Vice President JD Vance proved he could hold his own in a room full of political opponents when he appeared on Bill Maher‘s HBO show to promote his new book, “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith.” While the conversation touched on religion, politics, and the possibility of a future White House run, it was one unexpected joke about former Vice President Mike Pence that ended up stealing the show.
JD Vance Takes A Swipe At Gavin Newsom During Bill Maher Interview
Vance appeared on Maher’s program to discuss his spiritual journey from atheism to Catholicism, a topic that prompted the comedian to compare the book to a recent release from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
When Maher asked whether he planned to read Newsom’s memoir, “Young Man in a Hurry,” Vance didn’t hesitate to fire back. “People bought my book is the difference,” Vance joked.
The audience immediately erupted in laughter, while Maher appeared caught off guard by the sharp one-liner. Realizing the joke had landed, Vance quickly added, “Sorry, was that mean?”
JD Vance Roasts Mike Pence During The Interview
Later in the discussion, Maher brought up his previous interview with former Vice President Mike Pence, prompting another memorable response from Vance. Appearing surprised that Pence had agreed to appear on the comedian’s show, Vance cracked, “What did you talk about with Mike Pence, sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll?”
The joke drew one of the biggest laughs of the interview, with the audience applauding as Maher laughed along. Maher responded by admitting that Pence had shown a different side of himself during their conversation. “He’s a lot more human than I’d ever seen him,” the host said.
The Pair Clashed Over Politics
Not every moment of the interview was filled with jokes. Maher and Vance also debated several major political issues, including immigration enforcement and the Trump administration’s approach to Iran.
The host later revealed during the show’s “Overtime” segment that he had hoped to get a clearer answer from Vance regarding future elections. Maher said he even told the vice president that his vote was “in play” for the 2028 election if Vance eventually became the Republican nominee.
However, Vance stood by his longstanding claims about the 2020 election and argued that social media companies and major technology platforms influenced the outcome through the suppression of certain stories and viewpoints.
Afterward, Maher admitted he was disappointed that Vance hadn’t moved closer to his position. “He’s gonna get a big clap on the back from the boss tonight,” Maher said. “He didn’t go with me on anything. I’m sure he doesn’t want to be in the dog house.”
Vance Is Promoting His New Book Amid 2028 Speculation
The interview comes as Vance promotes “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith,” the follow-up to his bestselling 2016 memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” The new book focuses on the vice president’s religious journey, detailing his transition from Protestantism to atheism before eventually converting to Catholicism.
Its release has also fueled speculation about Vance’s political future. Potential presidential contenders often release books ahead of launching national campaigns, and Vance’s name continues to be floated as a leading Republican contender for 2028. Still, the vice president recently suggested that any decision about a future White House bid remains a long way off.
During an appearance on “CBS Sunday Morning,” Vance said he plans to wait until after the 2026 midterm elections before having serious conversations about 2028 with his wife, Usha Vance, who is currently pregnant with the couple’s fourth child.
“Usha and I will absolutely sit down and talk about what comes next for our family,” Vance said. “People sort of assume that I’m sitting around, figuring out, whether I’m gonna run for president … the way that I make decisions is that I try not to make them until I absolutely must.”
JD Vance Says Trump Supports Whatever He Decides About 2028
Vance also said he believes President Donald Trump would back whatever decision he ultimately makes regarding his political future. “I have no doubt that the president of the United States is going to be very supportive of anything that I ultimately decide to do,” Vance said.
The vice president also revealed that while he avoids bringing up his own future ambitions with Trump, the president frequently raises the topic himself. “I never bring it up,” Vance explained. “But sure, the president brings it up a lot, sometimes publicly, sometimes privately. The president’s a political animal. He loves this stuff. He’s very fascinated by it.”