Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek’s network of contributors
Pat Sajak is known for spinning wheels, not political endorsements, but this election season he’s throwing a curveball.
On Tuesday, November 4 — aka Election Day — the 78-year-old former Wheel of Fortune host took to X (formerly Twitter) with a surprise announcement: “I have never endorsed a presidential candidate. However, I am breaking with that tradition this year. I will make my announcement this coming Friday at noon.” With the elections concluding before his big reveal, fans were quick to catch on to his cheeky jab.
For those out of the loop, the 2024 presidential race has been a whirlwind, with major changes in both parties. In July, President Joe Biden shocked the nation by stepping out of the race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump secured the Republican nomination at the GOP convention on July 18, aiming for a comeback after his 2020 loss.
Naturally, Sajak’s post sent followers straight to the comments section with plenty to say.
I have never endorsed a presidential candidate. However, I am breaking with that tradition this year. I will make my announcement this coming Friday at noon.
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) November 5, 2024
“Don’t wait to side with only winners or losers. Let it out Pat! You’ll feel better you did,” one person mused.
“Glad to see that you still got your wit even after leaving the show!” another fan quipped.
“That’s OK. I could care less about endorsement. I have a God-given brain and know how to use it,” pointed out a third.
“Great! Will wait to see, in the meantime can we buy a vowel?” asked another.
This isn’t the only time the retired game show host’s name has made waves on social media lately. Just a few days ago, he had to clarify a mix-up on X after seeing his name trending. “Noticed I was trending. Thought I had passed away. Turns out I’m fine,” he joked on Wednesday, October 30.
Noticed I was trending. Thought I had passed away. Turns out I’m fine.
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) October 31, 2024
Sajak was actually trending for being spotted behind home plate at Game 5 of the World Series. Fans shared screenshots of the TV personality fully engaged in the game, sparking praise for his undivided attention.
“Pat Sajak, sitting behind home plate, never leaving his seat, watching every pitch and not once visibly seen on his phone is the most admirable thing I’ve seen in years,” one fan shared.
Adding to his recent buzz, Sajak even got a nod in Abbott Elementary‘s Halloween episode when a character dressed up as him, sparking another round of comments online. “It’s funny bc he was also trending bc the sitcom Abbott Elementary had a character dressed up as Pat Sajak at the same exact time he was shown on tv,” another person pointed out.
The ABC star will be back at the wheel one last time when he hosts Celebrity Wheel of Fortune in 2025.
Read the full article here
