Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance has sparked controversy by recirculating a 2007 video of Caitlin Upton, a former Miss Teen USA contestant, in an apparent attempt to criticize Vice President Kamala Harris.
The video, infamous for Upton's confusing answer to a question about why 20% of Americans cannot locate the U.S. on a map, has resurfaced, bringing Upton's past trauma back into the spotlight.
The Guardian noted that Upton, who represented South Carolina in the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant, became a viral sensation after her fumbling response during the competition.
The backlash she faced was intense, leading to widespread online mockery and harassment.
Upton has since spoken about the severe depression and suicidal thoughts she experienced due to the ridicule, though she eventually found support from her family and loved ones.
On Thursday, just before Kamala Harris’s CNN interview, JD Vance republished Upton’s pageant video on social media. The post was widely interpreted as an attempt to draw a parallel between Upton's embarrassing moment and Harris's upcoming interview. In response, Upton condemned the post on Friday, emphasizing the need to end online bullying, regardless of political beliefs.
“It’s a shame that 17 years later this is still being brought up,” Upton said. “Regardless of political beliefs, one thing I do know is that social media and online bullying still needs to stop.”
Vance’s post quickly drew backlash, with critics questioning the appropriateness of using Upton’s past to score political points. The former beauty queen’s response highlighted the lingering impact of her public humiliation and the importance of addressing cyberbullying.
Despite the criticism, Vance appeared on CNN on Friday, where he refused to apologize for his actions. He dismissed the incident as a joke and urged Upton to “laugh it off,” referring to the video as a “20-year-old meme.” Vance defended his decision, claiming that politics has become too serious and that his post was meant to bring some levity while making a broader point.
“Politics has got way too lame,” Vance said. “You can have some fun while making an argument to the American people about improving their lives. I’m not going to apologize for posting a joke – but I wish the best for Caitlin and hope she’s doing well.”
Vance’s comments, however, did little to quell the controversy. His refusal to apologize has added to growing concerns within the Republican Party about his campaign performance, especially as polls indicate that former President Donald Trump is trailing Kamala Harris in key battleground states.
Caitlin Upton’s experience in the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant has been a defining moment in her life. After enduring years of online bullying, Upton transitioned into a successful real estate career, got married, and had two children. She has also been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud in 2020.
The resurgence of the video has not only reignited painful memories for Upton but also raised questions about the ethics of using past mistakes for political gain.
Vance, who is no stranger to controversy, has previously come under scrutiny for his comments about women. He has been criticized for referring to Democratic leaders as “childless cat ladies” and for his views on professional women prioritizing careers over family life.
Vance’s actions and subsequent defense have added to the concerns among Republicans about his campaign strategy.
With the Republican ticket facing an uphill battle in the polls, Vance’s use of a decades-old video to attack Kamala Harris has been seen by some as a misstep. The incident has highlighted the challenges Vance faces in appealing to a broader electorate while maintaining his base of support.
The controversy surrounding Vance’s post has also brought attention to the broader issue of online bullying and the impact it can have on individuals, especially those in the public eye. Upton’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the lasting effects of online harassment and the need for greater accountability in the digital age.
