JD Vance's Wife Usha Brings DIVERSITY To GOP Ticket, Is The Base READY?

The Hill
18 Jul 202410:38

Summary

TLDRThe video discusses Usha Vance, JD Vance's Indian-American wife, who has been a significant influence in his political career. Despite her background as a Democrat and a Hindu, she has faced mixed reactions from the Republican base. The script explores the complexities of her identity and the potential impact on her husband's policies, particularly regarding immigration.

Takeaways

  • 😀 Usha Vance, JD Vance's wife, is an Indian-American who has been a significant influence in his life and career.
  • đŸ›ïž Usha grew up in the San Diego area, practicing Hinduism, and was initially a registered Democrat.
  • 📚 She met her husband at Yale Law School, where she was a student, and later clerked for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.
  • đŸ‘„ Usha's background contrasts with the typical Republican second lady, such as the last one, Karen Pence.
  • đŸ—łïž She switched her political affiliation from Democrat to Republican, voting for her husband in the 2022 primary.
  • 🌐 Reactions to Usha's non-white background have been mixed, with some Republicans embracing the change and others expressing concern.
  • 🌐 Some far-right individuals, like Nick Fuentes, have criticized JD Vance for having an Indian wife, questioning his commitment to white identity.
  • đŸ›ïž Despite some controversy, many believe that Usha will be warmly embraced by the Republican party and could influence her husband's policies.
  • đŸ‘šâ€đŸ‘©â€đŸ‘§â€đŸ‘Š Usha's personal experiences as a first-generation immigrant might provide a nuanced perspective on immigration policies.
  • đŸ›ïž The debate over immigration in the Republican party is complex, with some advocating for stricter policies and others supporting legal immigration.
  • đŸ€” Usha's potential influence on JD Vance's political views and policies, especially on immigration, is a topic of interest and speculation.

Q & A

  • Who is Usha Vance, JD Vance's wife?

    -Usha Vance is the wife of JD Vance, an Indian-American who has been his anchor and driving force. She is the daughter of Indian immigrants, grew up practicing Hinduism in the San Diego area, and met her husband at Yale Law School.

  • What role has Usha Vance played in JD Vance's life?

    -Usha Vance has been a significant influence and support system for JD Vance, propelling him from their early days as law students to his current political career as a senator from Ohio.

  • What was Usha Vance's political affiliation before marrying JD Vance?

    -Usha Vance was a registered Democrat who voted in Democratic primaries as recently as 2014. However, she switched sides to vote for her husband in the 2022 primary when he was running for the Ohio Senate seat.

  • How has Usha Vance's background been received within the Republican party?

    -While some Republicans are embracing Usha's non-white background as a potential generational change, others in the party's base might need convincing, as evidenced by reactions from far-right figures and white nationalists.

  • What are some of the reactions to Usha Vance's ethnicity within the Republican party base?

    -Reactions have been mixed, with some far-right activists and white nationalists expressing concern or criticism, while others dismiss these views as marginal and expect Usha to be warmly embraced.

  • What is the controversy surrounding JD Vance's stance on immigration and his wife's background?

    -Some critics have questioned JD Vance's commitment to certain Republican stances on immigration, given his wife's immigrant background. However, it's important to note that the Republican party's stance is on deporting illegal immigrants, not legal immigrants like Usha.

  • What is the significance of Usha Vance's reaction during JD Vance's speech at the convention?

    -Usha Vance's wince during her husband's speech could indicate personal tension or disagreement with certain policies, possibly related to her own immigrant background and the mass deportation policy being discussed.

  • What is the potential impact of Usha Vance's background on JD Vance's political views?

    -As a first-generation immigrant, Usha Vance's experiences and perspectives could influence JD Vance's understanding of immigration issues, potentially leading to a more nuanced approach to policy.

  • How does the script address the misconception that the Republican party wants to deport all non-white people?

    -The script clarifies that the Republican party's stance is not about deporting all non-white people or legal immigrants, but rather focusing on illegal immigrants and enhancing border security.

