In recent years, JD Vance has become a prominent figure in American politics, catching the public’s attention not only for his policies but also for his appearance. The Republican vice presidential candidate’s rise to fame has sparked curiosity among voters and media alike, with one unusual question gaining traction: Does JD Vance wear eyeliner? This seemingly trivial inquiry has become a topic of widespread speculation and debate across social media platforms and news outlets.
As J.D. Vance continues to make headlines, the discussion surrounding his alleged use of eyeliner has taken on a life of its own. This article aims to explore the origins of this speculation, examine the facts behind JD Vance’s personal grooming habits, and delve into the psychological factors that might be driving this obsession. By shedding light on this peculiar phenomenon, we hope to provide a clearer understanding of the intersection between politics, appearance, and public perception in today’s media landscape.
JD Vance’s Rise to Political Prominence
Hillbilly Elegy Success
JD Vance’s journey to political prominence began with the publication of his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis,” in June 2016. The book, which detailed Vance’s hardscrabble childhood in Middletown, Ohio, and his family’s roots in Appalachia, quickly became a New York Times bestseller. It offered insights into the appeal of Donald Trump in middle America, where manufacturing job losses and the opioid crisis had affected many families. The memoir’s success led to a Netflix adaptation directed by Ron Howard in 2020.
Senate Campaign
Following his literary success, Vance considered running for the U.S. Senate in 2018 but ultimately decided against it. However, in 2021, he launched an exploratory committee for the Senate seat being vacated by Rob Portman. Vance’s campaign received significant financial support, including a $10 million donation from Peter Thiel to a super PAC supporting his candidacy. On July 1, 2021, Vance officially entered the race, marking his first campaign for public office.
VP Nomination
Vance’s political ascent reached new heights on July 15, 2024, when Donald Trump announced him as his running mate for the presidential election. This nomination made Vance the first Marine veteran on a presidential ticket. His selection came shortly after an attempted assassination against Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Vance’s response to this incident highlighted his alignment with Trump’s political stance, as he blamed the Biden campaign for creating a rhetoric that he believed led to the assassination attempt.
The Eyeliner Question: Origins and Spread
First mentions
The speculation about JD Vance’s alleged use of eyeliner began to gain traction shortly after his selection as Donald Trump’s running mate for the 2024 presidential election. The initial spark came from journalist James Surowiecki, who quote-tweeted a clip of Vance from a September 2021 video interview. Surowiecki posed the question, “Why does JD Vance always look like he’s wearing eyeliner?” and added, “He doesn’t seem like the goth-boy type”.
Viral social media posts
This observation quickly spread across social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Users began sharing photos of Vance from past television appearances, zooming in on what appeared to be a black smudge accentuating his waterline. One user humorously asked, “There is only one urgent political question on my mind tonight. Why does JD Vance wear so much eyeliner?”. The speculation gained further momentum when photojournalist Zach D Roberts shared a photo of Vance taken during a recent speaking engagement, clearly showing a black line under his bottom eyelashes. Roberts captioned the post, “I really thought people were joking about this, but then I photographed him last week. Vance 100 percent does wear eyeliner”.
Mainstream media coverage
The eyeliner question soon caught the attention of mainstream media. Comedian Jimmy Fallon addressed the topic on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” During the July 22 broadcast, Fallon displayed a graph showing increasing Google searches for “Does JD Vance wear eyeliner?” He then showed a photo of Vance with a distinct black line under his eyes. The speculation even made its way to TikTok, where user Casey (@mamasissiesays) posted a video comparing Vance’s public appearances with his official Senate portrait. The video, which garnered over 300,000 views, jokingly suggested that Vance’s eyeliner of choice might be Urban Decay in the shade “desperation”.
Debunking Myths: JD Vance’s Personal Grooming
The speculation surrounding JD Vance’s alleged use of eyeliner has sparked a flurry of discussions and investigations into his personal grooming habits. While social media users and comedians have had a field day with the topic, it’s important to examine the facts and consider alternative explanations.
Past photographs
A closer look at earlier images of Vance suggests that his distinctive eye appearance may not be a recent development. Some online users have pointed out that photographs of a younger Vance show similar eye features, indicating that this could be a natural characteristic rather than the result of cosmetic enhancement.
Family genetics
One possible explanation for Vance’s striking eye appearance could be genetics. Some individuals are born with naturally dark and prominent eyelashes, a condition known as distichiasis. This genetic trait can create the illusion of eyeliner without any makeup application.
Official statements
While the Trump-Vance campaign has not officially responded to inquiries about Vance’s eye appearance, makeup artists and estheticians have weighed in on the matter. Luna Viola, a professional makeup artist, suggested that Vance might be using some form of eye makeup, possibly a dark brown pencil liner on his lower eyelid. However, it’s worth noting that many public figures use subtle makeup techniques for television appearances and public events.
Another factor to consider is Vance’s eye shape. Carney, an expert in the field, pointed out that Vance has hooded eyelids, which can create natural shadows and contours that might be mistaken for makeup. This anatomical feature could contribute to the appearance of darker, more defined eyes without the use of cosmetics.
As the debate continues, it’s crucial to remember that personal grooming choices, whether they involve makeup or not, should not overshadow a politician’s policies and qualifications for office.
The Psychology Behind the Eyeliner Obsession
Political distractions
The speculation about JD Vance’s alleged use of eyeliner has become a topic of widespread discussion, diverting attention from more substantial political issues. This phenomenon highlights how appearance can overshadow policy in public discourse. As one observer noted, “We end up with horrible governance because people care about pointless details”. The focus on Vance’s appearance has led to numerous social media posts and even mainstream media coverage, with comedian Jimmy Fallon addressing the topic on “The Tonight Show”.
Beauty standards in politics
The eyeliner debate underscores the complex relationship between appearance and politics. Historically, makeup has been a part of political theater since the Kennedy-Nixon debates, where JFK’s use of makeup gave him an advantage on television. In modern politics, appearance matters significantly, with some suggesting that Vance’s esthetic choices might be aimed at capturing the attention of influential figures like former President Trump.
Public fascination with appearance
The public’s obsession with Vance’s appearance reflects a broader societal fascination with politicians’ looks. This interest extends beyond gender lines, as both male and female politicians face scrutiny over their appearance. The use of makeup in politics serves practical purposes, such as combating the effects of harsh lighting and HD cameras, which can highlight flaws and inconsistencies. However, the attention paid to Vance’s eyeliner also reveals underlying assumptions about masculinity and political image, particularly within conservative circles where traditional gender norms are often emphasized.
Conclusion
The speculation surrounding JD Vance’s alleged use of eyeliner has shed light on the complex interplay between politics, appearance, and public perception. This seemingly trivial matter has sparked a broader conversation about the role of personal grooming in shaping political narratives and voter perceptions. The intense focus on Vance’s appearance underscores the ongoing challenge politicians face in balancing their public image with substantive policy discussions.
Ultimately, the eyeliner debate serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize meaningful political discourse over superficial observations. While appearance undoubtedly plays a role in public life, it’s crucial to recognize that a politician’s worth extends far beyond their physical attributes. As the 2024 election approaches, voters would do well to focus on the candidates’ policies, qualifications, and vision for the country, rather than getting caught up in debates about cosmetic choices.