'You can't boo the Vice President': JD Vance jokes during Air Force Cadet graduation ceremony
Vice President J.D. Vance had an awkward moment during his commencement speech for graduates at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado on Thursday, after he had to tell them off for booing. In a moment that has since gone viral, Vance told the cadets that they weren't allowed to boo him because he was the "vice president of the United States."
The Vice President's remarks got off to a rocky start as he addressed the graduates and supporters on a rainy morning in Colorado Springs. "I put in my remarks this morning how wonderful it is to be here on this beautiful morning in Colorado Springs," he admitted with a laugh, adding that he will make a note to check the weather forecast before writing his speech. Vance's remarks concluded with some awkwardness, too, as he addressed that a few speakers before him were booed off the stage. "I've watched a few highlights of graduation speeches where someone will discuss AI and be met with literal boos," he said. "Now you can't boo me. I'm the Vice President of the United States," Vance added, drawing laughs from the crowd.
Vance's quip comes as he, too, spoke about AI affecting military operations after several commencement speakers in similar events were met with boos for speaking on the technology. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was recently booed and heckled when he compared the rise of AI to the development of the computer during his commencement speech at the University of Arizona. In his speech, Vance admitted that many Americans are "understandably" concerned about the impact of AI on the labor market, its use of water and energy, and how it will change society at large. "But the thing I worry about most with AI is how it will change warfare," the Marine veteran told the graduating cadets.
While Vance side-stepped any heckling at the event with the joke, his overall approval rating has sharply fallen, to the lowest point in history for a Vice President, according to CNN's data analyst Harry Enten. A Newsweek report noted that Enten pegged Vance's approval rating at minus 18, marking a 21-point fall from his previous plus 3 rating. For contrast, former Vice President Kamala Harris had an average of minus 13, while Mike Pence and Joe Biden stood at minus 7 and plus 4, respectively.
The reason why Vance's reputation has seemingly soured is reportedly because of his inability to keep the promise of no more wars. During Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, Vance promised voters that America would not go to war with Iran, as it would be extremely expensive and could potentially trigger World War III. However, those comments looked farcical as Trump launched strikes on Tehran alongside Israel on February 28. While Vance remained silent at the start of the war, he eventually threw full support behind the President, arguing that it was necessary to stop Iran from building a nuclear weapon, as per ABC.