  • What is the narrative being pushed by some media outlets about JD Vance?

    -Some media outlets, particularly liberal and progressive ones, have portrayed JD Vance as an extremist or quasi-white nationalist figure, which the script argues is a misrepresentation of his views and background.

  • How does the script discuss the intersection of race, migration, and class in relation to JD Vance and Usha Vance?

    -The script explores the complexities of their backgrounds, with JD Vance being criticized for policies that could have prevented his own success due to his wife's immigrant status, and Usha's potential influence on his views given her own experiences with migration.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Usha Vance: The Indian-American Anchor of JD Vance's Success

This paragraph introduces Usha Vance, the wife of JD Vance, who has been a significant influence in his life and career. Usha, an Indian-American and daughter of immigrants, grew up practicing Hinduism in San Diego. She met JD at Yale Law School, where she was a registered Democrat. After clerking for Chief Justice John Roberts, she switched her political allegiance to support her husband in his 2022 Ohio Senate run. The paragraph also highlights the contrasting backgrounds of Usha and the last Republican second lady, Karen Pence. Reactions to Usha's background are mixed, with some Republicans embracing the potential for generational change, while others, like far-right activist Jaden Mcneel and white nationalist leader Nick Fuentes, express skepticism about her influence on immigration policy and white identity. Despite these reactions, there is a general expectation that Usha will be warmly embraced by the Republican party.

05:01

📈 Immigration and the Republican Party: Perspectives on Legal vs. Illegal

This paragraph delves into the complexities of the Republican party's stance on immigration, particularly focusing on the distinction between legal and illegal immigrants. It emphasizes that the party generally supports legal immigration, with some members advocating for stricter controls to reduce immigration levels. The speaker argues against mass deportations of legal immigrants, citing the high costs and potential for creating a police state. Instead, they propose enhancing border security and making legal immigration easier to manage. The paragraph also touches on the experiences of first-generation immigrants, highlighting the challenges they face and the potential negative impacts of mass deportation policies. The speaker suggests that Usha Vance's personal connection to immigration issues through her own background could influence her husband's policies, though it is unclear if she shares his political views.

10:03

đŸ€” The Contradiction of JD Vance: From Welfare Recipient to Policy Critic

The final paragraph explores the perceived hypocrisy in JD Vance's background and his current political stances. Vance, who was raised on Social Security and attended Yale Law School, is now associated with a party that seeks to cut the social safety net. The speaker criticizes Vance for seemingly selling out his roots and pushing policies that could have prevented his own success. The paragraph also discusses the broader implications of Vance's views on welfare and the working class, suggesting a disconnect between his personal experiences and his political agenda. The speaker expresses concern about the potential impact of Vance's policies on immigrants and the working class, particularly in light of his wife's own immigrant background.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Usha Vance

Usha Vance is the wife of JD Vance, an Ohio senator, and has been portrayed as his anchor and driving force. Born to Indian immigrants and practicing Hinduism, she was a registered Democrat and a Yale Law School graduate. Her background and relationship with her husband are central to the video's theme, which explores the intersection of personal and political identities.

💡Hillbilly Elegy

Hillbilly Elegy is a memoir by JD Vance that was adapted into a Netflix film. It tells the story of his family's life and struggles, and Usha Vance's role as his support system is highlighted in the video, showing her influence on his personal and professional journey.

💡Yale University

Yale University is an Ivy League institution where both JD Vance and Usha Vance were law students. The video mentions their early days at Yale, indicating it as the place where they met and began their life together, which is a significant part of their shared history.

💡Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. Usha Vance clerked for Chief Justice John Roberts, which is mentioned in the script to emphasize her professional accomplishments and her connection to the American legal system.

💡Republican Party

The Republican Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States. The video discusses Usha Vance's switch from being a registered Democrat to voting for her husband in the 2022 primary, illustrating the political dynamics within the family and the broader context of party affiliations.

