Noel King

You know, I haven't heard the name in so long.

I can say this, that I'd have to take a look at it.

Ian Ward, who writes for Politico, became interested in J.D.

Vance a few years ago when he realized who else was interested in J.D.

Vance.

Ian went on to spend time with Vance, who arguably is like no other vice president in history.

In 2025, yes, he played the traditional role of Veep, traveling to Europe, defending his president.

But he consistently pulled focus online, brawling with randos on Twitter, inserting himself into the Nicky Carty beef, RTing memes and rumors, and, like me, hosting a podcast.

Coming up on Today Explained, J.D.

Vance vacillating between Trump-era parent and Twitter troll is just getting started.

Politico's Ian Ward here to talk about one year of J.D.

Vance.

All right.

So from late last year onward, you see these memes of Vance with the huge head dancing, the little boy hat, the lollipop.

And it starts out as a way to mock the VP.

But he does not treat it that way, does he?

What does he do instead?

That's a good point.

All right.

So he comes into office, as everyone does, on January 20th.