Vice President JD Vance has characterized a 2021 comment he made about Democratic political figures as "boneheaded" in his forthcoming memoir, "Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith," which is set for release on June 16. The book also details his religious journey and conversion to Catholicism.
The "Childless Cat Ladies" Comment
"When I consider the Church's admonition to respect the dignity of every life, this was a clear moment where I failed."
In the memoir, Vance writes that the remark was "one of the dumbest things I ever said." The comment was made during a Fox News appearance with Tucker Carlson while Vance was running for the U.S. Senate in Ohio. He stated that the comment was "intentionally (and successfully) provocative rather than illuminating."
Vance writes that the remark was "enraging" and distracted from his intended point about what he described as society being "pathologically hostile to having kids." He added that he "could have made that point much more effectively, and with the benefit of showing a little charity to the many Americans who — some for reasons beyond their control — don't have children."
He concludes in the book: "When I consider the Church's admonition to respect the dignity of every life, this was a clear moment where I failed."
Publication and Book Details
"Communion" is Vance's second memoir, following "Hillbilly Elegy," which was published in 2016. HarperCollins Publishers is releasing the 304-page book. Vance wrote the book himself, working on it intermittently since 2019.
The book covers his religious journey from Protestant to atheist to Catholic convert, and addresses why his Christian faith from youth did not fully take root and how he regained it. A planned religious memoir from Vance was set aside in 2022, with some material from that project included in "Communion."
Political and Personal Context
Vance, 41, was initially a critic of Trump but later became a close ally. He was elected as a Republican Senator from Ohio in 2022 and became the youngest vice president since Richard Nixon after being chosen as Trump's running mate.
The announcement of the book has led to increased speculation about a potential presidential campaign in 2028. Vance has previously indicated he would consider a campaign after the 2026 midterm elections.
Separately, Vance's wife, Usha Vance, announced the launch of her podcast, "Storytime with the Second Lady," aimed at promoting reading among children. The Vances have three young children and are expecting their fourth in late July.