# How come there are no fun speculations about why Tom Kean Jr. has vanished? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [June 3, 2026, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589 "2026-06-03T14:08:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/81 "2026-06-25T14:30:38Z")
I read that and thought, why are they specifying that he was wearing a suit and tie?? Does that imply something? ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/82 "2026-06-25T14:33:45Z")
Perhaps slightly less than would be implied had he answered the door wearing _nothing but_ a whimsical bowtie. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/83 "2026-06-25T14:34:54Z")
“Tom Kean answered the door with nothing but a tutu, a propeller beanie, and a whimsical bowtie. How this will affect his chances in November remains to be seen.” ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/84 "2026-06-25T14:38:47Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > I read that and thought, why are they specifying that he was wearing a suit and tie?? Does that imply something? It definitely implies something, but what, I have no clue. Who puts on a suit and tie when they’re not planning on going to work or some other official event? Dress shirt and slacks, sure, that might be all of his wardrobe. Jacket, maybe, if he finds it comfortable. But who wears a tie to answer the door when they’re staying home? ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/85 "2026-06-25T14:43:38Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > I read that and thought, why are they specifying that he was wearing a suit and tie?? Does that imply something? It means modern reporters don’t know the difference between formal wear, evening attire, smoking jackets, etc. Nor modern readers. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/86 "2026-06-25T14:46:25Z")
That’s not relevant here, though, unless he actually met the reporter wearing evening attire or something (which would, of course, be even more bizarre). A suit and tie, as they describe him wearing, would be a perfectly normal thing for a Congressman to wear… to work. And even with as high-fashion-ignorant as most people are these days, I’m sure everyone can distinguish between tie and no-tie. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/87 "2026-06-25T14:57:15Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > > [@RitterSport](#): > > > > I read that and thought, why are they specifying that he was wearing a suit and tie?? Does that imply something? > > It means modern reporters don’t know the difference between formal wear, evening attire, smoking jackets, etc. > > Nor modern readers. The article says he was wearing a dark suit and red tie. When is that appropriate at-home wear? ---
**Author:** ![StarvingButStrong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/starvingbutstrong/32/335_2.png) [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/88 "2026-06-25T15:03:07Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > I read that and thought, why are they specifying that he was wearing a suit and tie?? Does that imply something? Aha! That strengthens the alien-cloned theory. See, that was what he was wearing when they snatched him, and they don’t understand the whole idea that clothes are detatchable rather than innate to the being like a furry pelt. It’s so obvious when you think about it. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/89 "2026-06-25T15:26:22Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > The article says he was wearing a dark suit and red tie. When is that appropriate at-home wear? 1. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/90 "2026-06-25T15:29:26Z")
All I know is that, as one of his constituents, I would want an explanation. I don’t want a representative who is not there doing his job, and I don’t want a representative who is emotionally unstable. ---
**Author:** ![SunUp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SunUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SunUp)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/91 "2026-06-25T15:34:43Z")
> [@Jasmine](#): > > All I know is that, as one of his constituents, I would want an explanation. If you’re one of his Republican constituents, the only explanation you need is “I’m a Republican.” ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/92 "2026-06-25T15:42:36Z")
Dress shirt, tie, and blazer/suit jacket … I could understand _if_ he has to be on video conference calls (which I could also understand). And for some people, at that point, maybe the matching suit pants are as good as khakis or jeans? Maybe. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/93 "2026-06-25T15:47:28Z")
OK the more simple implication is that he had just arrived from, or was about to leave for, some place where business attire would be appropriate, but that was not a public event where his presence would be announced. Really, I foresee a statement on June 30 that will leave a bunch of people going either (A) “What? And you couldn’t just TELL someone?” or (B) “Huh? That did not explain anything!” ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/94 "2026-06-25T15:49:28Z")
If it was a red **bow** tie, I’m sticking with my “he was recruited into the Nation of Islam” theory. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/95 "2026-06-25T15:55:22Z")
> [@JRDelirious](#): > > Really, I foresee a statement on June 30 that will leave a bunch of people going either (A) “What? And you couldn’t just TELL someone?” or (B) “Huh? That did not explain anything!” I’m guessing that the official statement will just be “out for medical reasons”, same as they’re saying now. So, pretty much option B. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/96 "2026-06-25T16:51:49Z")
Given that he’s up for re-election, it’s reasonable for his constituents to want more details on his health; is he so infirm that he wouldn’t be able to properly serve them? ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/97 "2026-06-25T16:52:35Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > The article says he was wearing a dark suit and red tie. A red tie, huh? Was it hanging down below his belt buckle? If so, I think he was just imitating someone. ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/98 "2026-06-25T17:27:34Z")
I rather liked the title on the push notification I got. “Absent lawmaker spotted” like we finally got a confirmed view of some rare bird. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/99 "2026-06-27T01:30:14Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > I read that and thought, why are they specifying that he was wearing a suit and tie?? Does that imply something?- It implies that it’s _not_ typical at-home wear, and that Kean had dressed up to appear professional after his unprofessional disappearance. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589/100 "2026-06-27T02:20:51Z")
Maybe he’s been having online meetings? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-are-no-fun-speculations-about-why-tom-kean-jr-has-vanished/1030589.md?page=6)