By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On May 21, 2026, The Bulwark hosted a live event in Los Angeles featuring Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, Sam Stein, Van Lathan, Brian Tyler Cohen, Jon Favreau, Jane Coaston, and Erin Gloria Ryan. The program included a quiz on obscure political history, commentary on the DNC autopsy and California’s political landscape, and a critical assessment of JD Vance. Exclusively for Bulwark+ members, this event’s highlights are available on the Bulwark+ Takes platform.
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It seems to be a widely held sentiment that JD Vance, despite any efforts he might make, is destined to remain perpetually uncool. This perception isn’t rooted in a single gaffe or misstep, but rather a consistent pattern of behavior and presentation that many find inherently unappealing. The notion that he’s actively *trying* to be cool only amplifies the perceived awkwardness, turning what might be a neutral stance into an embarrassing spectacle.
One of the recurring themes is the idea that Vance embodies a sort of “please clap energy,” a desperate need for validation that undermines any attempt at genuine coolness. It’s as if he’s constantly looking for approval, a trait that is antithetical to the effortless self-assuredness often associated with being “cool.” This perceived insecurity leads many to believe he’s not genuinely embodying a persona but rather trying to perform one, and failing.
His connection to Peter Thiel is also frequently cited as a reason for his lack of appeal. The portrayal of Vance as a “plant” or a “Cabbage Patch Kid” of Thiel, an ultra-wealthy tech mogul, suggests a manufactured image rather than an authentic one. This association paints him as beholden to powerful, less-than-likeable figures, making it difficult for him to forge his own distinct and appealing identity.
Furthermore, there’s a strong undercurrent that his public interactions are consistently awkward and unnatural. The anecdote about him trying to casually interact with employees at a donut shop, and failing to do so in a relatable way, highlights this. It’s not just that he’s not cool, but that his attempts to appear normal or approachable often fall flat, making him seem even more out of touch.
The infamous “couch” incident is another recurring point, serving as a symbol of his perceived strangeness and lack of conventional appeal. The idea that this event is somehow intrinsically linked to his perceived lack of coolness suggests a deep-seated discomfort or an inability to shed certain unconventional associations. It’s a detail that, for many, encapsulates his overall public persona.
The description of Vance as having “negative charisma” is a particularly harsh assessment, but it reflects a sentiment that his presence often leaves people feeling more drained than energized. This lack of magnetic appeal makes it difficult to imagine him ever resonating with a broad audience on a personal level, regardless of his political affiliations or achievements.
There’s also a sense that Vance lacks the fundamental qualities that contribute to being cool, such as authenticity, genuine charm, and an ability to connect with people on a visceral level. Instead, he is often described as an “empty vessel” or someone with the “personality of a plant,” implying a lack of substance or an inability to project a compelling persona.
This inability to be cool is further exacerbated by the perception that his political stances and associations alienate potential admirers. Being associated with figures and ideologies that are widely seen as divisive, hateful, or even corrupt makes it exceedingly difficult to cultivate an image of widespread appeal or genuine admiration.
Ultimately, the consensus seems to be that JD Vance is attempting to project an image that is fundamentally at odds with his perceived core identity. The constant efforts to appear a certain way, coupled with a lack of inherent charisma and questionable associations, create a perception that he is perpetually falling short of ever being considered “cool.” It’s a consistent narrative that suggests his attempts, no matter how strenuous, are doomed to be unsuccessful.