The “footer” went out in the email only, my apologies. Here is what it said:
A quick note: I collect memes and video clips while conducting my political research throughout the week. Many of you have asked that I stop posting links to X, and I share the concern. Before now, I simply didn’t have the time to track down alternative links, but my new assistant Maggie is pitching in now to help! We can’t always replace all of them, but most of the videos in today’s collection are not to X as a result of her work. Yay! Take that Elon Musk!
I had already downloaded TikTok and logged in, but every TikTok link opens the App Store, then prompts me to open the app, then displays some random video unrelated to your email. I’m no fan of X, but at least I could see the videos there. ☹️
I don't have X, TikTok, FaceBook or Instagram and I can open up all the links. (I just click to unmute the sound from Jay's column and a new window opens up with the video). But I'm reading this on a laptop, not a phone. That could be the difference.
However, I don't have TikTok installed and I can't see the videos. I don't have X either (never got into Twitter) but I can see the videos without the app. Is Instagram an option? I hate the social media arms race!
Are you trying to view from a laptop or the Substack app? I'm not on any of them and I'm able to view without signing up OR signing in! But that is off a laptop.
It’s times like this when I wish I were still working in a newsroom, because here’s the thing: There is exactly as much evidence that JD Vance #%^*ed a couch as there ever was that Barack Obama was ineligible to be president because he wasn’t born in this country, and was secretly schooled in a radical madrassa and taught to be a one-man sleeper cell bringing America down from within.
But THAT “story,” we had to hear for a decade. And even if it wasn’t true (which no member of our wealthy media class never came out and said; they only said there was no evidence, which is not the same thing), we were told that the fact that so many people believed it was indicative of a problem that Obama and we who supported him had to acknowledge and somehow do the work of fixing.
And of course, no one who ran around screaming this “theory” at the top of their lungs ever paid the slightest price, and in fact the chief proponent of it was (sort of) elected president.
So no, I won’t be passing this story on as fact. But I also hope it never dies.
Yes, this is like the classic "when did you stop beating your wife?" trope that illustrates that is impossible to prove something didn't happen - unless it's ultra specific like providing an alibi for a very narrow time frame.
And as many falsely incarcerated individuals can attest, even that doesn't work many times!
The funniest part is that even though people knew that thr JD Vance couch thing was a joke, with anyone else they might have just rolled their eyes and dismissed it, with him they thought "you know something, he's weird enough to make that a plausible story so pile on the jokes!"
There's a new emphasis on pointing out how weird and creepy these guys are, and I can't help wondering if it's generational because I'm a few years younger than Harris and I know my siblings and I definitely have a strong thread of mockery for being creepy when we discuss weirdos, a lot more than my parents do. They'd be the ones to focus on how authoritarian and dangerous MAGA is, and I obviously note that but also point out they are creeps.
Also wondering if the RNC by-laws have something like a "Lemon Law", where Hillbilly is adjudged "defective", and the GOP get a replacement at no charge.
Actually, since ballots have not yet been printed, Trump could dump Vance. but the GOP RNC rules for how to get a placement would make the whole procedures very public and very embarrassing. Much worse than when McGovern dropped Eagleton back in 1972. So Trump is likely stuck with him.
Replying to TCinLA. Thanks for the memory about McGovern and Eagleton. That was many years ago when psychiatric issues were still in the closet so to speak. We’re more enlightened now, I hope. But I find it interesting that both Mike Johnson and JDVance reportedly “scrubbed” their social media presence. What did they have to hide?
Ha..I am your parents and we’re no less perverted than the average joe or GenX , we just never had the opportunity to discuss it in front of the kids. We didn’t share New Yorker or Playboy cartoons with you, that’s all. 😉 We are ALL 12 yr old boys deep inside our brains.
What footer? Don’t see a footer! Also sigh, can I complain a bit?
I’ve already compromised my values by keeping a Twitter account so I don’t miss any Xeets. I only retain it for you Jay!! But I’ll not be bullied into downloading TikTok, I just don’t need another time and data suck. I can’t be the only one. Now, it used to be those TikToks would open in a browser if you didn’t have the app but not now, suddenly. What gives?!? Xeets and Giggles is an important part of a balanced Saturday morning breakfast. Can’t our platforms all just get along?!! Otherwise I love you to pieces, you know that.