💡Immigration

Immigration is a key topic in the video, especially in the context of Usha Vance's background as an Indian immigrant and the Republican Party's stance on immigration policies. The script mentions the potential impact of these policies on immigrants like Usha and the complexities of navigating political views on immigration.

💡White Nationalism

White Nationalism is a political ideology that advocates for the interests of white people, often at the expense of others. The video addresses accusations and misconceptions about JD Vance's views, highlighting the controversy and the need to differentiate between personal relationships and political ideologies.

💡Mass Deportation

Mass Deportation refers to the large-scale removal of immigrants from a country. The video discusses the potential impact of such policies on legal immigrants and the nuances of the Republican Party's stance on immigration, contrasting it with Usha Vance's personal experience as an immigrant.

💡Progressive Law Firm

A Progressive Law Firm is a legal practice that aligns with progressive political values. Usha Vance's work at such a firm is mentioned in the script, suggesting potential differences in political views between her and her husband, and adding depth to the discussion of their relationship and beliefs.

💡Social Security

Social Security is a federal insurance program in the United States that provides financial support to individuals in need. JD Vance's upbringing and reliance on Social Security are contrasted with his current political affiliations and policies, which the video suggests may be at odds with the social safety net that benefited him.

💡Cultural Identity

Cultural Identity refers to the sense of belonging to a cultural group, which can be influenced by shared values, traditions, and history. The video touches on the debate within the Republican Party about immigration levels and their impact on maintaining the cultural identity of the United States, reflecting on the broader societal implications of immigration policies.

Highlights

Usha Vance, JD Vance's Indian-American wife, has been a driving force in his political career.

Usha is the daughter of Indian immigrants and grew up practicing Hinduism in the San Diego area.

She was a registered Democrat and met her husband at Yale Law School.

Usha clerked for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

She switched her political affiliation from Democrat to Republican in 2022 to support her husband's Senate campaign.

Some Republicans are embracing Usha's non-white background as a potential generational change.

Star Trek's George Takei criticized the Republican party for their reactions to Usha's ethnicity.

Far-right activist Jaden Mcneel and white nationalist leader Nick Fuentes expressed negative views about Usha's Indian heritage.

Some argue that Nick Fuentes does not represent the views of the majority in the Republican party.

Usha's reaction during JD Vance's speech at the convention suggests potential tension between her background and his political stance.

Usha worked at a progressive law firm, indicating a possible difference in political views from her husband.

The Republican party's stance on immigration is clarified, focusing on deporting illegal immigrants rather than all non-white individuals.

Usha's first-generation immigrant perspective might bring a nuanced understanding of immigration policies.

JD Vance's book criticizes welfare recipients, despite his own background benefiting from social safety nets.

The portrayal of JD Vance in mainstream media as an extremist is challenged by some who see him as having different economic policies.

Usha's Indian heritage does not necessarily dictate her views on race or immigration, as India also has complex racial dynamics.

JD Vance's potential policies are seen by some as a betrayal of the working class and the social programs that supported him.

Transcripts

play00:04

Usha Vance JD Vance's indian-american

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wife of 10 years is turning heads if

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you've read or seen his Memoir turned

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Netflix flick hillbilly elegy she's been

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his anchor and driving force that's

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propelled the Ohio senator from their

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early days as law students at Yale

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University now fast forward to Wednesday

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night so who is usance well she is the

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daughter of Indian immigrants grew up in

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San Diego area practicing Hinduism she

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was a registered Democrat who attended

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yel law school then met her husband

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there went on to clerk for Supreme Court

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Chief Justice John Roberts that bio is a

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far cry from the last Republican second

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lady Karen Pence a white grandmother and

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devout Christian per public records Usha

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voted in Democratic primaries as

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recently as 2014 but she switched sides

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voting for her husband in the 2022

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primary when he was running for the Ohio

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Senate seat now while some Republicans

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seem keen on embracing usha's non-white

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background as potential generational

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change others in the party's base might

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need some convincing here are some

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reactions on X now Star Trek's George te

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trolled the party these are not

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reactions from Republicans uh Star

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Trek's George Decay trolled the party

