Who Is JD Vance? Why Trump Nominated Him for VP | WSJ

Summary

JD Vance, once a critic of Donald Trump, has become his running mate for the 2024 election, symbolizing Trump's influence on the Republican Party. Vance's transformation from a 'never Trumper' to a key figure in Trump's MAGA movement highlights the party's shift towards populist conservatism. His selection as VP candidate is seen as a strategic move to solidify support among the white working class, particularly in the Rust Belt states, which are crucial for the election. Vance's youth and alignment with the new right suggest he may be Trump's heir in continuing the MAGA legacy within the GOP.

Takeaways

• 🚀 JD Vance's political journey has been remarkable, transitioning from a best-selling author and critic of Trump in 2016 to becoming his running mate in 2024.
• 📚 Vance's memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' provided insight into his upbringing and resonated widely, leading to a movie adaptation directed by Ron Howard.
• 🔄 Initially anti-Trump, Vance's stance shifted significantly, aligning with Trump's policies and eventually earning his endorsement.
• 🎯 Vance's opposition to a NATO enforced no-fly zone over Ukraine during a debate caught the attention of Trump's inner circle, influencing his VP selection.
• 🌐 Trump's brand of conservative politics has been instrumental in reshaping the Republican Party, focusing on tighter borders and a more isolationist approach.
• 📉 The Republican National Committee's platform has been simplified to emphasize Trump, reflecting his significant influence on the party's direction.
• 🔝 Vance's rise to prominence within the 'new right' or national conservative movement has been rapid, with him becoming a leading voice for this faction.
• 🤝 The selection of Vance as Trump's running mate signals a consolidation of power within Trump's wing of the Republican Party, moving away from traditional conservatives.
• 🗳️ Vance's appeal to the white working class, particularly in the Rust Belt states, is seen as crucial for the election and could potentially boost voter turnout.
• 🌟 The choice of Vance as VP implies a long-term strategy by Trump to shape the future of the Republican Party and the populist conservative movement, possibly anointing an heir.

Q & A

Who is JD Vance and how did he rise to prominence in the Republican party?

JD Vance is a best-selling author who gained fame after publishing his memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' in 2016. He later won a US Senate seat at age 38 and became former president Donald Trump's running mate for the 2024 election. Vance's rise in the Republican party was meteoric, shifting from being a 'never Trumper' to a key figure in the party shaped by Trump.

What was the significance of JD Vance's memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy'?

JD Vance's memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' detailed his experiences growing up poor in rustbelt Ohio and his journey to Yale Law School. The book was a smash hit, leading to a Ron Howard-directed movie in 2020, and it helped Vance gain national recognition and establish himself as a voice for the working class.

How did JD Vance's stance on Trump change over time?

Initially, Vance was anti-Trump, but his stance shifted significantly. After launching his Senate campaign in 2021, he began to appreciate Trump's appeal and policies. Vance described himself as a 'flip-flopper' on Trump, changing his view from opposing Trump as a person to supporting him for advocating policies Vance agreed with.

What was the impact of JD Vance's stance on a NATO enforced no-fly zone over Ukraine during the primary debates?

Vance's opposition to a NATO enforced no-fly zone over Ukraine during a debate caught the attention of Trump's inner circle, including Donald Trump Jr., who began advocating for Vance's candidacy, which ultimately led to Trump selecting him as his running mate.

How has Trump's brand of conservative politics reshaped the Republican Party?

Trump's conservative politics have led to significant changes in the Republican Party, including a focus on tighter borders and a retreat from the world stage. The party has been reshaped to the extent that the Republican National Committee revamped its platform to focus more on Trump himself than on specific policy decisions.

What is the 'new right' or 'national conservatives' movement, and how does JD Vance fit into it?

The 'new right' or 'national conservatives' movement is a group that believes in Trump's policies and wants the Republican Party to be reshaped in his image. They take Trump's impulses and turn them into doctrine. JD Vance has become one of the leading voices of this movement, advocating for policies that prioritize American citizens first.

Why was the selection of JD Vance as Trump's running mate significant for the future of the MAGA movement and the GOP?

