Vice President JD Vance prompted second-hand embarrassment online after his applause line fell flat.
The cringeworthy moment came Friday during a speech at the Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service as part of National Police week, but the 41-year-old vice president failed to land what seemed to be intended as an applause line decrying violent attacks against police officers.
"Put violent criminals in prison as opposed to letting them out of jail," Vance said, pausing for applause that eventually reached a smattering.
The flop reminded social media users of an infamous moment during Jeb Bush's failed 2016 Republican presidential campaign, where the candidate mocked by Donald Trump as "low energy" asked voters to clap after one of his own applause lines left him hanging awkwardly during an event in New Hampshire.
"Please clap," recalled journalist Aaron Rupar, posting a clip of Vance's remarks.
"Jeb! D Vance," agreed writer Thor Benson.
"I hope he’s the 2028 Republicans Presidential nominee, because he’s gonna get absolutely stomped," wished comic artist Patric Reynolds.
"I almost feel sorry for him," grimaced author and editor Benjamin Dreyer.
"They're calling him 'the most juiceless man in history,'" cringed sportswriter Grant Brisbee.
"Nothing is ever not going to happen with the white-hot intensity with which Jance Dance Vance isn’t going to happen," scorned popular Bluesky user Julia Is Moisturized, Unbothered, Not Asking for Money.