Vance's Socialism Definition Draws Criticism as "Dishonest
Vice President JD Vance, asked Thursday to define socialism, called it a hard term to define. He then tied it to immigration and transgender athletes.
- Vance said socialism classically meant prioritizing workers.
- He said it now means replacing American workers and boys in girls' sports.
- He said Bernie Sanders opposed open borders in 2016 to protect American workers.
- He added that today's socialists act out of hatred of native-born citizens.
Why it matters: Republicans are framing the Nov. 3 midterms as a fight against socialism. President Donald Trump gave a one-word reason for voters to turn out: "Communism."
- 7 congressional candidates are backed by the Democratic Socialists of America.
- The GOP labels some non-DSA Democrats socialists, including Michigan's Abdul El-Sayed.
How 11 sources split on this story
Where they split: Coverage splits on whether Vance's remarks point to a real shift on the left over immigration or show Republicans misusing the word socialism.
Center coverage, 1 sources: The center presents the exchange as an unusual definition, with context on DSA candidates and the GOP's midterm strategy.
Left coverage, 7 sources: The left sees Vance's answer as proof Republicans don't know what socialism means and use it as a scare tactic.
MSNBC5hJD Vance tried to define ‘socialism.’ It did not go well.CleCleveland.com6hJD Vance hammered for ‘laughably dishonest’ definition of socialism
Mediaite6hJD Vance Asked to Define Socialism — Responds ‘It Actually Means’ That ‘You Want Boys to ...
Raw Story4hJD Vance roasted after his 'socialism' claim instantly backfires: 'Nothing means anything'
The Independent2hJD Vance roasted over his response to what he thinks socialism meansTNRThe New Republic5hWatch JD Vance Try to Define SocialismTruTruthout2hJD Vance Defines Socialism in US as Replacing Americans “With Foreign Workers”Right coverage, 3 sources: The right frames Vance as noting that today's socialists have abandoned workers, citing Sanders' past stance on borders.
What’s next: The administration is suspending Microsoft, Adobe and IT outsourcing firms from Labor Department visa programs, including PERM.
- 6,000 American workers were laid off by Microsoft, Vance said, while it kept about 6,300 H-1B workers.
- Nine universities also face a crackdown over alleged visa fraud.
- Will the socialism message move midterm voters?
- How will Microsoft and Adobe respond to the visa fraud allegations?