Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) offered sharp criticism of the Democratic National Convention’s (DNC) theme of “joy” during an exclusive interview with Breitbart News. Vance, speaking from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, argued that the Democrats’ use of the word “joy” masked a more negative and divisive message.

Vance asserted that the Democrats' emphasis on joy contrasted with a "dark and ominous" undertone that, according to him, permeated the convention.

He suggested that the rhetoric of joy was not supported by the Democrats' actions or policies.

Vance took particular issue with the Democratic Party’s portrayal of those who oppose their agenda.

He claimed that the Democrats were sending a message that anyone who supports former President Donald Trump or seeks to change the country’s direction is inherently “bad.” This, Vance argued, is the opposite of joyful.

Vance Questions Joy Amid Critical Rhetoric

The Ohio senator highlighted that while Democrats repeatedly referenced “joy” during the DNC, their speeches and overall tone did not align with this theme. “About this joy thing, dude, the thing I don’t understand is they say they are joyful,” Vance said. “Yet you actually watch their convention, it’s actually pretty dark and ominous.”

He further criticized the Democrats for failing to address key issues such as lowering gas and food prices or bringing manufacturing jobs back from China. “They can’t say that because Kamala Harris hasn’t done that,” Vance remarked, directly addressing the Democratic candidate and current Vice President, Kamala Harris.

Vance expressed concern over what he described as the Democratic Party’s tendency to label their opponents negatively.

“Their entire argument is that if you vote for Donald Trump and you want to change the direction of this country, you’re a bad person,” he said. He contended that this approach is far from being joyful and is instead “very, very dark.”

Republican Vision Offers a Stark Contrast

In contrast to the Democrats' message, Vance laid out what he described as the Republican vision for America. He emphasized the importance of economic opportunity, safe communities, and education free from political indoctrination. “You ought to be able to send your kids to schools where they are not indoctrinated,” he stated.

Vance also underscored the Republican commitment to combating drug cartels and fentanyl trafficking, particularly in neighborhoods that have been severely impacted by these issues. He pointed to the need for effective government that ensures safety and stability, rather than one that seeks to provide personal meaning through politics.

Vance criticized what he sees as the Democrats’ approach to politics, referencing a speech by Pete Buttigieg at the DNC.

“As far as I can tell, it’s like Pete Buttigieg talked about this, it’s like politics is everything in your life,” Vance said. He argued that the Democrats find ultimate meaning in politics, while Republicans believe that government should focus on practical benefits rather than personal fulfillment.

Vance's Warning Against Political Division

The senator concluded his remarks by warning against the dangers of a politically divisive message. He argued that by labeling a large portion of the electorate as “bad people,” the Democrats are fostering division rather than unity.

“I think waging war on the citizens of your own country and saying they are bad people for their electoral choices, that’s not joyful -- that’s very, very dark,” Vance concluded.

In the interview, Vance also reflected on the broader implications of the Democrats’ message. He suggested that the party’s focus on joy is misplaced and fails to address the practical needs of Americans. He noted that most Americans watching the DNC likely did not perceive the convention as joyful, despite the party’s rhetoric.

In summary, Vance’s critique of the Democrats’ “joy” theme underscores a deeper concern about the direction of political discourse in the United States.

By contrasting the Democratic and Republican visions, Vance highlighted the importance of focusing on practical solutions to the challenges facing the nation.