Ohio Senator JD Vance faced massive criticism after a video showing him at a Georgia doughnut shop went viral on social media.
Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate for the White House, made a surprise visit to Holt’s Sweet Shop in Valdosta, Georgia, on Thursday. Valdosta is a key swing state where Republicans hope the former president will regain power after narrowly voting for Joe Biden in 2020.
After video of his visit went viral on social media, he was showered with ridicule, with some calling the stop “clumsy.” Trump’s team is still confident in Vance’s popularity with voters, and that’s why he’s making this campaign visit.
In the 2024 presidential campaign, Vance is positioning himself as a staunch social conservative. He has been a close supporter of Trump since his election in 2022. However, Democrats have strongly rejected him because of his stance on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and abortion.
Read also: JD Vance attacks “disgusting” Andy Beshear and accuses him of wishing “rape” on his family
JD Vance hits donut shop in Georgia, but something went wrong
In the video, Vance can be heard telling a worker that “the zoo has collapsed.” He then asks the worker how many doughnuts he should order. The worker then asks not to be filmed while working.
“She doesn’t want to be filmed, guys, so just take her out of everything,” he explained. “I appreciate that, ma’am.”
“We’re doing two dozen. Just a random selection of things here,” he continues, looking at the doughnuts in the display cases.
“Everything. Lots of frosting here. Sprinkles. Lots of cinnamon rolls. Just anything that makes sense,” Vance explained.
He introduced himself to the employee by saying, “I’m JD Vance, and I’m running for Vice President.”
“Okay,” she replied. Then Vance started chatting with the staff at the counter.
JD Vance faces anger from internet users
His visit was sharply criticized by X-users and netizens mocked him for the “embarrassing” encounter.
“JD Vance had a very unpleasant visit to a Georgia donut shop earlier today. Trust us, it’s worse than you think,” Meidas Touch wrote while posting the Ohio senator’s video, which has been viewed over a million times.
“I’m JD Vance… I’m running for Vice President… the woman has no idea who he is and is just trying to do her job,” wrote one X user. “These idiots went to the wrong donut shop for their stupid photo shoot.”
“I don’t think my face will ever be calm again after watching this film,” commented journalist Aaron Rupar.
“Has JD Vance ever bought donuts? He has no idea how to talk to people. And the very smart lady behind the counter who clearly doesn’t give a damn about Vance said she did NOT want to be on camera,” noted another.
“The funny thing is that they think this will somehow overshadow the DNC’s great week and wipe out the post-convention polling surge. This is as ridiculously silly as trying to get JD Vance to order doughnuts without it being embarrassing,” another person chimed in.
