Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance threw some red meat to his base during a speech on Monday by suggesting that Democrats see racism everywhere ― even in soft drink purchases.
During a rally in his hometown of Middletown, Ohio, Vance leaned into the culture wars, joking, “I had a Diet Mountain Dew yesterday, and one today — I’m sure they’re gonna call that racist too.”
As you can see, the comment drew a smattering of laughs. “It’s good,” he continued before laughing to himself and adding, “I love you guys,” to scattered applause.
Vance’s Diet Mountain Dew quip came out just as flat on X, formerly Twitter, based on the reaction.
Congressman Ted Lieu reminded Vance of last year’s MAGA meltdown over a Bud Light partnership with transgender TikTok influencer Dylan Mulvaney. “What’s the deal with MAGA’s weird focus on carbonated drinks?” he asked.
Others joined in on the mockery, with many people joking that Vance’s choice of soft drink suggested serious character flaws.
Some people speculated on how Vance came up with the joke ― and suspected his staff tried to talk him out of it.
And some explained how Vance’s soda comment is still a dog whistle to his Republican base.