Former Vice President Walter Mondale ridiculed the candidacy of his rival, Senator Gary Hart, by using the catchphrase from a popular commercial for the Wendy's restaurant chain during a March 11, 1984 televised debate. Hart had moved from darkhorse to frontrunner by claiming he was the candidate of "new ideas." In the debate, Mondale quipped, "When I hear your new ideas, I'm reminded of that ad, 'Where's the beef?'" Laughter erupted, and Mondale's supporters were soon seen wearing this button.