It seems to me that people like Vance and Trump, who both came from highly dysfunctional families, tend to seek power and influence through political positions. It’s understandable, given their emotional baggage, but concerns me because they are looking for power over people instead of service to the people.
I find the observation that he would become interested in the hobbies and interests of his mother’s boyfriends so that they would like him very telling. It was a foreshadowing of him now. First he says he is never a Trump man and now he’s the ultimate “pick-me” boy. It’s gross.
Susan and Tonya, I agree with everything Susan says, until, “it’s gross.” I understand why she says, “it’s gross,” but I would say, “it’s sad,” and understandable.
He says he’s proud of where he came from, but to me it looks more like he’s proud he escaped, and proud of himself that he did escape, and that he is “better than” those that did not.
It reminds me of Trump’s statement, “I like people who weren’t captured.”
bull. how about a mom who married a man that was abusive to her and her kids, who you lived with because you had no choice? JD is no different than millions of us, except that he was able to go to college and meet people who paved the way for him. I sincerely hope that he never becomes president because his views are not alligned with most of the people who he claims to be "like".
I also identify with the millions of us who had all kinds of rough childhoods. I also had grandparents that “saved” me. I took his taking up the interests of the men as a heartbreaking attempt to gain a father. The way a kid might attempt. Not as some learning how to manipulate. So I see it very differently than you. Which is fine. It’s incredible what he has accomplished, in my opinion.
I believe that you are amazed by what he has accomplished what he has accomplished, but I don’t think you realize that he accomplished all of that because he lied and cheated people. Promising one thing and doing another, that’s what he’s good at. He was lucky he met people that pave the way for him, most of us did not have that option. Most of us didn’t even have the option to go to college. I started working the day after I graduated from high school and I haven’t stopped since.
There is if you originally called Trump "Hitler." It seems like that would be a hard opinion to bounce back from unless you have no moral stance and are trying to be liked by the majority...
He believes that Trump is his ticket to power.. He has said everything he needs to say to please Trump to advance himself whether it was true or not. He has lied. And the fact he uses religion to justify his position is disgusting. A true Christian would never say that you love your family first, then your neighbor, then your community, then your country and then if it all works out you can love people that don't live in America??? What happened to "we are all God's children"? What happened to being a Good Samaritan?. Don't preach Christianity when you exhibit hate and vitriol to people that you were elected to represent and proceed to spread horrible lies about them.
JD “They’re eating the Cats!” Vance. He should be the poster child for the hypocrisy of the Trump administration since he derived substantial benefits from DEI programs and now is totally on board with wiping them out for anyone else. I can’t believe he used my tax dollars to get a degree, run out to Silicon Valley to become a vulture capitalist and then let himself be bought by one. He’s a perfect fit with Musk and Trump.
As a childless cat lady JD Vance doesn’t see me as a person or believe that I should have a direct stake in government. He has stated that I should pay higher taxes and have less voting rights. I do not feel represented by him or his party.
Vance fits perfectly in the middle of the Venn diagram showing Christian Nationalists who want a dictatorship/theocracy and the billionaire tech bros who want a dictatorship (Thiel being part of the latter group).
Vance has always reminded me of the kind of men I grew up around who were just so gosh darn likable and nice that it was easy to miss the insidious choices they make that affect everyone’s lives around them.
I really enjoyed his book and do admire him for all he as accomplished, but very disappointed in him when he sold his soul to Trump. Like Pence before him, I think he will see what that will cost him.
Thanks for a great, well balanced article on Vance. Like him or not, he overcame a very difficult childhood, served his country, graduated from college and law school and went on to become a successful business man and now politician. Along the way he met the love of his life (the way she looked at him while he was being sworn in, should quell any doubts about that) - appears to be a loving husband and father and possibly the future of the Republican Party. We all have baggage from our childhood but few are able to overcome what he has and go on to achieve so much. Love him or hate him, it’s hard to deny his resilience and intelligence. Let’s see what he does.
He’s incredible!! It’s astonishing that he has become so successful after his difficult childhood. I admire him so much. He’s incredibly articulate on any subject.