A quick note: I collect memes and video clips while conducting my political research throughout the week. Many of you have asked that I stop posting links to X, and I share the concern. Before now, I simply didn’t have the time to track down alternative links, but my new assistant Maggie is pitching in now to help! We can’t always replace all of them, but most of the videos in today’s collection are not to X as a result of her work. Yay! Take that Elon Musk!
Awesome! I intuited it would have something to do with the X/TikTok issue. 🤷🏼♀️ Also I kinda knew you’d be on the case. Hello new assistant Maggie! The world is depending on you for Giggles. No pressure. 😁
You don't need an X account to view individual links (same for TikTok). I have never had any social media account, but I click on links in Substacks and news articles and the individual Xeet or TikTok or Threads post opens in a separate browser page.
That may have been true in the past for tiktok, but today I've tried multiple times and it has taken me every time to the app store to download tiktok.
Maybe it has something to do with trying to view it on your phone versus on a laptop, which is what I use. I don't have X or TikTok accounts but I have no issues at all viewing Jay's links.
It must have something to do with phone vs laptop/PC browser. I cannot view TikToks on my phone anymore either. I can still see the Xitter links though, even though I don't have an account.
I have Firefox on my iMac and I can open Twitter and TikTok, too. It could be a phone issue; they might be pushing apps/trying to grow the number of accounts.
And I use Firefox on my PC, never have a problem opening Jay's links to Xitter or TikTok. Also have never tried with my phone so maybe that's the issue as suggested by others here.
Same for me on my phone, Tik Tok not allowing views without downloading. I know that all social media runs on algorithms but their force fed style is too creepy.
It’s true about TikTok not opening in a separate browser page. This is a new thing. Just noticed it this week when a friend sent some TikTok links and they no longer opened. So realizing I was going to miss out on videos here and elsewhere, I have the TikTok again.
I can open the "X" links, but not the tik tok, wants me to download the app, which I won't do. I'm not crazy about the x links either, but since I don't have an account all I do is open the link and then close it and go back to reading the newsletter. Wish they were on YouTube.
I posted about the same problem. I do have Pinterest and have been able to access Instagram videos but just within the last week I can’t do that either. So not just a problem on one platform?
Bonnie - quick follow-up on my response below. I noticed in other comments that the issue may have to do with trying to view the X or TikTok clips from a phone versus a laptop. I only read & watch Xeets & Giggles from my laptop which may explain my ability to watch the videos without having accounts with X or TikTok. Hope this helps.
I have been able to watch all the videos in Jay's hilarious Xeets, and I am NOT signed up to Twitter ("X"), TikTok, Threads, etc. I am only on Facebook.
That couch meme is never going to get old and it couldn’t happen to a more deserving guy. And anytime he blows the racist DEI hire dog whistle, perhaps someone could deposit a worn out couch on his front lawn, with an old recliner next to it demanding child support back payments…
JD got his techbros to fund his senate campaign but Trump never donated. Whose campaign did Trump contribute to? (in Jay Kuo fashion, checks notes). That’s right! Kamala.
I didn’t mean her senate campaign but it’s obvious now why that could be implied. I find it funnier that he’d contribute to her campaign as a prosecutor given the message she’s been putting out about him.
Fantastic collection!! I LOVE the “Black jobs” meme and the “Don’t let the old man in” t-shirt. Kind of a pop culture symbol of the shift in national mood. All the couch jokes were 🤣, and I can totally relate to that dog with its tongue hanging out. Enjoy your restful weekend, Jay, and thanks for the laughs we all desperately need.
Outstanding. That dog on the dog bed looks like someone took a dog apart, put it back together wrong and said, good enough. Captured my current state perfectly. After a week that felt like it came straight out of Monty Python, thank goodness for the amazing Celine Dion at the Opening Ceremonies last night. Gave me the feeling that anything is possible.
Hillbilly is writing his own Xeets & Giggles material by just being Hillbilly. What a fab addition to the tRump ticket...for the Democrats. tRump is prolly reaming out Junior, Eric, and their SV "libertarian" whisperers for promoting this "bum", and I wonder how long the "Dump Hillbilly" rumors continue before the Orange Felon does just that, particularly when Kamala Harris picks a star for her team.
The “footer” went out in the email only, my apologies. Here is what it said:
A quick note: I collect memes and video clips while conducting my political research throughout the week. Many of you have asked that I stop posting links to X, and I share the concern. Before now, I simply didn’t have the time to track down alternative links, but my new assistant Maggie is pitching in now to help! We can’t always replace all of them, but most of the videos in today’s collection are not to X as a result of her work. Yay! Take that Elon Musk!