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posting quote Maga fans have racist

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meltdown after discovering JD Vance's

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wife isn't white a far-right activist

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and the founder of America First

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students J Jaden mcneel posted a picture

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of the vances and their then newborn

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child captioning quote I'm sure this guy

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is going to be great on immigration and

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then white nationalist leader Nick

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Fuentes said this on right-wing watch

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let's watch JD Vance also has a

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non-white wife an Indian wife and a kid

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named VC all his kids have Indian

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names so it's like what exactly are we

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getting here and that's not a dig at him

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just because I'm a racist or something

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but it's like who is this guy really do

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we really expect that the guy who has an

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Indian wife and named their kid VC is

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going to support white

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identity I don't think Nick quentes

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speaks for anyone and I am against

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giving him any attention whatsoever and

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I don't think any like any significant

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number of people in the Republican party

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or in the GOP care at all that she is

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Indian or that she is Hindu and like

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that guy is totally marginal he's kicked

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out of student conference he tries to

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attend and so I expect her to be warmly

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embraced really yes but doesn't Nick

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have a lot of followers that are

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Republican no he doesn't and he's a

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gadfly he is not a popular figure he's

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not welcome in any circles um he he's

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maybe people on the left might be

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wrongly identifying him as a as a p

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figure or might have some strange

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newfound respect for him because he's

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been he's deeply anti-semitic and thus

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anti-israel and thus um uh has is you

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know sympathetic to uh Hamas and has had

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some strange new respect for him from

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people on the left as a result of

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October 7th but he is not someone of any

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note on the right I'm looking up his

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podcast listeners okay I think that

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because I saw the reaction and I wasn't

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there in person at the convention the

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camera panned to his wife Usha several

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times throughout him speaking and when

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he said we have to fight for the people

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who built this country she kind of

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winced and I don't know what that was

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about and I'm very curious if it's

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because she came from a middle class

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background and has there's some weird

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tension between the middle class and the

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working class there is in the country I

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don't know if it's permeated their

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relationship but I did see her wise and

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people said her speech that she came out

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and sort of changed her energy to be a

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little bit sheepish and there were

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people with signs at the convention that

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said Mass deportation now and as a first

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generation immigrant when you're going

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through the migration process it is

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unknown whether or not you're going to

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get full citizenship and maybe she felt

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a certain type of way about that being

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the case that they were all holding

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those signs in the crowd she was

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speaking to we know that she worked at a

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law firm uh that identified as a

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progressive law firm and so I'm not sure

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if she shares the political views of her

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husband but she must love him very much

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or love MMA and being in proximity to

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Mama who's a very popular figure but it

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it seems to be an interesting thing that

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she's going through and I hope she has

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support for whatever that is I mean the

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the mass deportation policy which I to

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be clear I don't even I don't agree with

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but the PO the idea is not to deport all

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immigrants or all non-white people what

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Republicans want to do what Donald Trump

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wants to do what people who talk about

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this issue want to do on the right is

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Deport the illegal immigrants the people

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who enter the country illegally not just

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like all non-white people or something

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so there's no there's no actual like

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hypocrisy or or or violation of the like

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oh how could he have an immigrant wife

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the the the party is fine with legal

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immigrants at least most people in the

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party are there are some people who want

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to make uh on the right who want to

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bring down immigration levels even

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further and want to make it harder to

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come into the country and become a

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citizen but no one literally no one

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absolutely no one is advocating

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deporting legal immigrants Indian

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immigrants or anyone else so it's not a

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it's not like I don't think it's a

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you can be perfectly welcoming of people

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who came in under the legal system and

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again I I don't think mass deportations

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for legal immigrants is a good policy

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because it would cost tons of money um

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it's it would require creating like a

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vast police state I think we should have

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more border security and we should

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actually make it easier for people to

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come here legally so that we have fewer

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people swarming over the southern border

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and creating the chaos that we see in

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our border towns um make make it

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possible for people to come here

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work contribute to the economy pay taxes

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Etc that's what I'm for that's what many

