JD Vance reveals why he made the viral “Jim Halpert” face during the vice president debate with Tim Walz

Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) revealed Thursday that he didn't try to give a knowing look to the camera during his debate with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz — a look that went viral on social media .

Vance, 40, was frequently caught side-eyeing the CBS News camera as Walz answered questions from the anchors on Tuesday.

Several social media users compared the robbery of the Republican vice presidential candidate to the way Jim Halpert, a character on the hit series “The Office,” routinely admitted ridiculous things on the show while grinning at the camera.

However, the Ohio senator explained during an appearance on “The Ruthless Podcast” that he was just trying to keep track of when it would be his turn to speak.

“This thing that went super viral where I did something like Jim from 'The Office' and looked at the camera is because – I wish I could take the credit for it – but it's because “I think the timer is right next to the camera,” Vance said.

“I was trying to pay attention to something [Walz is] But then you have to be ready when his time is up because then it will be your turn to speak,” he added. “And so I looked at the timer.”

Vance was grateful that social media users found the stares amusing despite the very practical reasoning.

“It spawned a million viral memes,” he said. “That’s why I’m glad they did it that way.”

Social media users accused Vance of repeatedly “breaking the fourth wall” by subtly directing his attention toward the camera.

“JD Vance keeps breaking the fourth wall. Very Jim Halpert. He appeals to millennial women,” wrote X user Brittany Martinez, one of several who noticed his sideways glance.

Vance admitted to the hosts of “The Ruthless Podcast” that he was “nervous as hell” during the debate, but felt like things were going well for him.

The senator said he knew he had won the debate when his wife, Usha Vance, joined him on stage after closing remarks.

“My wife comes out at the very end… and I look at Usha's face and I just knew – I thought, oh shit – we must have done a very good job,” Vance said. “Usha doesn’t lie to me, and especially her face doesn’t lie to me, and at that moment I knew we had a very good debate.”