The Al Franken Podcast George Packer on Vice President JD Vance
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Jun 1, 2025 
In this fascinating discussion, George Packer, a staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the political metamorphosis of JD Vance, who shifted from vocally criticizing Trump to becoming his vice president. Packer examines whether Vance's change is genuine belief or political ambition. The conversation also touches on class divides, the evolution of political rhetoric, and how Democrats can effectively engage disenchanted voters. Packer's insights shed light on the complexities of modern American politics and the influence of cultural divides.
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Vance's Complex Political Shift
- J.D. Vance shifted from criticizing Trump as "cultural heroine" to becoming his ultra-MAGA vice president.
- His transformation blends some genuine evolution with opportunistic political ambition.
Vance's Military Experience and Impact
- Vance served in the Marines as a public affairs enlisted man and returned disillusioned about the Iraq War.
- This experience parallels many veterans who felt the war was a lost and unnecessary cause.
Vance Embodies America's Class Divide
- Vance's Yale days highlight the deep divide between the working class and meritocratic elite.
- His Indian immigrant wife represents the insider culture that he had to navigate with guidance, embodying America's complex class gap.