The selection of JD Vance as Trump's running mate is significant because it signals Trump's commitment to the MAGA agenda and the future of the Republican Party. Vance's youth and alignment with the populist conservative movement suggest that he could be an heir to the MAGA movement, potentially shaping the party's direction for years to come.

How does the Trump-Vance ticket aim to appeal to the white working class, particularly in the Rust Belt states?

The Trump-Vance ticket aims to appeal to the white working class by emphasizing policies that prioritize American citizens first and by focusing on the interests of this demographic. Ohio, part of the Rust Belt, is crucial for the election, and Vance's background and policies are expected to resonate with this key voting bloc.

What are the implications of Vance being chosen as Trump's running mate for the future of the Republican Party?

The choice of Vance as Trump's running mate implies that Trump sees him as a potential successor or someone who will exert significant influence in the Republican Party. This selection suggests that the party will continue to be shaped along populist conservative lines, potentially for decades to come.

How did the July 13th attack and the subsequent political climate influence the Trump-Vance ticket?

Following the July 13th attack, Vance was one of the first Republicans to publicly blame the Biden campaign, which likely solidified his position within the party. As Republicans united around the Trump-Vance ticket, it highlighted the party's response to the attack and the political climate, further galvanizing support for their campaign.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Rise of JD Vance in the Republican Party

JD Vance's journey from a best-selling author who was initially against Trump to becoming his running mate in the 2024 election is outlined. Vance's memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' brought him fame, detailing his impoverished upbringing in Ohio and his success at Yale Law School. Initially anti-Trump, Vance's political stance shifted, aligning with Trump's populist and nationalist policies. His opposition to a NATO-enforced no-fly zone over Ukraine during a debate caught Trump's attention. The Trump-Vance ticket signifies a doubling down on the MAGA agenda, with Vance emerging as a leading voice for the new right or national conservatives within the reshaped Republican Party.

05:02

🔄 Trump's Strategy and Vance's Demographic Appeal

The selection of JD Vance as Trump's running mate is analyzed, highlighting the strategy to consolidate support among the white working class, particularly in the Rust Belt states, which are crucial for the election. Vance's potential to energize these voters and boost Republican turnout is discussed. The paragraph also touches on the broader implications of Vance's selection, suggesting that Trump may be grooming an heir to carry forward the MAGA movement within the Republican Party. The narrative contrasts the Trump-Vance ticket with the disarray within the Democratic Party following Biden's debate performance, hinting at a strategic move to appeal to a demographic that Trump has historically struggled with.

Keywords

💡JD Vance

JD Vance is a key figure in the video, highlighted as a best-selling author and a rising star in the Republican Party. He is described as having a meteoric rise from being a 'never Trumper' in 2016 to becoming a US Senate candidate and, as per the video's narrative, Donald Trump's running mate in the 2024 election. This transformation illustrates the theme of political evolution and the impact of Trump's influence on the Republican Party.

💡Republican Party

The Republican Party is central to the video's narrative, depicted as undergoing significant changes under the influence of Donald Trump. The party is shown as shifting from traditional conservative values towards a more populist and nationalist direction, as exemplified by the rise of JD Vance and the 'Maga' movement.

💡Never Trumper

A 'never Trumper' refers to individuals within the Republican Party who opposed Trump's candidacy in 2016. JD Vance is initially described as a 'never Trumper,' which underscores his initial distance from Trump. However, his subsequent shift towards supporting Trump illustrates the video's theme of political transformation within the party.

💡Hillbilly Elegy

Hillbilly Elegy is a memoir by JD Vance that details his upbringing in a poor Rust Belt town and his journey to Yale Law School. The book's success is noted in the video as a catapult to Vance's fame, and it symbolizes his initial anti-Trump stance, which later changed, reflecting the video's theme of personal and political evolution.

💡Maga

Maga, an acronym for 'Make America Great Again,' is a slogan associated with Donald Trump's presidency and political movement. The video discusses the 'Maga' movement as a significant force within the Republican Party, emphasizing populist and nationalist policies. The term is used to frame the video's narrative about the party's shift towards Trump's agenda.

