Euro leaders offended by Vance should ‘have a beer with’ their people to understand concerns: US conservatives
European leaders were left upset by Vice President JD Vance’s recent remarks in Munich, but some U.S. conservatives believe they should listen to their own citizens’ concerns instead of worrying about fellow elites. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., and Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts shared their thoughts with reporters after attending the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship conference in London. The conference, associated with Jordan Peterson, aims to empower citizens worldwide.
Vance had expressed concern at the Munich conference about the retreat of Europe from its fundamental values, which he believes are shared with the United States. He also criticized the fearmongering surrounding a right-wing German party in the upcoming elections. Hageman emphasized the need for governments to allow citizens the freedom to make their own decisions, rather than imposing control on their lives.
Roberts offered advice to leaders like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who expressed outrage at Vance’s speech. Roberts noted that the reaction from some European leaders, including Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, reflects a lack of engagement in common sense policies. He highlighted the need for leaders to prioritize defense spending and listen to their citizens.
During the conference, Roberts and Hageman discussed translating American conservative policies for European leaders, who have shown receptivity to these ideas. Roberts suggested that European leaders should spend more time engaging with everyday citizens rather than focusing solely on EU affairs in Brussels.
Scholz’s outrage at Vance’s mention of the right-wing Alternativ für Deutschland (AfD) party in Berlin’s elections reflects a broader concern about protecting democracies from radical anti-democratic forces. Scholz emphasized the importance of institutions that defend democracy without restricting freedom.
Overall, the message from U.S. conservatives is clear: European leaders should prioritize listening to their citizens and embracing common sense policies. By engaging with everyday people and focusing on fundamental values like freedom and democracy, leaders can build stronger, more responsive governments.
