JD Vance, the US vice president, faced ridicule after a fumbled speech during his first visit to Iowa since taking office. Speaking at a manufacturing facility in Des Moines on Tuesday, Vance struggled through his prepared remarks for about 30 seconds, asking for help from Republican Representative Zach Nunn.
“When I see Iowa farmers who need to get that E15 to market…What is uh this? What is uh, Zach you’re gonna have to help me out with her name here, I lost my page here,” Vance said from the podium. He then rifled through pages while supporters stood silently behind him holding “Made in America” signs.
After locating the name, he said, “Okay alright, okay there we go: Sarah Trone Garriot,” referring to a state senator and Nunn’s likely Democratic challenger. “I’m on the wrong page here.” Clips of the gaffe spread rapidly on social media, drawing mockery and comparisons to a robot needing a reboot.
Some users were more forgiving, noting that such mistakes are common in live speeches. However, the incident highlighted a contrast with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who earned praise for his off-the-cuff responses during a White House briefing the same day. Both Vance and Rubio are seen as potential contenders for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.
A March survey at the Conservative Political Action Conference showed 53 per cent of respondents preferred Vance as the 2028 nominee, while Rubio came second with 35 per cent. President Donald Trump has repeatedly named both as potential successors, with an unnamed adviser suggesting a “Vance-Rubio” ticket as the “dream ticket.”
