JD Vance faces criticism for defending controversial attack ad

Vice President JD Vance is facing backlash following his defense of a television advertisement released by Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The ad features Donna Arthur, the estranged mother of Democratic opponent Amy Acton, calling Acton a liar.

Acton has stated she has had no contact with her mother since 1978, when she and her brother lost custody following allegations that their stepfather had sexually assaulted them. Critics have condemned the use of the ad, labeling it an attack on a victim of sexual abuse.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticized Vance, calling him “profoundly and pathetically weak” for supporting the ad and admonishing Republicans who spoke out against it. Comedian Roy Wood Jr. also mocked the Vice President's stance during a broadcast of “Have I Got News for You.” Vance defended the commercial during a rally in Cincinnati, addressing criticisms from the media and Democratic operatives.