JD Vance reacts to awkward doughnut shop video, feels ‘terrible’ for worker

Senator JD Vance of Ohio recently shared his thoughts on an uncomfortable encounter with a worker during a visit to a bakery in Valdosta, Georgia. He expressed his sympathy for the staff member who appeared startled by the unexpected media presence.

In an interview with NBC News, Vance conveyed his feelings, saying, “I just felt terrible for that woman.” He elaborated on the situation, addressing the chaotic environment created by his entourage. “We walked in, and there’s 20 Secret Service agents, and there’s 15 cameras, and she clearly had not been properly warned. She was terrified,” he explained. The encounter highlighted the often daunting nature of impromptu campaign stops.

Vance’s visit to Holt’s Sweet Shop was part of a swing through South Georgia, where candidates often attempt to engage with voters at local businesses. However, the unplanned nature of these visits can lead to awkward moments, as Vance discovered firsthand.

As captured in video footage from his visit, Vance attempted to introduce himself while ordering a variety of baked goods. “The zoo has come to town — thank you for letting us come in here,” he joked, trying to keep the atmosphere light as reporters were present. However, the bakery worker expressed clear discomfort, stating, “I don’t want to be on camera.” In response, Vance encouraged the press to respect her wishes to avoid featuring her in their coverage.

During the interaction, Vance identified himself to the worker. “I’m JD Vance, and I’m running for vice president. It’s good to see you,” he said. Unfortunately, the worker’s response was less than enthusiastic as she replied, “OK,” clearly unsettled by the crowd.

Social media users quickly took note of the incident, with many mocking Vance’s attempt to connect with the camera-shy employee. A clip of the encounter shared by C-SPAN garnered over 4.2 million views, adding to the viral nature of the awkward moment.

Despite the backlash, Vance reiterated his desire to engage with ordinary Americans. He commented, “We don’t have to have these scripted events — I don’t want to go and do three takes of buying Doritos at a Sheetz.” This statement was seemingly a jab at Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s recent visit to a popular gas station chain, which another candidate considered overly rehearsed.

During Harris’s visit, she humorously referenced a past experience in which she coped with the anxiety of Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential win by eating a whole bag of nacho Doritos. “I did not share one chip with anybody. Not even Doug,” she mentioned in a fundraising email.

Before his visit ended, Vance took a moment to engage with other employees at the bakery, inquiring about their tenure at Holt’s Sweet Shop and the history of the business. He noted, “When we selected this place, I didn’t know if it had been here for 20 years or four years — you never know, sometimes you drop in.” His curiosity reflected a genuine interest in the community, even amidst the chaos of his campaign.

Overall, Vance’s experience at the Georgia bakery serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of political campaigning and the importance of being mindful of the audience – including those who may not be ready for the spotlight.

Source: Business Insider