As mentioned down-thread by Emily, Vance, according to his memoir, received a generous financial aid package due to his disadvantaged economic background. This does not diminish his own hard work and resilience, but it does raise questions as to why he supports an administration so vehemently against DEI efforts which Vance benefited from. I'm curious about your thoughts on this dichotomy?
Not sure financial aid is under the same umbrella as DEI focuses on race and gender whereas financial aid focuses on income level - and admission still requires the academic qualifications are met. I realize that every college has different requirements.. but from what I understand, a merit or financial aid package isn’t the same as DEI. I also believe colleges should be looking more at income disparity than race or gender discrimination. Just my opinion.. and go!
Hmm, I see your perspective here that economic disadvantages are different than race/gender disadvantages, but it feels like splitting hairs to me. DEI programs very much have economic disadvantages as a driving force - and it's well documented that people of color and women in our country are more economically disadvantaged than white men. What I hear you saying is that financial assistance for the economically disadvantaged is fine - but what happens when that financial aid disproportionately goes to POC/women because of their economic disadvantages? Are those programs dubbed DEI all over again despite a "rebranding" to simply financial aid?
It’s complicated I agree… my main point is that there are poor white people and wealthy minorities… so may be pitting more focus on income is actually more fair. I do think that people should consider rigor of the college as when applying. Getting into a more prestigious college and not succeeding doesn’t lead to a good outcome either. So many factors.
DEI is not just about people of color. It addresses (or did, because our current admin is doing their best to eliminate it) income disparities, accessibility issues among others. Many people will suffer with the elimination of DEI.
I'm not convinced that if DEI were renamed Income Inequality, that Republicans would back it. We have plenty of evidence in Repub disdain for welfare programs focused solely on income inequality. As to consideration of college success, I'm not sure where that point entered the discussion. But scholarship recipients are generally MORE likely to graduate, so if a "good outcome" is the concern, I say we focus more on those who need economic assistance than those who can get in without aid.
What a coincidence. The definition that Russ Vought gives to the 'New Right'...an "ideology [that] opposes US involvement in foreign conflicts, and supports high tariffs and strict limits on immigration" is pretty much how we define *isolationism*. I can only assume that JD Vance (and others) skipped their social studies classes on the day(s) that isolationist policies--and their impact on the economy--were discussed. Here's a hint: It will eventually end...but leave havoc in its wake.
I remember listening to the audio book of Hillbilly Elegy not long after it came out. I think I like the guy who wrote the book. His vulnerability made me listen to his point of view. But the current Vance is hard for me to listen to. We need people who are willingly vulnerable and who bring their experience and their views to the table. The system of power he has attached himself to, however, we do not need.
He’s the first person in power closest to my age… I really thought that when people who were also my age at the time Columbine HS shooting rose to power, we’d be able to change things for the better for kids. Now I see that the WE I was thinking of should have been more I than THEY… that there’s not enough of them in power to change things or perhaps it wasn’t as formative of a lived experience as it was for ME. I feel really sad.
Last week, a 6th grader brought a loaded handgun to my kids’ middle school, and it was found and taken after 10 AM by a school admin who is my same age. I truly thought that this would be on the way to be solved - guns in schools. It’s not!
Thanks for the detailed article. I loved Vance’s memoir and admire his determination to make a better life for himself than how he grew up.
I wasn’t so excited about him as VP pick when announced because I see him as a staunch conservative. However, loved him on the Joe Rogan podcast and continue to be impressed with how he handles himself during tough interviews. Although he is new to politics- I think he will be around for a while!
I also loved his memoir, and I've been a fan of his ever since. During the 2024 campaign cycle, I felt like he was the only one really capable of articulating policies. He was such a breath of fresh air compared to Biden, Trump, and Harris.
I'm always wondering what's next for Republicans when Trump can no longer lead. What do you envision the party policies and platforms will look like? Who do you envision carrying on the banner? The party is so thoroughly determined by Trump at the moment that I'm genuinely curious what happens next.
