If you’re a fan of the “The Simpsons” or if you spend any time online, you’ve seen the GIF of Homer Simpson disappearing backward into a hedge, his cartoon eyes wide open. This meme is used to express embarrassment or the desire to disappear from an awkward social situation.
We’ve all felt like Homer at one time or another, sometimes it’s when we make a minor faux pas in a social setting and we want to disappear into the ether, and other times it’s when we make a major mistake and wish we’d never been born.
Volumes will be written about Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump. Trump’s attempt to pressure Zelensky, the president of a democracy invaded by Russian President Vladimir Putin, to betray his country and go along with Trump’s “peace deal” that is tantamount to Ukraine’s surrender to Russia is disgusting and revolting.
I won’t focus on the heroic Zelensky, the contemptuous Trump or the sycophantic JD Vance who joined his boss is berating the war time leader of Ukraine.
My focus is on Secretary of State Marco Rubio who was sitting next to Vance. While the Vice President appeared comfortable in the shitshow that was taking place in the hallowed Oval Office, Marco reminded me of Homer Simpson disappearing into the hedge. Little Marco sold his soul to the devil; was he praying that Jesus would rapture him to heaven or hell? Burning in the lake of fire would feel more comfortable than the Oval Office.
Rubio posted on X:
“Thank you @POTUS for standing up for America in a way that no President has ever had the courage to do before. Thank you for putting America First. America is with you!”
Rubio’s posture and demeanor wasn’t that of a Cabinet member who was proud of the behavior of his commander-in-chief. Rubio looked like he was sick of Trump’s betrayal of an ally who is fighting to save his country.
Rubio’s Faustian bargain will not end well, he should have stayed in the Senate. He will have many more Homer Simpson moments before he’s fired or resigns in disgrace.