Vance Labels Censorship as a ‘Threat to Democracy’ in VP Debate

During Thursday's vice presidential debate, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) boldly asserted that censorship, not election challenges, poses the greatest threat to democracy. While his Democratic rivals focused on the events of January 6, Vance zeroed in on the left's increasing control over public discourse, particularly around the COVID-19 pandemic and other controversial topics.

Moderator Nora O’Donnell pressed Vance about whether he would challenge the results of the 2024 election, given his stance on the 2020 election. Vance, however, shifted the conversation toward the future, pointing out the ongoing "inflation crisis" as one of the key issues his running mate, Donald Trump, would address. Yet, when the debate turned to democracy, Vance didn't mince words.

Vance emphasized that the real danger to democracy is not what the mainstream media or Democratic politicians want people to believe. Instead, he said, the biggest threat comes from widespread censorship by big tech companies, which have been urged by the current administration to suppress certain viewpoints. He reminded the audience that Trump had called for peaceful protests on January 6, 2021, contrary to how events unfolded that day.

Three key points from Vance's argument stood out:

• Big Tech's Role in Censorship: Vance highlighted a letter from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, where Zuckerberg admitted his company was pressured by the Biden-Harris administration to censor COVID-related content. This isn't a minor issue it's direct government interference in free speech.

• Kamala Harris' Involvement in Censorship: Vance accused Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, of leading "industrial-scale censorship." Whether regarding COVID-19 or other political narratives, the Democratic administration has a clear track record of curtailing dissenting opinions.

• True Threats to Democracy: Vance dismissed the constant focus on Trump's statements about the 2020 election, arguing that the actual threat to democracy is a government willing to silence its people. Free speech is essential to a functioning republic, and the Biden-Harris administration’s actions set a dangerous precedent.

While Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, representing the Democratic ticket, tried to deflect the conversation, Vance stayed on message. His criticism of government-led censorship underscored a deeper concern: if political elites can dictate what people are allowed to say and hear, democracy is already in peril.

The vice presidential debate showcased a stark contrast between the Republican and Democratic tickets. Where Harris and Walz see January 6 as the definitive threat to democracy, Vance laid out a compelling case that the real danger lies in the erosion of free speech a foundation of any democratic society.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about who wins or loses an election. It’s about whether Americans are free to debate, dissent, and decide for themselves.

Share this article with others, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.