The Big Bird and Mitt Romney meme surfaced during the first 2012 U.S. Presidential Debate when Republican candidate Mitt Romney stated that while he liked Big Bird, he would cut federal funding for PBS to reduce the deficit. This comment immediately sparked a massive social media reaction, leading to thousands of memes depicting Big Bird in various stages of distress, seeking unemployment, or seeking revenge. The incident became a defining pop-culture moment of the election, highlighting how quickly political statements can transform into viral internet humor.