Podcast Summary
Political Alliances: Past criticisms and beliefs do not always dictate future political alliances, as demonstrated by J.D. Vance's shift from criticizing Donald Trump to becoming his 2024 running mate due to shared beliefs about the 2020 election.
J.D. Vance, who publicly criticized Donald Trump in 2016 and compared him to Adolf Hitler in private messages, has since become Trump's 2024 running mate. This shift occurred due to Vance's belief that the 2020 election was not free and fair, and his support for efforts to keep Trump on the ballot through legal means. Despite his past criticisms, Vance now enthusiastically supports Trump and was greeted warmly by the RNC crowd upon being announced as the vice presidential nominee. This turn of events highlights the complexities and evolving nature of political alliances.
Political Evolution: Individuals' political ideologies can change over time, as demonstrated by J.D. Vance's transformation from a moderate conservative advocate to his current stance, revealed through NPR's Wild Card and Politics Podcasts.
Learning from this week's episode of NPR's Wild Card podcast is the complex political evolution of J.D. Vance. LeVar Burton, a well-known figure, acknowledges the perception of him but invites listeners to look beyond surface-level judgments. Meanwhile, the NPR Politics Podcast delves into Vance's political past, revealing that he was once a strong advocate for moderate conservatism and American world leadership, contrasting his current stance. David Fromm, a senior editor for The Atlantic, shares that Vance, before gaining fame as the author of "Hillbilly Elegy" and a Yale Law student, was recognized as an emerging political talent. His personal story and beliefs were seen as a way forward in the aftermath of the financial crisis and the Iraq War. This illustrates how individuals' political ideologies can shift over time.
Hillbilly Elegy reception vs working class: The reception of J.D. Vance's 'Hillbilly Elegy' in 2016 was met with contrasting reactions: euphoria among professionals and indifference/skepticism from the intended audience. Vance, initially a 'never-Trump guy,' later became a Trump loyalist, showcasing the complexities of human thought and political landscapes.
The reception of J.D. Vance's "Hillbilly Elegy" in 2016 was marked by a stark contrast between the euphoria among professional and liberal circles and the indifference or skepticism from the white working class it was intended to represent. The book offered a sympathetic explanation of the Trump phenomenon without raising uncomfortable fears. However, it's worth noting that during the 2016 election, Vance identified as a "never-Trump guy," criticizing him harshly. Yet, in recent years, Vance has become a Trump loyalist. While some may view this as conscious hypocrisy, it's essential to remember that people's beliefs and statements often evolve over time. The human mind isn't designed to consistently hold contradictory beliefs, and our words and beliefs tend to align eventually. Therefore, Vance's evolution from a critic to a supporter doesn't necessarily indicate insincerity, but rather the complexities of human thought and changing political landscapes.
Vance's transformation: JD Vance's shift in positions and associations raise questions about whose interests he truly represents, despite his ability to adapt to new environments
JD Vance's connection to Donald Trump and his ability to persuade voters may not be as deep as Trump's. While Trump has a unique ability to connect with people who are different from him, Vance may be more influenced by his new associates and the values of the industry he has joined. The euphoria around Vance's advocacy for cryptocurrency and his shift in foreign policy positions raise questions about whose interests he truly represents. Ultimately, Vance's transformation reflects the American experience of adapting to new environments, but it also highlights the potential disconnect between his new identity and the people he once wrote about in "Hillbilly Elegy."
JD Vance's alignment with Trump: JD Vance shares Republican belief in American credit, values, and allies but Frum suggests his ambition led him to align with Trump, potentially crossing a line
Key takeaway from the discussion with David Frum is that JD Vance, a prominent political figure, shares a common belief with past Republican administrations that American credit, American values, and American allies are important. However, Frum suggests that Vance's ambition might have led him to cross a line, specifically by aligning himself with Donald Trump. When asked if Vance has a line he wouldn't cross, Frum implies that he may have already done so. The episode also includes a reminder to sign up for the Consider This newsletter and introduces listeners to new podcasts, Supermajority and Track Change.