Vance Calls CNN Host’s Question ‘Frankly Disgusting’ Amid Bomb Threat Controversy
CBS/screen grab
In a tense exchange on CNN’s State of the Union, Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance sharply criticized host Dana Bash after she questioned him about bomb threats in Springfield, Ohio, which reportedly followed his remarks about Haitian immigrants.
Bash began the interview by referencing local officials’ findings that there was “zero evidence to substantiate” claims that Haitian immigrants were removing geese from parks in Springfield. The claim gained attention after Vance suggested that Haitians in the area were eating pets, which led to widespread concern.
“Also, other evidence that you have talked about, even you’ve retweeted alleged evidence, are unsourced social media videos from a different city, apparently no connection to Haitians,” Bash stated.
She then raised concerns about the impact of these statements, noting that “hospitals, schools, and government buildings” in Springfield had to be evacuated due to bomb threats that followed the allegations. Bash pressed Vance on whether his comments were productive, asking, “So instead of saying things that are wrong and actually causing the hospitals, the schools, the government buildings to be evacuated because of bomb threats, because of the cats and dogs thing, why not actually be constructive in helping to better integrate them into the community?”
Vance responded by calling the question “frankly disgusting” and accused Bash of engaging in partisan journalism. “That question is more appropriate for a Democratic propagandist than it is for an American journalist,” Vance said, adding that his remarks had nothing to do with the bomb threats.
Bash pushed back, reminding Vance that the threats came after he and former President Trump discussed the allegations during a public appearance. “Senator, this happened after you and President Trump were on the debate stage, said that cats and dogs were being eaten,” she emphasized.
Vance then accused Bash of unfairly blaming him for inciting violence, defending his comments as representing the concerns of his constituents. “Are we not allowed to talk about these problems because some psychopaths are threatening violence?” Vance asked.
The exchange became more heated when Vance challenged Bash’s statement that the Haitian immigrants in Springfield were there legally. “They’re in the country through what’s called temporary protective status,” Bash clarified. However, Vance retorted, “That is when Kamala Harris waved a magic amnesty wand, taking people and giving them legal status. That is not to say that they’re here legally.”
As Bash attempted to explain that the temporary status was lawful under U.S. policy, Vance cut in again, frustrated with the direction of the conversation. “Dana, would you like to ask me questions and then let me answer them, or would you like to debate me on these topics?” he shot back. The interview concluded on a confrontational note, with Vance expressing frustration over the interruptions and the framing of the discussion.