Hi Amy, I agree he is articulate - I would expect this from a Yale educated attorney! I just want to share my anecdotal lived experience - his taunting of women without children affected me greatly. I will admit, tears were shed. As a childless woman, it hurts deeply to hear how he devalues women who aren’t mothers. I believe motherhood is beautiful and magical - but for those of us who have not been so lucky, or have other reasons for not being mothers - his attitude is truly devastating.
You're in my thoughts ♥️ I don't like to see praise of someone who insults others with the intent of hurting of them. It's a grand waste of intelligence and shows his self-awareness is not developed. Sending you lots of love and hugs!
Sam, my heart is with you. I must admit I cried too for the DEVALUING of women without children like me and many of my friends. Why would I follow a man who devalues me?? How are his policies affected by this view of women?
You probably also like his line about taking out the trash in DC and that trash is Kamala Harris. He’s a piece of crap just like his boss. He’s a puppet
I have read all of the comments thus far and the majority of them have focused on Vance’s childhood & upbringing which was incredibly horrific. For that I do have empathy. But there was far more in Sharon’s article about his life & viewpoints. One of the most disturbing aspects is the one concerning Christian Nationalism. Here’s the paragraph from the article: “Last September, Vance did an interview with a pastor at a town hall organized by Christian nationalist leaders. The host, Lance Wallnau, is the head of a movement that promotes using far-right politics to further Christian views on religion, family, government, education, business, media, arts and entertainment.” She linked 2 articles in that paragraph. Please read this one: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/the-significance-of-vances-appearance-at-event-hosted-by-far-right-christian-nationalist
Theresa Jones commented above that “Vance wants to abolish our democracy and replace it with an autocracy.” She is correct in my opinion but he explicitly wants a theocracy. He is close friends with Kevin Roberts and Russell Vought with Project 2025. They both unapologetically call for a theocracy. Christian Nationalism is a very scary concept that is happening right under our noses. I am a Christian and believer in Jesus. But I do not want to see Christian Nationalism become the law of the land. It is dangerous to our democracy! Please research this subject carefully but if you don’t have the time at least please read the articles that Sharon linked. JD Vance does NOT need to run for president after Trump’s term. Trump has already started implementing Project 2025. Vance will continue it.
I'm super concerned about this, too. Not just because I'm an atheist with Buddhist philosophical leanings, but because we are supposed to have a separation between church and state. And because our country was founded on religious freedom. It's bad enough having God on our money and Pledge of Allegiance. We are the most diverse country in the world, and we are great (not the greatest) because of it. Christian Nationalism simply reeks of all that is evil. How do they think it's logical to force others how to live when they supposedly want that freedom, too? I guess freedom is only OK for them.
The fact that Vance disdained how people spent their money in the grocery store where he worked is consistent with the disdain with which the Republican party treats the disadvantaged of the USA and the world. It's astonishing Trump/Vance MAGA voters who struggle think this administration will do anything for them. What did they get from round one of Trump? Ivermectin and tossed rolls of paper towels.
I think your profile pieces are among my favorite (like the Supreme Court justices). This is a candid portrayal of JD Vance, balancing his personal challenges with his professional accomplishments. I always enjoy learning more about someone's early life and how it shaped them (whether or not I share their political beliefs). It will be interesting to see what his political future holds. Thank you for writing it.
It seems to me that people like Vance and Trump, who both came from highly dysfunctional families, tend to seek power and influence through political positions. It’s understandable, given their emotional baggage, but concerns me because they are looking for power over people instead of service to the people.
I find the observation that he would become interested in the hobbies and interests of his mother’s boyfriends so that they would like him very telling. It was a foreshadowing of him now. First he says he is never a Trump man and now he’s the ultimate “pick-me” boy. It’s gross.
Susan and Tonya, I agree with everything Susan says, until, “it’s gross.” I understand why she says, “it’s gross,” but I would say, “it’s sad,” and understandable.
He says he’s proud of where he came from, but to me it looks more like he’s proud he escaped, and proud of himself that he did escape, and that he is “better than” those that did not.
It reminds me of Trump’s statement, “I like people who weren’t captured.”
