EU Confidential Holiday special: Meet JD Vance’s surprising European support network
19 snips
Jan 3, 2025 
James Orr, an Associate Professor at Cambridge with strong ties to the UK's national conservative movement, and Rod Dreher, an Orthodox Christian writer linked to Viktor Orbán, dive into JD Vance's surprising rise in American politics. They explore Vance's transition from critic to supporter of Trump and how his Ohio roots influence his views. Jonathan Martin adds context on Vance's foreign policy ideas and the implications of his European connections, revealing a new breed of conservatism that blends traditional values with modern technology.
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Vance's Cambridge Connection
- James Orr met J.D. Vance at Cambridge for lunch, discussing ideas and Vance's interest in the city.
- Vance's wife had studied law at Cambridge, making it a personal retreat.
Vance's Religious and Political Views
- J.D. Vance's political outlook is rooted in Catholic Christianity, balancing individual fragility with redemption.
- He values insights from both left and right, finding a philosophical fusion in Catholicism.
Vance's Shift to Trump
- J.D. Vance's shift to supporting Trump, after criticizing him, is seen as opportunistic.
- Orr argues Vance's "Hillbilly Elegy" reflects the concerns that led to Trump's 2016 victory.
