The Associated Press (AP) ignited a wave of criticism after misquoting remarks made by JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, during a rally in Phoenix, Arizona.

The AP's original report presented Vance's comments on school shootings out of context, sparking widespread reaction, and thought the news organization quickly corrected its report, but the misleading characterization had already gained traction in political circles, particularly due to its use by campaign of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, as Breibart reports.

The rally, held on Thursday, saw Vance addressing the issue of school safety in light of ongoing gun violence. In his speech, Vance expressed concern over how shootings in schools had become a recurring issue.

His exact words were, “I don’t like that this is a fact of life.” He elaborated further, calling for stronger school security measures to prevent such tragedies.

Misquote Triggers Corrective Action

The AP’s initial report omitted critical parts of Vance’s speech, leaving out the context in which he discussed the unfortunate reality of school shootings. Vance had made it clear that while he doesn't like the current situation, he stressed the need for heightened security. The incomplete quote, however, painted a different picture, making it appear as though Vance was resigned to the idea of school shootings as inevitable.

After facing backlash, the AP issued a correction, revising both its headline and reporting. The updated report provided Vance's full statement and included an official acknowledgment from the news outlet. “This post replaces an earlier post that was deleted to add context to the partial quote from Vance,” the AP stated.

Harris and Walz Use Initial Misquote

Despite the AP's correction, the misquote continued to circulate in the political arena. Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, both referenced the misquote in their respective speeches and campaign messaging.

In a public address, Harris responded to the inaccurately reported comment, stating, “School shootings are not just a fact of life. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can take action to protect our children -- and we will.” Harris’s statement appeared to directly counter the partial quote attributed to Vance, framing him as being dismissive of the issue.

Walz also echoed the initial misquote in his own remarks, saying, “This is pathetic. We can’t quit on our kids -- they deserve better.” Both candidates used the original, misrepresented framing of Vance’s words to strengthen their platforms on gun control and school safety.

Vance's Actual Remarks Emphasized Security

In his speech, Vance had emphasized the need for enhanced security in schools, noting that schools had become targets for those seeking to inflict harm. “If these psychos are going to go after our kids, we’ve got to be prepared for it,” Vance said during the rally. He added that while he disliked the reality of the current situation, it was crucial to deal with it practically.

Vance’s full comments underscored the urgency of bolstering school security to prevent future incidents. He stressed that schools should not remain vulnerable and called for measures to protect students from those with harmful intent.

AP Acknowledges Mistake, Though Damage Was Done

Although the AP swiftly corrected its reporting and provided the full context of Vance's statement, the initial misquote had already taken root in the public discourse. Harris and Walz, despite the corrected information being available, continued to lean on the original framing to highlight their stance on gun control and school safety measures.

For Vance’s supporters, the issue has raised concerns about media bias and the speed at which misrepresented information can spread. The initial reporting by the AP, however brief, has fueled broader discussions about the role of the media in political campaigns and how quickly news stories can be manipulated for political purposes.

Political Fallout Continues Amid Corrective Efforts

The misquote and its subsequent use by Harris and Walz have stirred controversy, with critics arguing that the candidates should have acknowledged the AP’s correction. Supporters of Vance have accused the Democratic candidates of intentionally misrepresenting his remarks to suit their political agendas.

On the other hand, Harris and Walz have continued to press forward with their critiques of Vance, maintaining that his comments, even with context, reflect a lack of urgency in addressing gun violence in schools. They argue that stronger gun control measures, not just security enhancements, are needed to prevent further tragedies.

Conclusion: Misquote Sparks Broader Media Discussion

The controversy surrounding JD Vance's misquoted remarks on school shootings highlights the complexities of political discourse in the media landscape.

The AP’s misstep, though corrected, allowed the misrepresentation to gain political traction, leading to its continued use by Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in their campaign.

Despite the AP's efforts to clarify, the fallout from the misquote continues to influence the conversation around school safety and gun control in the United States.