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Republicans are for although there are

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disagreements over what levels of

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immigration will be acceptable for

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maintaining the cultural identity of the

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country and for um maintaining stability

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in various places and so that's the

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argument being held but no no one is

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just for deporting legal immigrants I

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think as a recent immigrant right she's

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first generation you're very close to

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how difficult it is to migrate to

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another country I was just on a call

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yesterday with the young Center for

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children's immigrants rights and a lot

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of children have been exploited by big

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corporations they're in company or in

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companies they're working for companies

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being recruited to them while they're in

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countries that are destabilized in part

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due to us intervention countries like

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Guatemala and they're in uncertain

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conditions and some of them are

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recruited from that country to come to

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the United States to work illegally and

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these are children that are forced to be

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child laborers in the United States

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there's a class action lawsuit right now

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against many chicken manufacturers

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across the country for precisely this

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understanding that what happens if those

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children are deported back to their

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countries after working for an American

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corporation there's all kinds of things

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that I think are just nuanced situations

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that if you're a first generation

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immigrant you you know this because you

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know other people who are immigrants and

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you have a more compassion to understand

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that a policy of mass deportation would

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probably negatively affect a lot of

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people that are struggling and so I

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think there needs to be just more

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nuanced policy and I think having JD

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Vance in office maybe it's good that

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she's his wife and we'll have his ear

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and we'll be able to explain things like

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that but I think coming into a party

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that's honestly hostile towards

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immigrants has got to be very difficult

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as someone who could be the the first VP

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I mean I think it should complicate

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first lady people's attitude or

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expectation of JD Vance I mean the way

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JD Vance is being explained on MSNBC and

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CNN and other places is as this ex this

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extremist Rel quasi white nless figure

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they basically used that uh that thata

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that uh that wording to describe him um

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I think Alex Wagner of MSNBC I just saw

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that she called um she said the fact

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that he like has like a family cemetery

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plot like where his ancestors are born

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as is is like a white nationalist

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signaling uh kind of thing which is just

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utterly

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crazy let me see if I can pull it up

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yeah she she said that JD Vance wanting

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to be buried in his family plot is an

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Easter egg of white nationalism like

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this is crazy kind of stuff like that is

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crazy he has an Indian wife his kids

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have Indian names he cooks Indian food

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um he is he is not a white nationalist

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he just he thinks that now he has a a

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different set of economic policies and

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immigration policies than I have and

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that the Republican party has

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traditionally had um I'm going to

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Advocate against these ideas when he

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proposes policies I think are bad but

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everything just gets rounded up to White

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nationalism in the kind of liberal

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Progressive framing I think about it

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more in the context of the intersection

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of of race and migration in class

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because here you have someone who's a

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first generation immigrant where if we

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had the restrictive policies that the

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right is pushing her family would not

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have been able to come and let's also

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not assume she's Progressive India is

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also a country with a severe past system

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and severe racial differences you have

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people who appreciate proximity to

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whiteness who bleach their skin in India

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so racism is Alive and Well in India and

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just because she's from India we can't

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assume uh you know her thoughts on Race

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either but JD Vance is someone who in

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his book criticized people for being on

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welfare time and again he seems to

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resent the working class while being a

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part of it and supposedly being a

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workingclass hero this is someone who

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said he was raised on Social Security

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but he's working for a party that wants

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to cut the social safety net that got

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him where he is today that got him to

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Yale law school where he met his wife

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and so to me it's that kind of

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dishonesty of you know the intersection

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of all of it of of being a migrant and

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wanting to take away all of the policies

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that got them where they are today so it

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it seems like he's completely sold out

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and I don't want to push you know his

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views onto her at all but it all seems a

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bit disingenuous knowing his background

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knowing his wife's background we'll be

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back with more Rising right after this

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[Music]

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Étiquettes Connexes
Usha VanceJD VanceIndian-AmericanWife InfluenceHillbilly ElegyYale LawPolitical ViewsImmigration DebateRepublican PartyCultural Identity
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