Vice President JD Vance appeared to audition for a role as a Fox News host on Tuesday, spending a full hour with the panelists on "The Five." He introduced a segment and even shared a slice of cake with them to conclude the program.
Co-Hosting Duties
Vance, who was playfully referred to as a "co-host" of "The Five" on social media, addressed topics such as the U.S.-Iran deal and a thwarted White House attack plot. He also used the show to promote his new book, "Communion," which he discussed on several other programs within a 24-hour span.
Dad Jokes Segment
Toward the end of the show, Vance introduced a discussion about "cringeworthy" dad jokes, referencing a recent Washington Post article suggesting that such humor may strengthen bonds between fathers and children.
"My favorite dad joke is actually one my son told to me," the vice president began. "What do you call a fly with no wings? A walk."
Fox News host Jesse Watters responded with a slight laugh, saying, "OK, very good. That's terrible!" Vance pointed across the table and chuckled at Greg Gutfeld's reaction, declaring, "All dad jokes must be terrible."
Pickle Cake Surprise
Minutes later, Watters presented Vance and the other panelists with plates of "pickle cake," a treat described as having "dozens of layers of creamy green frosting complete with tiny chunks of pickle."
"I was going to do fudge because it's National Fudge Day, for the VP, but I thought it'd be too gay, so I did pickle cake instead," remarked Watters, a host known for his concerns about appearing manly. Vance then dug into the slice in front of him.
Criticism and Speculation
The unusual appearance led critics on X, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, to speculate about Vance's future. Newsom, viewed as a likely Democratic presidential contender for 2028, suggested that Vance would need a job after the 2028 election since "he won't be president" the following year.
Mike Nellis, a senior adviser to former Vice President Kamala Harris's 2020 presidential campaign, questioned why Vance was co-hosting the show. "Shouldn't he have more important things to do!?" he wrote.
Other social media users echoed these sentiments, with comments ranging from skepticism about Vance's priorities to jokes about his book promotion. Some suggested that a role at Fox News might be more suitable for him than the White House.
