Vance Defends Ramaswamy's Ohio Attack Ad, Draws Bipartisan Criticism
Vice President JD Vance defended Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial campaign ad in Ohio's gubernatorial race featuring Democratic candidate Amy Acton's estranged mother. Vance told Republicans to "stop whining" about the ad and expressed disgust at intraparty criticism. Conservative commentator Scott Jennings and GOP figures criticized both the ad and Vance's response, warning the strategy could backfire electorally.
Left-leaning outlets characterized Vance's defense as "morally bankrupt" and his dismissal of Republican concerns as tone-deaf. They portrayed Trump as becoming hostile toward the female reporter who raised the issue, and emphasized the "fierce, bipartisan backlash" to what they described as a "twisted" and "vile" attack ad exploiting a family estrangement.
Center outlets reported factually on Vance's statements, noting his use of the phrase "stop whining" and his stated disgust with fellow Republicans' criticism. They framed his comments as reflecting his political mindset ahead of 2028 and noted his focus on supporting Republican candidates despite the controversy.