💡Populist National Conservative

Populist National Conservative is a term used in the video to describe the new direction of the Republican Party under Trump's influence. It encompasses policies that prioritize national interests and a populist approach to politics, as exemplified by JD Vance's rise and the party's focus on the 'Maga' agenda.

💡Rust Belt

The Rust Belt refers to a region in the United States, particularly in the Midwest, known for its decline in traditional manufacturing industries. In the video, the Rust Belt is highlighted as a crucial area for the election, with JD Vance's background and the white working-class vote being pivotal in these states, reflecting the video's focus on regional political dynamics.

💡White Working Class

The white working class is mentioned as a significant voting bloc within the Rust Belt states, which are key to the election's outcome. The video suggests that JD Vance's background and policies may resonate with this demographic, indicating the video's theme of political strategies targeting specific voter groups.

💡Alt-Right

The term 'alt-right' is used in the video to describe a movement led by well-educated and affluent individuals, contrasting the common perception of it being primarily composed of poor and working-class Americans. This term is used to discuss the diversity within the conservative movement and the video's broader theme of political ideologies.

💡New Right

The New Right, also referred to as national conservatives in the video, is a movement that aligns with Trump's policies and seeks to reshape the Republican Party in his image. This term is used to discuss the ideological shift within the party and the video's narrative of a new political direction.

💡Vice Presidential Candidate

The role of a vice presidential candidate is significant in US politics, often seen as a potential successor or a reflection of the presidential candidate's values. In the video, JD Vance's selection as Trump's running mate is discussed as a strategic move to consolidate support and signal the future direction of the Republican Party.

Highlights

JD Vance's transformation from a best-selling author and critic of Trump to becoming his running mate in 2024.

Vance's initial anti-Trump stance and his book 'Hillbilly Elegy' which detailed his upbringing and political views.

The shift in Vance's views on Trump, acknowledging the president's appeal and aligning with his policies.

Vance's opposition to a NATO enforced no-fly zone over Ukraine during a debate, which caught Trump's attention.

Trump's influence in reshaping the Republican Party with a focus on tighter borders and a more isolationist stance.

The rise of the 'new right' or national conservatives who support Trump's policies and seek to reshape the GOP in his image.

Vance's role as a leading voice of the new right, advocating for a nationalist conservative agenda.

The strategic choice of Vance as Trump's running mate to solidify support among the white working class.

The importance of the Rust Belt states and the white working-class vote in the upcoming election.

Vance's potential to galvanize voters and increase Republican turnout in key battleground states.

The implications of Vance's selection as a sign of Trump's influence on the future of the Republican Party.

The comparison between Trump's previous VP choice, Mike Pence, and the new ticket with Vance.

The potential for Vance to become an heir to the MAGA movement and a future influential figure in the GOP.

The reaction to Vance's selection among Republicans and the hope for increased unity within the party.

The contrast between the Trump-Vance ticket and the Democratic ticket, highlighting the different voter bases.

The challenges faced by the Democratic Party and President Biden's debate performance.

The future of the populist conservative movement and its potential impact on American politics.

