JD Vance, the Republican senator from Ohio, recently made a statement at a rally in Michigan that left many people shaking their heads. He said, “You’re never gonna hear me praise Barack Obama.” But social media quickly reminded him of a 2017 New York Times op-ed where he did exactly that.
“You’re never gonna hear me praise Barack Obama” — JD Vance, who praised Barack Obama in the NYT in 2017 pic.twitter.com/mIBBnjD4kH
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 8, 2024
In the 2017 article, Vance praised Obama for how he treated his family and carried himself. He wrote about how Obama’s life gave him hope. “The president’s example offered something no other public figure could: hope. I wanted so desperately to have what he had — a happy marriage and beautiful, thriving children,” Vance wrote at the time. He even said he admired how Obama, despite his tough upbringing, never let it control his life.
So when Vance said he “rarely” praises Obama at the rally, it caught the attention of many, especially on social media. People pointed out the clear contradiction between his past and present statements. Zion Darkwood (@ZionDarkwood) pointed out a key fact that proves Vance had praised Obama in the past: “JD Vance said that the Trump economy was good because of Obama’s economic policies lol.” This tweet is important because it shows that even after Vance criticized Obama, he still admitted that Obama’s policies helped the economy. Vance had actually given credit to Obama for how the economy performed during Trump’s time, which makes his current statements even more confusing.
JD Vance said that the Trump economy was good because of Obama’s economic policies lol. https://t.co/mGCYhK850y
— Zion Darkwood (@ZionDarkwood) October 8, 2024
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
Dexter Wright (@Dexter__Wright) sarcastically tweeted: “Donald Trump will be very upset, he’s been training JD Vance to always use Obama’s middle name. You can’t miss any opportunity to be a racist if you’re on Team Weird.” This tweet was making fun of Vance’s comment and also pointing out that it has become common for Republicans to attack Obama, even when it’s unnecessary.
Donald Trump will be very upset, he’s been training JD Vance to always use Obama’s middle name. You can’t miss any opportunity to be a racist if you’re on Team Weird.
— Dexter Wright (@Dexter__Wright) October 8, 2024
Another Twitter user, DW (@DwWork2), wrote: “You’re never going to hear me tell the truth…. Would be the far more accurate statement.” This was a sharp remark about how Vance seems to lie or change his story to fit the moment. It shows how many people think he is not being honest about his views, switching from supporting Obama to attacking him. NC HMG (@nc_hmg) added: “Post-Trump JD seems to have completely forgotten Pre-Trump JD. That’s very convenient for a man who values personal power above all else. I’m sure it helps him sleep well.” This tweet points out that Vance’s views have changed since he became a part of Trump’s political world. It’s easy to see that he is saying what is politically convenient for him now, even if it means contradicting his past.
“You’re never going to hear me tell the truth….”
Would be the far more accurate statement
— DW (@DwWork2) October 8, 2024
Post-Trump JD seems to have completely forgotten Pre-Trump JD. That’s very convenient for a man who values personal power above all else. I’m sure it helps him sleep well.
— NC HMG (@nc_hmg) October 9, 2024
Cheryl Olsavicky (@CherylOlsavicky) said: “It’s amazing how easily he/they lie, especially since everything is recorded these days. Wonder how many times they can cry ‘fake’?” She pointed out that in the age of social media and video, it’s hard to hide the truth. People can look back at what Vance said in the past and compare it to what he’s saying now, which makes it difficult for him to pretend like his views haven’t changed.
It’s amazing how easily he/they lie, especially since everything is recorded these days. Wonder how many times they can cry “fake”?
— Cheryl Ols (@CherylOlsavicky) October 8, 2024
Dominic Favazzo (@FavazzoDom63361) tweeted: “That was in his pre-racist days, now he’s a nasty little racist prick.” This user was criticizing Vance for his recent behavior, especially since many Republicans, including Trump, have been accused of using racist language and ideas.
That was in his pre-racist days,now he’s a nasty little racist prick
— Dominic Favazzo 🎸🥁🎹🎷🎼🇺🇦 (@FavazzoDom63361) October 8, 2024
This situation with JD Vance is not just about one politician’s mistake. It’s about how many politicians, especially in the Republican Party, change their views based on what is politically useful at the moment. It shows how easily some leaders will contradict themselves if it helps them hold onto power. Vance’s past words about Obama, along with his recent comments, remind us that politicians’ views can shift when it’s convenient. As one user said, “It’s amazing how easily he/they lie,” because, in the digital age, the truth is never too far away.
Featured image via screengrab