Jimmy Kimmel gives late-night TV its JD Vance: Haley Joel Osment
By Matt Moore
When Donald Trump tapped Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate, speculation began as to how late-night TV would portray the vice presidential hopeful. Now thanks to Jimmy Kimmel Live!, we have our first Vance impersonator in Haley Joel Osment.
Initially, the discussion about late-night TV's Vance centered on Saturday Night Live. The sketch show already has its Trum (James Austin Johnson) and Kamala Harris (Maya Rudolph). But the candidates' running mates have been harder for SNL to nail down.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! filled the void by introducing Haley Joel Osment as J.D. Vance during the show's live post-debate episode. Osment appeared in a sketch alongside Josh Meyers as California Governor Gavin Newson and James Adomian as MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell.
Osment's take on Vance got a boost from some sight gags, including heavy eyeliner and a can of Diet Mountain Dew. There was also a subtle nod to Vance's awkward handshake-fist bump moment that recently went viral. Osment's bit was all about the details and worth a rewatch to catch every joke at Vance's expense.
The actor also got a big laugh from the Jimmy Kimmel Live! audience when he referred to Donald Trump as "daddy." Kimmel called out the "senator" for the line, only to get an even weirder response.
"Yes, and it is not weird at all," Osment said as Vance. "I call all strong American men who inspire me 'daddy.' The same way I call grandfathers and grandmothers poopaws and mammaws."
Osment wasn't done there. He delivered a final nail in the coffin in his takedown of J.D. Vance to a loud applause.
"Donald Trump will make sure that no one ever eats cats in America again or my name is not Jeffrey Dahmer Vance."
Jimmy Kimmel Live! already struck gold by casting Josh Meyers as Newson and James Adomian as Lindell. The show has done it again with Haley Joel Osment as J.D. Vance. Expect more Vance on Kimmel as we race toward November.