Thank you, Jay. I too feel strongly that Twitter should be excised from our lives!
Jay, you should "pin" this so it's easier for readers to see
THANK YOU JAY AND MAGGIE!! 👏👏 Will go and click thru now!
Please don’t do a lot of FB. I can’t access and don’t want to change. So far, so good. LOL’d many times this week!
I can’t access the TikTok videos. Not crazy about X Twitter either, but at least I can get them. Maybe that’s just me…
No it's not. Tiktok just told me to get lost, apparently I'm not eligible nearing my 50th birthday.
I had already downloaded TikTok and logged in, but every TikTok link opens the App Store, then prompts me to open the app, then displays some random video unrelated to your email. I’m no fan of X, but at least I could see the videos there. ☹️
I don't have X, TikTok, FaceBook or Instagram and I can open up all the links. (I just click to unmute the sound from Jay's column and a new window opens up with the video). But I'm reading this on a laptop, not a phone. That could be the difference.
I think not being on a mobile device does the trick—I’ll give it a try next time
Thank you! Now post to Threads and we'll have a good time.
🎯🎯🎯yes to threads. All the same memes are available.
Yes, but now we actually have to create a TikTok presence in order to see your TikTok videos! 😥
Ok you made me sign up for TikTok!
Excellent! Thank you, Jay.
I was born in the mid 70s, it's telling me: Sorry it looks like you're not eligible for Tiktok... But thanks for checking us out!
ah, screw 'em.
However, I don't have TikTok installed and I can't see the videos. I don't have X either (never got into Twitter) but I can see the videos without the app. Is Instagram an option? I hate the social media arms race!
Are you trying to view from a laptop or the Substack app? I'm not on any of them and I'm able to view without signing up OR signing in! But that is off a laptop.
It’s times like this when I wish I were still working in a newsroom, because here’s the thing: There is exactly as much evidence that JD Vance #%^*ed a couch as there ever was that Barack Obama was ineligible to be president because he wasn’t born in this country, and was secretly schooled in a radical madrassa and taught to be a one-man sleeper cell bringing America down from within.
But THAT “story,” we had to hear for a decade. And even if it wasn’t true (which no member of our wealthy media class never came out and said; they only said there was no evidence, which is not the same thing), we were told that the fact that so many people believed it was indicative of a problem that Obama and we who supported him had to acknowledge and somehow do the work of fixing.
And of course, no one who ran around screaming this “theory” at the top of their lungs ever paid the slightest price, and in fact the chief proponent of it was (sort of) elected president.
So no, I won’t be passing this story on as fact. But I also hope it never dies.
I’m not passing it on either, but I reserve the right to lmao at every meme I see.
I imagine JD is already Sofa King tired of this story he needs a nap…
Perhaps on that alluring divan over there…
Yes, this is like the classic "when did you stop beating your wife?" trope that illustrates that is impossible to prove something didn't happen - unless it's ultra specific like providing an alibi for a very narrow time frame.
And as many falsely incarcerated individuals can attest, even that doesn't work many times!
The funniest part is that even though people knew that thr JD Vance couch thing was a joke, with anyone else they might have just rolled their eyes and dismissed it, with him they thought "you know something, he's weird enough to make that a plausible story so pile on the jokes!"
There's a new emphasis on pointing out how weird and creepy these guys are, and I can't help wondering if it's generational because I'm a few years younger than Harris and I know my siblings and I definitely have a strong thread of mockery for being creepy when we discuss weirdos, a lot more than my parents do. They'd be the ones to focus on how authoritarian and dangerous MAGA is, and I obviously note that but also point out they are creeps.
Also wondering if the RNC by-laws have something like a "Lemon Law", where Hillbilly is adjudged "defective", and the GOP get a replacement at no charge.
Nope. NO EXCEPTIONS for lemons. Must carry to full term.
Actually, since ballots have not yet been printed, Trump could dump Vance. but the GOP RNC rules for how to get a placement would make the whole procedures very public and very embarrassing. Much worse than when McGovern dropped Eagleton back in 1972. So Trump is likely stuck with him.
As long as we’re not stuck with either of them.
Maybe Pence has some ideas on how they could get rid of couch man.