If you had experienced a single mom without a dad who cared for you, you would understand this. Unfair statement.
bull. how about a mom who married a man that was abusive to her and her kids, who you lived with because you had no choice? JD is no different than millions of us, except that he was able to go to college and meet people who paved the way for him. I sincerely hope that he never becomes president because his views are not alligned with most of the people who he claims to be "like".
I also identify with the millions of us who had all kinds of rough childhoods. I also had grandparents that “saved” me. I took his taking up the interests of the men as a heartbreaking attempt to gain a father. The way a kid might attempt. Not as some learning how to manipulate. So I see it very differently than you. Which is fine. It’s incredible what he has accomplished, in my opinion.
I believe that you are amazed by what he has accomplished what he has accomplished, but I don’t think you realize that he accomplished all of that because he lied and cheated people. Promising one thing and doing another, that’s what he’s good at. He was lucky he met people that pave the way for him, most of us did not have that option. Most of us didn’t even have the option to go to college. I started working the day after I graduated from high school and I haven’t stopped since.
There are many people and politicians who weren’t Trump supporter who are now. There is nothing wrong with changing your opinion.
There is if you originally called Trump "Hitler." It seems like that would be a hard opinion to bounce back from unless you have no moral stance and are trying to be liked by the majority...
Amy, I agree. There are also people that did support Trump, but do not now. I’m always interested in why people change their opinion.
What changed JD’s opinion?
Does he still believe everything he said about Trump is still true? Because Trump has not changed.
He believes that Trump is his ticket to power.. He has said everything he needs to say to please Trump to advance himself whether it was true or not. He has lied. And the fact he uses religion to justify his position is disgusting. A true Christian would never say that you love your family first, then your neighbor, then your community, then your country and then if it all works out you can love people that don't live in America??? What happened to "we are all God's children"? What happened to being a Good Samaritan?. Don't preach Christianity when you exhibit hate and vitriol to people that you were elected to represent and proceed to spread horrible lies about them.
I would be curious too on what changed his opinion.
I imagine it aligned pretty closely with Vance's professional work with Thiel.
I’ll have to look into it- not familiar.
JD “They’re eating the Cats!” Vance. He should be the poster child for the hypocrisy of the Trump administration since he derived substantial benefits from DEI programs and now is totally on board with wiping them out for anyone else. I can’t believe he used my tax dollars to get a degree, run out to Silicon Valley to become a vulture capitalist and then let himself be bought by one. He’s a perfect fit with Musk and Trump.
As a childless cat lady JD Vance doesn’t see me as a person or believe that I should have a direct stake in government. He has stated that I should pay higher taxes and have less voting rights. I do not feel represented by him or his party.
Vance fits perfectly in the middle of the Venn diagram showing Christian Nationalists who want a dictatorship/theocracy and the billionaire tech bros who want a dictatorship (Thiel being part of the latter group).
Correction: Didn’t mean to imply Vance was a billionaire, but he has close ties to both groups.
Vance has always reminded me of the kind of men I grew up around who were just so gosh darn likable and nice that it was easy to miss the insidious choices they make that affect everyone’s lives around them.
Catholic Social Teaching: Preferential Treatment of the Poor.
Vance and the Catholic Church try to sit at tables that Jesus flipped.
I really enjoyed his book and do admire him for all he as accomplished, but very disappointed in him when he sold his soul to Trump. Like Pence before him, I think he will see what that will cost him.
Thanks for a great, well balanced article on Vance. Like him or not, he overcame a very difficult childhood, served his country, graduated from college and law school and went on to become a successful business man and now politician. Along the way he met the love of his life (the way she looked at him while he was being sworn in, should quell any doubts about that) - appears to be a loving husband and father and possibly the future of the Republican Party. We all have baggage from our childhood but few are able to overcome what he has and go on to achieve so much. Love him or hate him, it’s hard to deny his resilience and intelligence. Let’s see what he does.
Well said! I love his wife- she is beautiful and they seem to have such a loving relationship. I hope he considers running for President one day.
And those kids… adorable.
He’s incredible!! It’s astonishing that he has become so successful after his difficult childhood. I admire him so much. He’s incredibly articulate on any subject.
