Additional Coverage:
- JD Vance comments on awkward donut shop video, says he feels ‘terrible’ for employee (newsbreak.com)
Senator JD Vance of Ohio expressed regret over an uncomfortable situation involving a camera-shy employee during his recent visit to a bakery in Georgia. The incident, which attracted significant attention online, unfolded at Holt’s Sweet Shop in Valdosta as part of Vance’s campaign stops in South Georgia.
“I just felt terrible for that woman,” Vance shared with NBC News. He described the scene as overwhelming for the bakery worker, who was not forewarned about the impending arrival of a large group that included numerous Secret Service agents and media personnel, equipped with cameras. This abrupt encounter, as seen in a video circulating online, shows Vance attempting to manage the situation by asking the media to respect the employee’s wish not to be filmed.
During his visit, captured in a now-viral C-SPAN clip with over 4.2 million views on social platform X, Vance aimed to introduce himself and interact naturally with the locals. This approach contrasts sharply with some staged political events, a point Vance emphasized by referencing a recent scripted visit by Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz to a Pennsylvania gas station, known for its casual snack stops.
Despite the hiccup, Vance continued engaging with other staff at the bakery, inquiring about their experiences and the history of the establishment. His intent to connect authentically with Americans during his campaign trail remains clear, albeit with a lesson learned about ensuring individuals are comfortable being on camera during such interactions.