😉🤣
Replying to TCinLA. Thanks for the memory about McGovern and Eagleton. That was many years ago when psychiatric issues were still in the closet so to speak. We’re more enlightened now, I hope. But I find it interesting that both Mike Johnson and JDVance reportedly “scrubbed” their social media presence. What did they have to hide?
The fact that they're treasonous shitheads?
I was just thinking more of their sexual proclivities, but treason works too.
Huzzah
Rock out, Colleen!
😂😂😂
Thanks! Will do. 🥳
Ha..I am your parents and we’re no less perverted than the average joe or GenX , we just never had the opportunity to discuss it in front of the kids. We didn’t share New Yorker or Playboy cartoons with you, that’s all. 😉 We are ALL 12 yr old boys deep inside our brains.
In the end, it's always the young who teach the elders.
What footer? Don’t see a footer! Also sigh, can I complain a bit?
I’ve already compromised my values by keeping a Twitter account so I don’t miss any Xeets. I only retain it for you Jay!! But I’ll not be bullied into downloading TikTok, I just don’t need another time and data suck. I can’t be the only one. Now, it used to be those TikToks would open in a browser if you didn’t have the app but not now, suddenly. What gives?!? Xeets and Giggles is an important part of a balanced Saturday morning breakfast. Can’t our platforms all just get along?!! Otherwise I love you to pieces, you know that.
Ah, it went out in the email only! It read:
A quick note: I collect memes and video clips while conducting my political research throughout the week. Many of you have asked that I stop posting links to X, and I share the concern. Before now, I simply didn’t have the time to track down alternative links, but my new assistant Maggie is pitching in now to help! We can’t always replace all of them, but most of the videos in today’s collection are not to X as a result of her work. Yay! Take that Elon Musk!
I can’t access Tic Tok either. I’m 84, and don’t feel comfortable doing that.
Me three
Me too
Awesome! I intuited it would have something to do with the X/TikTok issue. 🤷🏼♀️ Also I kinda knew you’d be on the case. Hello new assistant Maggie! The world is depending on you for Giggles. No pressure. 😁
No, you are not alone in this. I will not sign up for Tik Tok either for many reasons and often can't view several or more of Jay's funnies.
Danke schön! I do deeply appreciate that because being able to share them to instagram stories is a big reason why I love using Threads!
It's Xitter, pronounced "shitter."
Which makes complete sense given that Elon Musk is The Xit Head.
Maybe we need a button for multiple likes.
X-actly 🤣🤣
I'll second this. Just don't want to download tiktok, but I feel like I'm missing out on some of the fun here. 😂😟
I couldn’t watch the TikTok clips either and I have zero interest in being on it. 😩
I couldn’t see the note either.
You don't need an X account to view individual links (same for TikTok). I have never had any social media account, but I click on links in Substacks and news articles and the individual Xeet or TikTok or Threads post opens in a separate browser page.
That may have been true in the past for tiktok, but today I've tried multiple times and it has taken me every time to the app store to download tiktok.
Maybe it has something to do with trying to view it on your phone versus on a laptop, which is what I use. I don't have X or TikTok accounts but I have no issues at all viewing Jay's links.
It must have something to do with phone vs laptop/PC browser. I cannot view TikToks on my phone anymore either. I can still see the Xitter links though, even though I don't have an account.
Same.
I have Firefox on my iMac and I can open Twitter and TikTok, too. It could be a phone issue; they might be pushing apps/trying to grow the number of accounts.
And I use Firefox on my PC, never have a problem opening Jay's links to Xitter or TikTok. Also have never tried with my phone so maybe that's the issue as suggested by others here.
Tik tok not letting us in today - any device
FWIW I had no difficulty opening X or tiktok tonight.
Not sure what to tell you, except that I viewed the old-man-joke from Jay's link in my FireFox browser on Windows 10 laptop.
I got it on my iPad. The volume was a bit funky.
Same for me on my phone, Tik Tok not allowing views without downloading. I know that all social media runs on algorithms but their force fed style is too creepy.
Always got around downloading tiktok until today. On my phone.
Otherwise, Jay, you always make my Saturday! And thanks to your assistant for finding workarounds for X.
Me too
YEP!
It’s true about TikTok not opening in a separate browser page. This is a new thing. Just noticed it this week when a friend sent some TikTok links and they no longer opened. So realizing I was going to miss out on videos here and elsewhere, I have the TikTok again.
Same here.
Nope today TikTok would not let me view without downloading the app. First time ever; originating privacy settings of the poster may be to blame.
