JD Vance Compares U.S. Economy to Titanic, Sparks Online Debate

Vice President JD Vance’s Titanic-like comparison of the U.S. economy at a Toledo speech drew internet comments. Vance was addressing the country’s affordability crisis and economic condition.

“The Democrats talk a lot about the affordability crisis in the United States of America,” Vance remarked, citing Biden-era measures. He said, “You don’t turn the Titanic around overnight. Broken things require time to fix.” The Titanic’s 1912 sinking made the reference notable.

Vance utilized the metaphor to emphasize his confidence that the U.S. economy is recovering despite hurdles. Recent economic data supports this. GDP expanded 4.4% annually between July and September, the best pace since the third quarter of 2023, according to the Commerce Department. Other indicators are mixed despite this expansion. November consumer prices grew 2.8%, up from 2.7% in October, and young grads face a tough employment market. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports 5.3% unemployment and 41.8% underemployment among recent grads, levels not seen before 2020.

Public opinion echoes these worries. The New York Times/Siena College poll found that only 32% of Americans think the economy has improved since last year. In his Toledo speech, Vance reassured the audience about the economy. “I’m here in Toledo to talk about the great American comeback, and I believe it,” he said. «Ladies and gentlemen, I think we are on the threshold of the greatest economic year in US history.»

While Vance discussed economic recovery, social media users responded fiercely to his Titanic metaphor. Many questioned whether he understood the ship’s sinking’s historical significance. Given the Titanic catastrophe, some commentators called the parallel inappropriate and offensive.

Politicians’ use of odd or historically laden metaphors can swiftly draw public notice. Despite the response, Vance’s presentation balanced recent growth data with ongoing obstacles to portray confidence in the nation’s economic outlook.

Sources:

• U.S. Department of Commerce
• Federal Reserve Bank of New York
• Official remarks by Vice President JD Vance in Toledo, Ohio