As Halloween approaches, Vice President JD Vance has embraced the spirit of the spooky season in a rather unique way. He donned a wig to recreate the infamous “babyface Vance” meme that has haunted him since last October. This playful costume choice was shared in a light-hearted TikTok video where Vance wished everyone a “Happy Halloween” and reminded kids to “say thank you.” In the video, he spins around, humorously mimicking his viral meme, as the eerie theme from The Twilight Zone plays in the background.
The Democrats' official account on X cleverly captioned the video with, “POV you’re a brand new IKEA sectional,” referencing the ongoing rumors about Vance's unusual affinity for couches. This humorous jab underscores the lighthearted rivalry that often characterizes political discourse on social media.
In response to Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna's inquiry about wearing a “MAGA sombrero” for Halloween, Vance confidently stated, “I’ve already got a costume.” He followed this up with a playful “babyface Vance” meme, adding the caption: “Can you hear the screaming?” This interaction highlights the playful banter that often takes place between politicians on social media platforms.
California Governor Gavin Newsom quickly joined the fray, responding to Vance's meme with a witty remark: “Yeah, it’s children running through strawberry fields to escape your goons.” This comment is part of the ongoing social media skirmish between Newsom and the Trump administration, showcasing the competitive nature of modern political communication.
Furthermore, Ron Filipkowski, editor-in-chief of MeidasTouch, chimed in with a critique of Vance's online presence, stating, “Posted by the perpetually online full-time social media troll who holds the title of Vice President of the United States.” This statement reflects the ongoing debate about the role of social media in politics and how politicians engage with their audiences.
The “babyface Vance” meme phenomenon started gaining traction last year and became particularly popular in October. One notable instance featured the vice president's chubby cheeks and bald head, which even followed him on the side of a van during his visit to the U.K. This particular meme has become so iconic that a 21-year-old Norwegian tourist claimed he was denied entry into the U.S. for having it saved on his phone. The meme's evolution coincided with a March meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which Vance made headlines by insisting Zelensky express gratitude for U.S. support.
In summary, Vice President JD Vance's Halloween antics not only reflect his engagement with social media culture but also illustrate how memes can shape political narratives and interactions. As the spooky season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics continue to evolve in the ever-changing landscape of American politics.