By Matt Underwood JD Vance recently found himself in the spotlight, and not for anything commendable. He applauded a woman’s deranged outburst at a polling station, where she hurled insults—calling a poll worker a “d*ckhead” and telling him to “suck her c*nt.” Rather than condemning this behavior, Vance celebrated it as “patriotic.” I find this response deeply troubling and reflective of a broader, unsettling trend in today’s political landscape.
The situation raises the question of what it means to be a patriot in today’s America. Vance’s support for this chaotic display of disrespect is emblematic of a mindset that perceives confrontational behavior as virtue. When we embrace such disrespect towards individuals simply performing their civic duties—like enforcing polling policies to ensure fairness—we undermine the very fabric of democracy. Polling place rules are designed to protect the integrity of our elections. Vance’s reaction not only shows a clear disregard for these essential norms but also encourages a toxic culture where rules apply selectively.
Experiencing this behavior firsthand—where an individual decides to prioritize their self-serving impulses over communal responsibility—is infuriating. It speaks volumes about the current state of political discourse. Portraying such outbursts as signs of strength or patriotism is not only immature but downright dangerous. Accountability has become a relic of the past for many in politics; instead, we are privileged to witness a disregard for civility and decorum. Ugly outbursts have regained a sense of acceptance. When a public figure like Vance emboldens this behavior, it sends a disheartening message, one that suggests chaos and division are the new normal.
In a world where the average response to a rule infraction is a fit of rage, we lose sight of mutual respect. The notion that one’s discomfort with established norms justifies insulting and berating others is a slippery slope towards anarchy. Should we expect any less than cyclical confrontations and escalating rhetoric in this environment? When a faction of society celebrates incendiary language and disobedience, it risks normalizing a complete breakdown of civility.
It’s concerning and frankly disheartening to see political figures exploit these moments for gain. Vance’s praise implies a rallying cry for those who believe they are victims in every situation. This sense of victimhood allows for outbursts of rage that feel justified, and we are left with the aftermath—a trial by fire for anyone daring to uphold established rules. The irony of it all is staggering: while the Law is meant to protect everyone, many now view compliance as an affront to their freedom.
JD Vance’s reaction only amplifies my frustration. Reflecting back on the values purportedly held by leaders claiming to represent “Christian” ideals or “traditional” American values, I can’t help but feel that they have strayed far from those supposed groundings. When did disorder and hostility become synonymous with valor? When did we discard mutual respect in favor of performative anger? His actions are strikingly out of touch with the community-oriented values that should lead our civic interactions.
Moreover, it’s hard to ignore the disparity in reactions based on political affiliation. If the roles had been reversed and a Democrat had unleashed similar vitriol towards a Republican poll worker, you can bet the narrative would be vastly different. In this polarized climate, the double standards are glaringly obvious, and they only serve to deepen the divides we face.
As I reflect on this incident, it’s clear that enabling this type of behavior has implications beyond one misplaced outburst. Vance, and others like him, are unwittingly paving the way for further normalization of aggression and lack of accountability in political discourse. This is not a path we want to walk down as a society. Instead, we should strive for an environment in which rules are respected, respect for others is paramount, and elections are conducted fairly. Only time will tell if we can reclaim the civility that seems to be rapidly evaporating.
Certain behaviors should never be applauded, especially in the public sphere. Applauding displays of anger and entitlement only serves to embolden toxic attitudes towards societal norms. So, here’s hoping that the next time we’re confronted with a similar scenario, we collectively choose to uphold respect over division, and maturity over chaos. It’s a necessary step towards healing a deeply fractured political and social landscape.