Americano James Orr on the ascendancy of JD Vance
Oct 21, 2025
James Orr, a Professor of Religion at the University of Cambridge and a keen observer of American politics, discusses JD Vance’s prospects for the presidency. He argues Vance is likely the GOP's future star, assessing his strengths and weaknesses. Orr highlights how Vance's close ties to Trump could either bolster or complicate his political journey. He also examines Vance’s emphasis on free speech, his handling of cancel culture, and how Trump's influence is shaping politics on both sides of the Atlantic.
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Vance Is The Presumptive MAGA Dauphin
- J.D. Vance is widely seen as the presumptive MAGA successor because Trump chose him as VP and delegates power to him.
- That delegation plus Vance's visibility makes his 2028 prospects unusually strong within the movement.
Real Power And Experience, Not Pence's Fate
- Vance differs from Mike Pence in talent, political agility, and alignment with MAGA's new governing style.
- He benefits from a cabinet-focused administration that hands him real experience rather than marginalising him.
Vance As The Intellectual Face Of Trumpism
- Vance is seen as an articulate framer of Trumpism, blending nationalist economics with cultural conservatism.
- That intellectual framing makes him memetic and appealing across elite and populist audiences.