Transcripts

JD Vance has had a meteoric rise in the

Republican party from a best-selling

author and never Trumper in 2016 I'm a

never Trump guy I never liked him to

winning a US senate seat at age 38 and

now he's former president Donald Trump's

running mate elect Donald Trump in 2024

God bless you sir Vance is very much a

creature of the new Republican party

that Trump has shaped In His Image by

picking Vance Trump is showing he's

doubling down on this Maga agenda it's a

full-throated

populist National conservative ticket

here's why the Trump Vance ticket is a

big deal for the future of the Maga

movement and the

GOP JD Vance first catapulted def Fame

in 2016 after he published his Memoir

hillbilly elegy the book detailed his

experience growing up poor in rustbelt

Ohio and making it to Yale law school it

was a Smash Hit and became a Ron Howard

directed movie in 2020 I know I could

have done better

but you you got to decide you want to be

somebody or not we're trying to paint

the this white nationalist movement as a

movement primarily of poor and

workingclass Americans when the truth is

that the alt-right is actually led by

better educated and frankly pretty

well-to-do people in his initial foray

into the public Spotlight Vance was very

much anti-trump his book made clear that

he was a conservative many people

latched on to it as an explanation for

Trump's sort of surprise success in the

Republican party and then in the

election when Vance launched his

campaign for the senate in 2021 his

stance on Trump underwent a big shift I

obviously didn't fully appreciate the

president's appeal in 2016 yeah he said

some bad things about me but that was

before he knew me and then he fell in

love he even described himself to me in

one interview as a flip-flop Flipper on

Trump saying that he had similar policy

views but was against Trump as a person

until he realized that Trump was

advocating for the policies that he

supported while running for Senate Vance

was one of several prot Trump candidates

in the primary but in one debate Vance

was the Lone candidate to oppose a NATO

enforced no-fly zone over Ukraine and

that caught the eye of Trump's Inner

Circle what a no-fly zone it sounds nice

like we ask the Russians not to fly

planes over Ukraine what it means in

practice is American Marine Corps Pilots

Air Force pilots and navy Pilots getting

in dog fights with Russian Jets

uh which the problem with that is it's

not in our Vital National interest that

impressed Donald Trump Jr and he began

advocating for Vance's candidacy

including with his

father Trump's unique brand of

conservative politics has been reshaping

the core tenants of the Republican Party

since he was elected in 2016 like

tighter borders and a retreat from the

world stage he's changed the GOP so much

that the Republican National Committee

recently revamped its platform to a new

stripped down version one that focuses

more on Trump himself than on specific

policy decisions Trump has been changing

all of those stances to the point where

many older Republicans feel it's no

longer recognizable at the same time a

movement has arisen in Trump's image

that believes in his policies and

believes that the Republican Party

should be reshaped in His image

Believers in this movement referred to

as the new right or national

conservatives take Trump's impulses and

turn them into Doctrine Vance has become

one of their leading voices the American

people again they need people who put

the interests of their own Citizens

first of our own Citizens First and

that's what this entire movement is all

about and I think that's what the Trump

presidency will be about if we give him

another shot as I expect that we will

when Trump selected Mike Pence to be his

running mate that was a pick very much

intended to reassure Republican voters

Pence being a traditional conservative

an Evangelical Christian was someone who

regular Republicans who saw Trump as

sort of an rvest in their party could

look at Pence and say all right that's

someone I can trust fast forward to 2024

it's clear that Trump no longer sees a

need to share power with that wing of

the Republican

party right after Trump's attempted

assassination in July Vance was one of

the first Republicans to publicly cast

blame at the Biden campaign for the

shooting

as Republicans unite around the Trump

Vance ticket after the July 13th attack

Democrats remain in disarray following

President Biden's disastrous debate

performance in June Biden has vowed to

stay in the race despite continuing

calls from fellow Democrats to step away

from his place at the top of the ticket

I think there's a whole pool of Voters

there in the center of the electorate

who really are not being spoken to by

either candidate because of the way

these tickets have shaped up Senators

Marco Rubio from Florida and Tim Scott

from South Carolina were also contenders

on Trump's VP short list both could have

appealed more to minority voters

something that Trump has historically

struggled with choosing Vance allows

Trump to shore up support among the

white working class Ohio is also part of

the Rust Belt and the most crucial

States in this election are those Rust

Belt states that white working class

vote is a vote that is also very crucial

throughout those rust Bel Battlegrounds

there is a Hope by some of Vance's

backer

and some on Trump's team that he could

potentially Galvanize those voters even

more than Trump already does to juice

Republican turnout in those States what

was the Russia collusion hoax it was

about destroying Donald Trump this

ridiculous New York fraud case it's

about destroying the guy's wealth before

he re-enters the Oval Office that's good

to see him man thank you he is really a

bet on the future as well a bet on the

future of the Republican party and a bet

on the future of the populist

conservative movement Trump would never

say he's anointing a successor but Vance

was decades younger than the other

potential picks that were under

consideration for vice president and in

choosing such a young person to be on

the ticket with him there's an

unavoidable implication that Trump has

sort of chosen an heir chosen someone to

take the mantle of that Maga movement

and go forward with it whether it's as a

future president himself or simply as

someone who is poised to exert great

influence in the Republican Party

continuing to shape it along those

populist conser ative lines for years or

potentially decades to come

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