JD Vance addresses viral camera glances during debate
Senator explains viral 'The Office' camera glances during debate
Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) clarified on Thursday that his viral glance at the camera during his debate with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was not intentional. Vance, 40, was repeatedly seen looking at the CBS News camera while Walz answered questions from the moderators on Tuesday. Social media users compared his actions to Jim Halpert from the TV show “The Office,” who often smirked at the camera to highlight absurdity.
During an appearance on “The Ruthless Podcast,” the Ohio senator explained he was merely trying to monitor when it would be his turn to speak. “This thing that has gone super viral of me kind of doing the Jim from ‘The Office’ thing, looking into the camera, it’s because – I wish I could take credit for it – but it’s because I guess the timer is right by the camera,” Vance said.
“I was trying to pay attention to what [Walz is] saying, but then you have to be ready for when his time’s up because then it’s your turn to speak. And so I was looking at the timer.” Vance appreciated that people found his glances amusing despite the practical reason behind them. “It spawned a million viral memes,” he noted. “So, I’m glad they did it like that.”
"The audience can't hear you because your mic is cut."
BOOM! The moderators at the VP debate just had to shut the mic of JD Vance because he's so weird. pic.twitter.com/8BFeukip0h
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) October 2, 2024
Social media users accused Vance of “breaking the fourth wall” by subtly shifting his gaze towards the camera. “JD Vance keeps breaking the fourth wall. Very Jim Halpert. He’s appealing to millennial women,” posted X user Brittany Martinez, among others who noticed his side-eye.
On “The Ruthless Podcast,” Vance admitted he was “nervous as hell” during the debate but felt confident in his performance. He realised he had done well when his wife, Usha Vance, joined him onstage after the closing remarks. “My wife comes out at the very end … and I look at Usha’s face, and I just knew – I was like, oh s—, we must have done a very good job,” Vance said. “Usha doesn’t lie to me, and her face especially doesn’t lie to me, and I knew that minute that we had a very good debate.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- Daily Dot reports that JD Vance’s facial expressions during the VP debate are likened to Jim Halpert from The Office, sparking humor and commentary about his reactions to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s statements.(read more)
- Know Your Meme reports on J.D. Vance Side Eye meme, depicting Ohio Senator Vance smirking during the 2024 Vice Presidential Debate, sparking skepticism and cringe reactions online.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did JD Vance keep looking at the camera during the debate?
He was trying to keep track of the timer next to the camera.
Did JD Vance intend to mimic Jim Halpert from ‘The Office’?
No, he was not trying to mimic Jim Halpert; it was unintentional.
How did social media react to JD Vance’s camera glances?
Social media users found it amusing and created viral memes.
What did JD Vance say about his debate performance?
He felt confident in his performance, especially after seeing his wife’s positive reaction.
Was JD Vance nervous during the debate?
Yes, he admitted to being ‘nervous as hell’ during the debate.