I have the same issue. Can't see the tiktok videos without downloading the app.
Same! Don’t want TikTok at all.
The footer is visible in the email only from what I can tell.
I can open the "X" links, but not the tik tok, wants me to download the app, which I won't do. I'm not crazy about the x links either, but since I don't have an account all I do is open the link and then close it and go back to reading the newsletter. Wish they were on YouTube.
I posted about the same problem. I do have Pinterest and have been able to access Instagram videos but just within the last week I can’t do that either. So not just a problem on one platform?
Bonnie - quick follow-up on my response below. I noticed in other comments that the issue may have to do with trying to view the X or TikTok clips from a phone versus a laptop. I only read & watch Xeets & Giggles from my laptop which may explain my ability to watch the videos without having accounts with X or TikTok. Hope this helps.
I have been able to watch all the videos in Jay's hilarious Xeets, and I am NOT signed up to Twitter ("X"), TikTok, Threads, etc. I am only on Facebook.
With - that was my comment
Hi, Bonnie. I've never had a Twitter account and never will. But I also have never had a problem viewing the Xeets that Jay posts. Same for TikTok.
That couch meme is never going to get old and it couldn’t happen to a more deserving guy. And anytime he blows the racist DEI hire dog whistle, perhaps someone could deposit a worn out couch on his front lawn, with an old recliner next to it demanding child support back payments…
JD got his techbros to fund his senate campaign but Trump never donated. Whose campaign did Trump contribute to? (in Jay Kuo fashion, checks notes). That’s right! Kamala.
Child support back payments is just ... chef's kiss! Well done!
I thought Trump contributed to Kamala's California Attorney General campaign, not her Senate campaign...?
(Ed McMahon voice): "You are correct!"
I didn’t mean her senate campaign but it’s obvious now why that could be implied. I find it funnier that he’d contribute to her campaign as a prosecutor given the message she’s been putting out about him.
Didn’t he also contribute to one of Hillary’s campaigns? Maybe it was just Ivanka.
Child support back payments OMG hysterical 🤣
Good idea. Fight the right’s bullshit with witty humor. Flood them with responses just as they Gish’s Gallop us.
I'm getting Ron DeSantis vibes off Vance.
Whoooo
What's the difference between a well-dressed man on a tricycle and a poorly-dressed man on a bicycle? Attire
Reporter: Senator Vance, care to comment on the couch story?
Vance: I did not have sectional relations with that sofa.
Sorry. Had to. You take your chances when you can. Have a great weekend, Jay!
Fantastic collection!! I LOVE the “Black jobs” meme and the “Don’t let the old man in” t-shirt. Kind of a pop culture symbol of the shift in national mood. All the couch jokes were 🤣, and I can totally relate to that dog with its tongue hanging out. Enjoy your restful weekend, Jay, and thanks for the laughs we all desperately need.
I got one. Did you know JD Vance's thesis was about "The Ottoman Empire". Not mine borrowed it from Threads.
Outstanding. That dog on the dog bed looks like someone took a dog apart, put it back together wrong and said, good enough. Captured my current state perfectly. After a week that felt like it came straight out of Monty Python, thank goodness for the amazing Celine Dion at the Opening Ceremonies last night. Gave me the feeling that anything is possible.
Wasn't Celine phenomenal?
Gave me chills and thrilled for her and us. She is beautiful, in all ways. A true warrior.
Same for me!
Last week was a long year. I needed this.
Today’s offering was <chef’s kiss>! Thanks for the laughs and the hope.
What an awesome compilation. I laughed, I cried, I threw up in my mouth a little (always happens when I see Vance or tRump.) Outstanding!
Hillbilly is writing his own Xeets & Giggles material by just being Hillbilly. What a fab addition to the tRump ticket...for the Democrats. tRump is prolly reaming out Junior, Eric, and their SV "libertarian" whisperers for promoting this "bum", and I wonder how long the "Dump Hillbilly" rumors continue before the Orange Felon does just that, particularly when Kamala Harris picks a star for her team.
Bring it on, Hillbilly, we love it!
Want to add that the Marsh Family band was also outstanding. Extremely well-done parody song and those girls can SING!
They were GREAT
👏🏻💕👏🏻🎈👏🏻💕
If I were JD, I would stay far away from open windows on upper floors of buildings.
The Russians are involved so this should be a legit concern.
"not nightstand" gets the gold. Oh yeah, and that beastly Amazon.