As mentioned down-thread by Emily, Vance, according to his memoir, received a generous financial aid package due to his disadvantaged economic background. This does not diminish his own hard work and resilience, but it does raise questions as to why he supports an administration so vehemently against DEI efforts which Vance benefited from. I'm curious about your thoughts on this dichotomy?
Not sure financial aid is under the same umbrella as DEI focuses on race and gender whereas financial aid focuses on income level - and admission still requires the academic qualifications are met. I realize that every college has different requirements.. but from what I understand, a merit or financial aid package isn’t the same as DEI. I also believe colleges should be looking more at income disparity than race or gender discrimination. Just my opinion.. and go!
Hmm, I see your perspective here that economic disadvantages are different than race/gender disadvantages, but it feels like splitting hairs to me. DEI programs very much have economic disadvantages as a driving force - and it's well documented that people of color and women in our country are more economically disadvantaged than white men. What I hear you saying is that financial assistance for the economically disadvantaged is fine - but what happens when that financial aid disproportionately goes to POC/women because of their economic disadvantages? Are those programs dubbed DEI all over again despite a "rebranding" to simply financial aid?
It’s complicated I agree… my main point is that there are poor white people and wealthy minorities… so may be pitting more focus on income is actually more fair. I do think that people should consider rigor of the college as when applying. Getting into a more prestigious college and not succeeding doesn’t lead to a good outcome either. So many factors.
DEI is not just about people of color. It addresses (or did, because our current admin is doing their best to eliminate it) income disparities, accessibility issues among others. Many people will suffer with the elimination of DEI.
I'm not convinced that if DEI were renamed Income Inequality, that Republicans would back it. We have plenty of evidence in Repub disdain for welfare programs focused solely on income inequality. As to consideration of college success, I'm not sure where that point entered the discussion. But scholarship recipients are generally MORE likely to graduate, so if a "good outcome" is the concern, I say we focus more on those who need economic assistance than those who can get in without aid.
What a coincidence. The definition that Russ Vought gives to the 'New Right'...an "ideology [that] opposes US involvement in foreign conflicts, and supports high tariffs and strict limits on immigration" is pretty much how we define *isolationism*. I can only assume that JD Vance (and others) skipped their social studies classes on the day(s) that isolationist policies--and their impact on the economy--were discussed. Here's a hint: It will eventually end...but leave havoc in its wake.
Thank you!! I was just thinking about isolationism and it's impact on the economy.
I had the same thought. As I recall it ended badly…
I remember listening to the audio book of Hillbilly Elegy not long after it came out. I think I like the guy who wrote the book. His vulnerability made me listen to his point of view. But the current Vance is hard for me to listen to. We need people who are willingly vulnerable and who bring their experience and their views to the table. The system of power he has attached himself to, however, we do not need.
I feel the same way - listening to his story in his voice made me feel some connection. It’s like he’s not the same person anymore.
He’s the first person in power closest to my age… I really thought that when people who were also my age at the time Columbine HS shooting rose to power, we’d be able to change things for the better for kids. Now I see that the WE I was thinking of should have been more I than THEY… that there’s not enough of them in power to change things or perhaps it wasn’t as formative of a lived experience as it was for ME. I feel really sad.
Last week, a 6th grader brought a loaded handgun to my kids’ middle school, and it was found and taken after 10 AM by a school admin who is my same age. I truly thought that this would be on the way to be solved - guns in schools. It’s not!
Thanks for the detailed article. I loved Vance’s memoir and admire his determination to make a better life for himself than how he grew up.
I wasn’t so excited about him as VP pick when announced because I see him as a staunch conservative. However, loved him on the Joe Rogan podcast and continue to be impressed with how he handles himself during tough interviews. Although he is new to politics- I think he will be around for a while!
I also loved his memoir, and I've been a fan of his ever since. During the 2024 campaign cycle, I felt like he was the only one really capable of articulating policies. He was such a breath of fresh air compared to Biden, Trump, and Harris.
He gives me hope for the future of the Republican Party.
