DISCLAIMER: This article was first published on August 21, 2024
Ever wondered what happens when a joke backfires spectacularly? Well, here’s a prime example! On August 15, Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) tried to be funny during a campaign rally in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. When asked how he was getting ready for the vice presidential debates, he said, “I have a friend who embellishes and lies a lot. I’m having him stand in for Tim Walz.”
Reporter: How are you preparing for your debate with Tim Walz?
Vance: I have a friend who embellishes and lies a lot, I’m having him stand in for Tim Walz pic.twitter.com/mu3FTnHj87
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 20, 2024
Vance meant to joke about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, but it sounded like he was talking about Donald Trump. Instead of making people laugh with him, Vance ended up being the joke. His attempt at humor made everyone laugh at his expense, showing how easily things can go wrong in politics.
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As you might expect, this didn’t go unnoticed. Many people on social media quickly jumped in with their own jokes. Hemant Mehta, a Jeopardy! champion, tweeted, “Nice of Trump to help Vance with debate prep,” making fun of the fact that Trump still has a big role in Republican politics.
Nice of Trump to help Vance with debate prep. https://t.co/lXDvwFk9df
— Hemant Mehta (@hemantmehta) August 20, 2024
Furthermore, Elie Mystal from The Nation added, “J.D. Vance confirms Donald Trump is helping him with debate prep,” poking fun at Vance’s comment.
JD Vance confirms Donald Trump is helping him with debate prep https://t.co/f6cjpfwlVS
— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) August 20, 2024
The Lincoln Project joined in by sharing an unflattering photo of Trump, calling him “The friend.” All these responses showed how Vance’s joke had backfired and turned into a major source of laughter and criticism.
The friend: https://t.co/2cOnz0NiZh pic.twitter.com/SoFoDUvR80
— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) August 20, 2024
Even humorists joined in on the fun. Rex Huppke from USA Today said, “How can you be Donald Trump’s running mate and say this without recognizing what a massive self-own it will be and…oh, I forgot it’s JD Vance, nvm.”
How can you be Donald Trump’s running mate and say this without recognizing what a massive self-own it will be and…oh, I forgot it’s JD Vance, nvm https://t.co/EqWJaf0slW
— Rex Huppke (@RexHuppke) August 20, 2024
Geonn Cannon, an author, also made a joke about the situation. “I can’t imagine there was any handler who told him it was a good idea to say he’s friends with liars in an attempt to poke Walz. No one can be that stup– god, look who we’re talking about.,” Cannon said.
I can’t imagine there was any handler who told him it was a good idea to say he’s friends with liars in an attempt to poke Walz. No one can be that stup– god, look who we’re talking about. https://t.co/irj6cEr3mG
— Geonn Cannon (@GeonnCannon) August 20, 2024
This whole situation shows how awkward it is for Vance to be linked with Trump. What was supposed to be a funny joke turned into a big mess. Instead of making people laugh, Vance became the one people laughed at.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
