basic national standards. He also indicated that a potential new Trump administration would not support the Federal Drug Administration banning the abortion pill mifepristone, which has been included in a conservative policy agenda known as Project 2025, promoted by The Heritage Foundation.