I'm always wondering what's next for Republicans when Trump can no longer lead. What do you envision the party policies and platforms will look like? Who do you envision carrying on the banner? The party is so thoroughly determined by Trump at the moment that I'm genuinely curious what happens next.
Agree. He is very articulate and authentic.
Hi Amy, I agree he is articulate - I would expect this from a Yale educated attorney! I just want to share my anecdotal lived experience - his taunting of women without children affected me greatly. I will admit, tears were shed. As a childless woman, it hurts deeply to hear how he devalues women who aren’t mothers. I believe motherhood is beautiful and magical - but for those of us who have not been so lucky, or have other reasons for not being mothers - his attitude is truly devastating.
You're in my thoughts ♥️ I don't like to see praise of someone who insults others with the intent of hurting of them. It's a grand waste of intelligence and shows his self-awareness is not developed. Sending you lots of love and hugs!
Sam, my heart is with you. I must admit I cried too for the DEVALUING of women without children like me and many of my friends. Why would I follow a man who devalues me?? How are his policies affected by this view of women?
Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable. I am too a childless woman and also a cat lady.
I am truly sorry for your pain.
Childfree cat lady and proud :) cats are the best
They are!! :)
I love seeing the human understanding and compassion in this group of people with different ideologies.
I especially love how he articulated
“I don’t really care, Margaret”!
And his facial expressions! Lol.
You probably also like his line about taking out the trash in DC and that trash is Kamala Harris. He’s a piece of crap just like his boss. He’s a puppet
It was an unnecessary comment- similar to Biden calling Trump supporters garbage.
Debatable
Your strong dislike for Republicans says more about you than it does about any argument you are trying to make.
I lean much more republican than democrat for sure, I just don’t lean Trump at all. I have morals and values, principle over party!
Agree about principle over party.
I have read all of the comments thus far and the majority of them have focused on Vance’s childhood & upbringing which was incredibly horrific. For that I do have empathy. But there was far more in Sharon’s article about his life & viewpoints. One of the most disturbing aspects is the one concerning Christian Nationalism. Here’s the paragraph from the article: “Last September, Vance did an interview with a pastor at a town hall organized by Christian nationalist leaders. The host, Lance Wallnau, is the head of a movement that promotes using far-right politics to further Christian views on religion, family, government, education, business, media, arts and entertainment.” She linked 2 articles in that paragraph. Please read this one: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/the-significance-of-vances-appearance-at-event-hosted-by-far-right-christian-nationalist
Theresa Jones commented above that “Vance wants to abolish our democracy and replace it with an autocracy.” She is correct in my opinion but he explicitly wants a theocracy. He is close friends with Kevin Roberts and Russell Vought with Project 2025. They both unapologetically call for a theocracy. Christian Nationalism is a very scary concept that is happening right under our noses. I am a Christian and believer in Jesus. But I do not want to see Christian Nationalism become the law of the land. It is dangerous to our democracy! Please research this subject carefully but if you don’t have the time at least please read the articles that Sharon linked. JD Vance does NOT need to run for president after Trump’s term. Trump has already started implementing Project 2025. Vance will continue it.
I'm super concerned about this, too. Not just because I'm an atheist with Buddhist philosophical leanings, but because we are supposed to have a separation between church and state. And because our country was founded on religious freedom. It's bad enough having God on our money and Pledge of Allegiance. We are the most diverse country in the world, and we are great (not the greatest) because of it. Christian Nationalism simply reeks of all that is evil. How do they think it's logical to force others how to live when they supposedly want that freedom, too? I guess freedom is only OK for them.
The fact that Vance disdained how people spent their money in the grocery store where he worked is consistent with the disdain with which the Republican party treats the disadvantaged of the USA and the world. It's astonishing Trump/Vance MAGA voters who struggle think this administration will do anything for them. What did they get from round one of Trump? Ivermectin and tossed rolls of paper towels.
I think your profile pieces are among my favorite (like the Supreme Court justices). This is a candid portrayal of JD Vance, balancing his personal challenges with his professional accomplishments. I always enjoy learning more about someone's early life and how it shaped them (whether or not I share their political beliefs). It will be interesting to see what his political future holds. Thank you for writing it.