S4 Ep46: MAGA According to JD Vance (with Ian Ward)
Aug 17, 2024
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Ian Ward, a POLITICO reporter, sheds light on JD Vance's complex relationship with Trump and the evolving 'new right' movement. Vance’s controversial views and aspirations create a fascinating discussion on the future of the GOP. They delve into Project 2025's struggle within Trump's sphere, highlighting its conflicts and implications. Ian analyzes how Vance’s elite background both aids and hinders his connection with voters, raising questions about his credibility and the ideological shifts shaping modern conservatism.
JD Vance's evolving relationship with Trump highlights a broader trend within the GOP as members maneuver towards a new populist ideology.
Project 2025 symbolizes the conflict within conservative organizations between traditional values and the radical shifts introduced by Trump's administration.
The emergence of the New Right showcases a generational shift among conservatives, emphasizing nationalism and economic protectionism over previous establishment beliefs.
Deep dives
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J.D. Vance's Political Evolution
J.D. Vance's trajectory in the GOP reflects a significant shift, particularly following his alignment with Donald Trump. Initially critical of Trump, Vance's rhetoric transformed as he sought connections with influential figures like Tucker Carlson and Peter Thiel. His changing stance symbolizes a broader trend within the party, showcasing how some members pivot towards Trumpism while trying to carve out a new ideological niche. This shift indicates that Vance could represent a future faction within the GOP that aligns with Trump's populism while attempting to shape it into a more structured political ideology.
The Heritage Foundation's Internal Struggles
The Heritage Foundation faces challenges such as internal dysfunction and political miscalculations while navigating its role in supporting Trump's policies. Project 2025, aimed at mapping out Trump’s agenda, reflects the organization's struggle between traditional conservative values and the more radical ideas introduced by the Trump administration. Despite being deemed essential by the campaign team, the project has been seen as politically toxic by Trump, leading to conflicts about its direction and personnel. This ongoing rivalry highlights the tensions within conservative organizations as they adapt to the changes brought forth by Trump's influence.
Public Perception of Project 2025
Public sentiment about Project 2025 is mixed, showcasing a lack of familiarity among many voters, particularly among Trump's base. Some see it as a collection of extreme proposals that lack substance, while others recognize it as merely advisory in nature without expecting Trump to follow it verbatim. Reactions from Trump voters also highlight a common understanding that political conversion can be pragmatic, allowing Vance to grow his rapport with a base that often appreciates candidates who evolve their views. This dynamic underscores a greater tolerance among voters for changes in alignment, particularly for those who resonate with Trump's broader agenda.
The New Right Movement's Emerging Influence
The emergence of the New Right within the GOP is marked by a confluence of nationalism, economic protectionism, and cultural conservatism. Figures like J.D. Vance are positioned to lead this ideological shift, focusing on issues like immigration reform and tariffs while also tapping into a discontent with traditional establishment politics. This movement is part of a larger trend, as younger conservatives gravitate towards a redefined conservative identity that rejects previous ideologies in favor of a more populist approach. The potential for a coalition of like-minded representatives indicates a slowly evolving landscape within the Republican Party, shaped significantly by Trump’s legacy.
JD Vance's evolution on Trump over the years has left voters wondering what he really believes. But our guest this week can shed some light on that. POLITICO's Ian Ward joins Sarah to discuss his reporting on JD Vance and the "new right" more broadly. They also discuss Ian's reporting from inside Project 2025, and the role it may play in a future Trump administration...regardless of what Trump says.
