JD Vance's rally joke about James Talarico just backfired spectacularly. Critics from across the political spectrum slammed the Vice President's remarks as homophobic and desperate.

Critics object to JD Vance's remark during a Texas campaign event

Vice President JD Vance faced backlash after making a homophobic remark about Texas Senate Democratic nominee James Talarico during a rally in Tyler, Texas.

Vance told the crowd, "I love you, too, sir. In a totally platonic way, to be clear. I'm the vice president, not James Talarico." The comment echoed the anti-gay phrase "no homo" that gained popularity in the 1990s and 2000s. Vance has previously attacked Talarico with anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. He has called Talarico a "freak" and used the nickname "Talafreako."

The rally took place less than a day after The Wall Street Journal reported on Talarico's opponent. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton allegedly partied in Dubai with fugitives wanted for healthcare fraud and embezzlement. Vance did not address the report during his speech. Paxton currently trails Talarico in a growing number of polls.

Critics quickly condemned Vance's remarks on social media. Reason reporter Billy Binion wrote on X, "I remain amazed and mystified that some of the most powerful people in the world think 'James Talarico seems gay!!' is a compelling critique." Binion added, "It's so desperate and small."

Political columnist Zeeshan Aleem also responded. He wrote, "VP says 'no homo' and calls a candidate gay as a joke. We're in high school, maybe middle school." Jeopardy! champion Hemant Mehta stated bluntly, "Talarico is straight and has a girlfriend. Vance is just an asshole."

Professor and policy consultant Adam Cochran called the remarks a sign of national decline. He wrote, "The Vice President of the United States… in 2026… Trying to insult a Senate candidate… by implying he is gay. How terribly far we have fallen as a nation."

Other critics described the comments as "beyond disgusting" for a sitting vice president.

The post JD Vance's Gay Joke About James Talarico Draws Sharp Criticism appeared first on Reality Tea.