The transition of power between president Barack Obama and president-elect Donald Trump has appeared to be amicable, if not slightly awkward. For many of the people Trump will soon lead, acceptance has been rockier. Those seeking to balance those facts are turning to a familiar fountain of joy: Vice President Joe Biden.
Obama’s political grace guarantees that his final days in office will be full of restraint and olive branches, but it’s Biden who is providing Trump skeptics some small relief. Obama delivered his post-election speech with Biden at his side. While the president urged the nation to stay hopeful and united, Biden provided much needed comic relief; the two walked away with their arms around each other’s shoulders.
Biden’s fans have moved beyond these small, sweet moments. Post-election, Twitter users are crafting their own fiction of the vice president scheming to make life a little harder for Trump.
Joe: I hid all the pens from Trump
Obama: Why?
Joe: Because he bringing his own.
Obama: ???
Joe: HE’S BRINGING HIS OWN PENCE pic.twitter.com/uni3WUd4X3— The Hashtagonist (@TheHashtag0nist) November 12, 2016
The meme quickly spread, with Biden acting as a delightful saboteur, and Obama typically as his reluctant (and restrained) accomplice.