Why Is JD Vance Acting So Strange About Mountain Dew?

While filming a Newsmax segment about the dangers of fentanyl crossing the southern United States border last week, Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance shared a personal story. He recounted his mother’s drug overdose, stressing that “millions of Americans could have a second chance with their loved ones if we make smarter decisions.”

“I know what it feels like when we make dumb decisions and people suffer,” Vance said, moments before a member of the Newsmax crew handed both him and host Bianca de la Garza bottles of Diet Mountain Dew. “Yes, you do, firsthand,” de la Garza replied.

“Should we toast here?” Vance asked as he unscrewed the plastic cap from the bottle. De la Garza agreed, and they shared a quick toast before taking sips. “This is the good stuff here,” Vance said, adding lightheartedly, “High caffeine, low calorie.”

In recent weeks, Vance has often referenced Mountain Dew in public appearances, creating such a stir that the phrase has trended online alongside his name. While this light-hearted mention seemed odd following his serious anecdote, it sparked curiosity about why Vance has become so attached to this particular soda.

The reason dates back to July when Vance held his first stand-alone rally as former President Donald Trump’s 2024 running mate. On stage, Vance tried to connect with the crowd through humor, joking about liberals being easily offended and quick to label behavior as racist.

“Democrats say it’s racist to do anything,” Vance quipped. “I had a Diet Mountain Dew yesterday and one today. I’m sure they’re going to call that racist too.”

Despite his attempt, the crowd’s response was tepid, with only a few scattered claps, while the joke didn’t land well. Other politicians, aiming for the 2024 vice presidential spot alongside Kamala Harris, quickly capitalized on the awkward moment.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear discussed Vance’s perceived shortcomings on CNN the following day, including that Vance reportedly called Trump “the next Hitler” behind closed doors while now publicly supporting him. Beshear also described Vance’s Mountain Dew remarks as “weird,” questioning who actually drinks the beverage. He later apologized for his comments, clarifying his apology was specifically to Diet Mountain Dew, not Vance.

Vance’s rally joke and the reactions to it highlight a larger issue: questions about whether Vance truly embodies the everyman image he projects, especially concerning his claimed Appalachian roots. While Vance authored “Hillbilly Elegy,” a book brimming with stereotypes, many within the Appalachian community don’t see him as one of their own.

Geographically, this sentiment has some basis. In July, a New York Times memo reminded reporters to avoid calling Vance a “son of Appalachia,” emphasizing that Middletown, Ohio, where Vance grew up, does not fall within the region’s official boundaries.

“It’s natural to think that someone who wrote a memoir entitled ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ is from Appalachia,” the memo read. “But there is an official government definition of Appalachia. Middletown, Ohio, is not Appalachia.”

Beyond geography, some Appalachians feel Vance fundamentally misunderstands their community. His portrayals in his book and during rallies seem like outsider perspectives, oversimplifying their culture and struggles. For them, Vance’s focus on individual responsibility neglects systemic issues and the solidarity that defines their communities. His narrative doesn’t align with their lived experiences or the complexities of the Appalachian way of life.

Governor Beshear summed it up at the same press conference where he apologized about Mountain Dew. “Let me just tell you, JD Vance ain’t from here,” he stated plainly.

Interestingly, Mountain Dew has become a significant cultural symbol in the Appalachian region. Originally created in Tennessee as a whiskey mixer, the soda has been heavily marketed in rural and working-class communities throughout Appalachia and the broader American South. Over the years, it has been both derided as a lower-class drink and celebrated for its unique flavor and cultural impact.

Given this context, it makes sense that Vance would want to associate his name with the beloved brand, even if his current strategy isn’t resonating as hoped.

Source: Particle News