JD Vance’s response to a Minnesota school shooting that claimed the lives of two children and left 17 others injured has been blasted on social media, but Today in Ohio hosts Friday were criticizing Vance’s reaction to the social media criticism.
Vance tried to reframe criticism of his “thoughts and prayers” statement as an attack on prayer itself, rather than acknowledging the core demand for concrete action on gun control.
Podcast host Chris Quinn said Americans want action to stop these shootings – to stop the mentally ill from being able to get guns, not just another tired statement about thoughts and prayers. “The irony is these kids were praying when they were killed,” he said.
Laura Johnston pointed out Vance’s strategic deflection, saying, “He said the criticism of the prayer response was by far the most bizarre of recent political culture wars, which shows that he either is not paying attention or just throwing out red meat to the base because people are angry, because it’s only thoughts and prayers, because there’s no reform, there are no ideas or how to rein this in.”
This political tactic of misdirection isn’t new, but the podcast hosts argued it’s becoming increasingly ineffective as public patience wears thin. When politicians respond to mass shootings with expressions of sympathy while taking no legislative action, they’re following a well-worn playbook designed to wait out public outrage until the news cycle moves on.
What makes this episode of Today in Ohio particularly compelling is how directly the hosts confront this strategy.
“This is yet another case of a tragedy that didn’t have to happen,” Quinn said. “And it’s because of people like JD Vance that it keeps happening, and he can’t divert it. No one was buying it. We’re sick of you saying after every tragedy, it’s “thoughts and prayers.” This is about action, and you’ve never once suggested action.”
The discussion touched on how even Republican Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has advocated for red flag laws that would prevent mentally ill individuals from obtaining firearms—a position that stands in stark contrast to Vance’s deflection.
The hosts drew a direct line between campaign contributions from the gun industry and the continued legislative inaction, suggesting that financial interests are being prioritized over public safety. This passionate segment reveals how mainstream media figures in Ohio are increasingly unwilling to accept the ritualized “thoughts and prayers” response without demanding accountability.
The podcast conversation underscores a growing sentiment that symbolic gestures without accompanying policy proposals are no longer sufficient in the face of America’s gun violence epidemic. As school shootings continue to devastate communities across the country, people want more than words from those in positions of power.
Listen to the episode here.
Listen to full “Today in Ohio” episodes where Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with Editorial Board member Lisa Garvin, Impact Editor Leila Atassi and Content Director Laura Johnston.
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