At the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Emmy-winning sports commentator Sarah Spain encountered an unsettling moment during a women's hockey match when she found herself seated near US Vice President JD Vance. Spain later described feeling a physical unease in his presence, likening it to "demon energy" that left her feeling ill and off-balance.
On her Good Game podcast, which aired the episode on Feb. 6, Spain recounted the experience in vivid detail. The incident occurred twelve minutes into the first period, when "that area suddenly is awash with large men in suits with earpieces. And here comes JD Vance carrying a child and a bunch of security, and eventually Marco Rubio."
Sitting in close proximity to Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Spain said she experienced a "tingle of dread, as if danger were nearby." She emphasized that her reaction went beyond political distaste, stating, "When I see JD Vance's eyeliner face, I literally feel ill."
Spain portrayed the sensation as a gut-level, instinctive response, almost like being in the presence of a malevolent force. Her striking description of "demon energy" captured the intensity of her discomfort during the high-profile event.
The podcast episode quickly gained traction, going viral across social media and conservative outlets. Spain's words sparked widespread discussion about whether her feelings stemmed from supernatural vibes or the charged atmosphere of politics at the Olympics.
Vance was attending the Milan-Cortina Games in an official capacity, accompanied by significant security. His prominence, tied to US policies including controversial immigration measures, made his presence at the women's hockey match impossible to overlook.
Spain's account highlights the personal tensions that can arise in shared public spaces during major international events, blending sports, politics, and individual reactions under the global spotlight of the Winter Olympics.
