'Olympic class backpedaling': JD Vance mocked for blaming media for anti-Trump comments he made in 2016

WASHINGTON, DC: JD Vance, who once fiercely criticized Donald Trump, is now facing intense scrutiny and ridicule after accepting the former president's offer to be his running mate in the 2024 election.

Vance's dramatic change in stance has sparked widespread debate and online backlash, as he tries to justify his past criticisms and present loyalty to Trump, as reported by Fox News.

On Monday, July 15, Trump announced on Truth Social that he had selected Vance, author of 'Hillbilly Elegy' and current Ohio Senator, as his vice-presidential pick for the 2024 election.

JD Vance blames the media for previous Donald Trump-bashing comments

In a recent interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Vance recounted the moment Trump called him with the offer, expressing his belief that Vance could help him secure victory in key Midwestern states.

"[Trump] just said, 'look, I think I've got to go save this country. I think you're the guy who could help me in the best way. You can help me govern, you can help me win, you can help me in some of these Midwestern states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and so forth,'" Vance recalled on 'Hannity.'

Vance also highlighted the significant role Trump's endorsement played in his 2022 Senate race against former Representative Tim Ryan. "I would not have won that race without Donald Trump's endorsement, and the president's trust then and his partnership since then, has been something I value a great deal," he said.

Vance's newfound alliance with Trump marks a stark reversal from his earlier stance. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Vance was an outspoken critic of Trump, calling him "noxious" and a "cynical a**hole."

In a 2016 interview with former CBS anchor Charlie Rose, Vance identified himself as a "Never Trump guy," saying, "I never liked him."

When pressed by Hannity about his change in perspective, Vance blamed the media for his initial skepticism.

"I bought into the media's lies and distortions. I bought into this idea that somehow he was going to be so different, a terrible threat to democracy. It was a joke," Vance responded.

Despite his earlier doubts, Vance now praises Trump's presidency, arguing that Trump delivered "peace and prosperity" and changed his mind.

"I actually think it's a good thing when you see somebody, you were wrong about him, you ought to admit the mistake and admit that you were wrong," he said.

Vance, who has a background as a Marine veteran and Silicon Valley venture capitalist, expressed his readiness to campaign alongside Trump.

"I'm so grounded, man. My faith, I got to spend a few hours with my wife and kids today. We've got a 7-year-old, a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old. Things are crazy, and things are way different, but I'm still a husband and a dad first," Vance shared.

JD Vance's attempt to deflect blame onto the media evokes mockery online

The internet was quick to mock Vance's drastic change in stance and his attempt to deflect blame onto the media.

One user on X commented, "Vance - always deflect, never accept responsibility, deny, deny. Or, in other words, perfect blotus running mate." Another remarked, "That’s because @SenVancePress @JDVance1 is a liar, a hypocrite, a coward, and nothing more than a spineless bootlicker."

"So he is an idiot incapable of critical reasoning," wrote one user. Another simply stated, "Always the victim." "The party of personal responsibility is long gone," one comment read.

Another added, "Typical MAGA, the media made me say it, think it, do it! I have no free will!"

"If he’s that impressionable perhaps he shouldn’t be a heartbeat away from the presidency," one user cautioned. Lastly, a user mentioned, "Olympic class backpedaling."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.