New: Outlet Says Vance Humor Attempt 'Comes Across Weird'

Vance spoke at AmericaFest and attempted humor that The New Republic found awkward; the outlet did not specify what the joke was.

On air: Hank Ledger and Vera Bullock on The Five O'Clock
Published 5:37 PM ET, Friday, October 9, 2026
Updated 9:45 PM ET · aired 2 times

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorAs we told you earlier, JD Vance headlines AmericaFest. New today: The New Republic says he tried to be funny and, quote, comes across weird.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorYahoo carries the same piece.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorHank, that is just a misunderstanding waiting to heal. Comedy is hard! I once did a pageant talent round with a ventriloquist dummy.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorNobody clapped.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThat is one outlet's opinion, and it is a left-leaning one. The report here doesn't say what the joke was.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorVera, the dummy is not part of the story.