JD Vance made headlines for a controversial Twitter post in which he seemed to endorse eugenicist theories of genetic superiority. The post came amidst a culture war controversy over the recent American Eagle Sydney Sweeney ad which has drawn backlash for glamorizing the blond-haired, blue-eyed Sweeney as she plays with the like-sounding words “genes” and “jeans.” The Vice President, who has appeared sidelined and ineffectual of late, took the opportunity to chime in:
“Standard oversensitivity. A classic American look trashed just out of envy and small-minded reaction. But there’s another problem here – a lot people can’t handle that some of us really do have better genes than others. (Be honest, ladies: who doesn’t want a little Vance swimming in their gene pool? *winking, smiling emoji* *winking, tongue-out emoji*)”
It’s a staple of MAGA rhetoric to lean into fascistic remarks. It creates frenzy and leaves the public worrying about the seriousness of the statements. Donald Trump and his compadres have utilized this rhetoric to tremendous effect. In Vance’s case, however, no such reaction unfolded. The commentariat was quick to belittle Vance for either his attempt at ironic eugenics or his sincere belief in being of a superior race.
Said one user, “bro lolol even if the nazis were right about this, what genes make you so great? your average as hell *crying laughter emoji* you chunky little know-nothing *crying laughter emoji*”
Another read, “JD Vance builds a career on his family’s addiction problems only to get to power and say it’s because of genetic inferiority. Classy.”
Female responders overwhelmingly rejected his cheeky offer, writing, “Eww jesus no,” and, “I’d rather you kill me.”
Privately, a dispirited Vance read the responses and drafted a double-down tweet: “Some people are made strong and fit to survive. Others, not so much. I’m glad now we know who is who.” He then hit send, slowly closed his laptop, and stared in silence for about 90 seconds. Then he texted the President, “You need anything?” and waited the rest of the day for a response which never came.