Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH), the GOP’s vice presidential nominee, is facing severe backlash for his recent comments that seemingly perpetuate a racist smear. Last week, far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer made headlines with a tweet suggesting that if Kamala Harris were elected, the White House would “smell like curry” and be run like a “call center.”
Despite condemnation from several conservative figures, Vance doubled down on Loomer’s remarks.
NBC journalist John Harwood reported that when asked about Loomer’s racist statement, Vance dismissed the issue as trivial and instead shifted the focus to inflation, using a similar racially charged undertone.
“Whether you’re eating curry at your dinner table or fried chicken, things have gotten more expensive thanks to her policies,” Vance said.
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The reaction to Vance’s comments has been swift and harsh.
Former FBI agent Asha Rangappa criticized Vance’s remarks as a veiled dog whistle, writing: “Curry or…fried chicken? Good lord he’s like the KKK whisperer.”
ESPN writer Britni Danielle called out Vance for his cowardice, noting, “JD Vance is a coward. He won’t even stand up for his wife and kids,” a reference to his wife, Indian American lawyer Usha Vance.
Political analyst Bakari Sellers described Vance’s remarks as blatant dog whistles, stating, “The Dog whistles are bullhorns.”
University of Texas law professor Lee Kovarsky added: “He thinks his voters are the stupidest people alive,” highlighting the broader criticism of Vance’s approach and perceived disregard for meaningful discourse.
See more reactions below:
NBC asked JD Vance about Laura Loomer's racist statement that the WH would "smell like curry" if Harris wins.
Calling it unimportant, Vance replied:
"whether you're eating curry at your dinner table or fried chicken, things have gotten more expensive thanks to her policies."
— John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) September 17, 2024
Wow. Vance is more afraid of Trump's racist girlfriend than he loves his wife. Or, he's just as racist as Laura Loomer. His poor kids.
— Polly Sigh (@dcpoll) September 17, 2024
He slid in two racist slurs in one sentence. There should be no doubt that Vance believes only white men should be protected by the Constitution.
— Linda Stevens 🌎 (@Linda__Stevens) September 17, 2024
Surprised he didn't bring up watermelon 🍉
— troyster63 (@troyster63) September 17, 2024
he rly got that racism locked down
— Angelica Reed (@Angelica_Reed1) September 17, 2024
Curry or fried chicken… so he's doubling down on racist stereotypes!?
— C Ellen Hogan 🏳️🌈 ☮️ (@DervishWaking) September 17, 2024
Despicable creature.
— Just Elizabeth Again (@SylnaZhinka) September 17, 2024
Fried chicken? Of all the things.
— Michael Salfino (@MichaelSalfino) September 17, 2024
It takes talent to degrade two ethnic groups in one sentence.
— @RapinDonaldHQ (@RapinDonaldHQ) September 17, 2024
