Former Vice President Mike Pence found himself in the crosshairs of online critics on Tuesday night, following the release of his latest campaign advertisement.
The ad, which was intended to connect with Americans over the escalating fuel prices, instead became a source of amusement for many.
The video featured Pence purportedly filling up a pickup truck at a gas station. However, sharp-eyed viewers were quick to point out that the former vice president seemed to have forgotten some basic steps in the process.
Pence did not select the fuel grade and failed to activate the gas pump lever, leading to a continuous beeping sound in the background.
In the advertisement, Pence nostalgically reminisced about the days of “$2 a gallon gas.” He suggested that the current high prices were a direct consequence of President Joe Biden’s “war on energy.”
Pence argued that under Biden’s administration, gasoline prices had skyrocketed by 60%, while electricity prices had seen a 25% increase.
The ad then transitioned to introduce the “Pence energy plan.” This ambitious proposal promises a return to energy independence and aims to reestablish America as the world’s leading energy producer by 2040.
Despite the serious message, the gas station faux pas overshadowed the rest of the ad, drawing attention away from Pence’s policy proposals.
Social media users were quick to seize on the blunder, with many labeling Pence as an “absolute idiot” and “stupid.”
One user, Joey Mannarino, tweeted, “You absolute idiot. You have to select the type of gas that you want before you stick the thing in the gas hole. Then, you have to press the lever to make the gas actually come out! Are you stupid? It’s obvious you haven’t pumped gas in years!”
Another user, ALX, chimed in with, “Is this the video everyone is talking about, Mike? I assure you it’s not for a good reason.” The comments continued to pour in, with users mocking Pence’s apparent unfamiliarity with the process of pumping gas.
Despite the mockery, it’s important to remember that the focus of the ad was Pence’s energy plan. While the gaffe may have stolen the spotlight, the underlying message about rising fuel prices and the need for energy independence remains relevant.
As the conversation continues, it will be interesting to see how Pence responds to the criticism and whether he can redirect the narrative back to his policy proposals.
While the internet may have had its fun at Pence’s expense, the issues raised in his ad are no laughing matter.
Rising fuel prices are a genuine concern for many Americans, and any proposed solutions deserve serious consideration. Regardless of one’s political leanings, it’s crucial to look beyond the gaffes and focus on the policies being proposed.
After all, it’s these policies that will ultimately shape the future of our nation’s energy landscape.