The right's offenders are excused, the left's pilloried

Republicans have a double standard on cruel rhetoric and behavior

- MARCUS BELL GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

DOUG MILLS Pool photo.

VICE PRESIDENT JD VANCE hosts an episode of "The Charlie Kirk Show" at the White House.

Speaking on “The Charlie Kirk Show,” Vice President JD Vance offered a forceful defense of the participants, arguing that “the reality is that kids do stupid things, especially young boys — they tell edgy, offensive jokes. That’s what kids do.”

He continued, “I really don't want us to grow up in a country where a kid telling a stupid joke, telling a very offensive, stupid joke is cause to ruin their lives.” Vance went on to characterize the public outcry as “pearl-clutching” and admonished critics to “grow up.” Framing the group chat as a lapse in judgment rather than a reflection of character, the vice president urged listeners to “focus on the real issues” instead of “what kids say in group chats.”