In a cringe-worthy campaign stop that’s making waves online, Ohio Senate candidate JD Vance found himself floundering through painfully awkward small talk with donut shop employees. The viral video has left viewers squirming and political pundits questioning the “Hillbilly Elegy” author’s retail politics skills.
The incident unfolded at a local donut shop, where Vance, visibly uncomfortable, attempted to engage with the staff. “So, uh… you guys like working here?” he stammered, as employees exchanged bewildered glances. The conversation quickly devolved into a series of stilted questions about donut flavors and work schedules, punctuated by long, awkward silences.
One employee, barely suppressing a smirk, replied, “Yeah, it’s alright. We make donuts.” Vance, seemingly at a loss, nodded vigorously before blurting out, “That’s great. Donuts are… round. And tasty.”
The Republican candidate, known for his bestselling memoir and venture capitalist background, has been working to connect with Ohio’s working-class voters. However, this donut shop disaster has raised questions about his ability to relate to everyday Americans.
Political analyst Jane Smith commented, “Retail politics isn’t for everyone, but it’s a crucial skill for candidates. Vance’s struggle to engage in basic small talk could be a red flag for his campaign.”
As the video continues to circulate on social media, reactions have ranged from secondhand embarrassment to outright mockery. One Twitter user quipped, “I haven’t seen a politician this uncomfortable since Nixon’s ‘Sock it to me’ moment on Laugh-In.”
While Vance’s campaign has yet to comment on the incident, it’s clear that this sugary stop has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many voters. As the race for Ohio’s Senate seat heats up, Vance may need to sweeten his approach to retail politics – or risk becoming the butt of more campaign trail jokes.
