James Orr, a Cambridge philosopher and friend of J.D. Vance, sheds light on the Vice President's controversial views on America's European allies. They discuss leaked messages revealing his alignment with Trump and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. The conversation dives into Vance's rise in the MAGA movement, the shifting dynamics of masculinity, and the impact of economic conditions on political perspectives. They also explore the transatlantic relationship amidst current global tensions, bringing a philosophical angle to pressing political issues.
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insights INSIGHT
Vance and Trumpism
J.D. Vance's vice presidency signals that the MAGA movement transcends Donald Trump.
Vance provides intellectual heft to Trumpism, giving it a coherent worldview.
insights INSIGHT
Vance's Shift on Trump
J.D. Vance previously criticized Trump harshly but now aligns with him.
This raises questions about his motivations and ideological consistency.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Orr's Relationship with Vance
James Orr knows J.D. Vance and had lunch with him days before his VP nomination.
Orr describes Vance as an independent thinker focused on America's national interest.
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In 'Of Boys and Men,' Richard V. Reeves delves into the complex and urgent crisis of boyhood and manhood. He discusses how profound economic and social changes have led to many boys and men losing ground in education, the workplace, and family life. Reeves presents detailed research on the structural challenges, including lower academic performance, declining labor force participation, and the specific hardships faced by black boys and men. He argues that both conservative and progressive politicians have failed to provide effective solutions and offers fresh, innovative proposals such as delaying boys' entry into school, increasing male teachers, and improving vocational education. The book emphasizes the need for a positive vision of masculinity in a more equal world without compromising gender equality[3][4][5].
Hillbilly Elegy
A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
JD Vance
In 'Hillbilly Elegy,' J.D. Vance recounts his life growing up in a dysfunctional family in Middletown, Ohio, with roots in Kentucky's Appalachia. The book details his experiences with poverty, addiction, and family violence, as well as his journey to joining the marines and eventually graduating from Yale Law School. Vance provides a personal and insightful look into the decline of the white working class in America, exploring themes of family, culture, and the loss of the American dream. The memoir also touches on the political swing of the region, particularly in relation to the 2016 presidential election and the appeal of Donald Trump to this demographic.
Addicted to Anxiety
Addicted to Anxiety
Owen O'Kane
Comeback
The Fall & Rise of the American Automobile Industry
Joseph B. White
Paul Ingrassia
In 'Comeback', Paul Ingrassia and Joseph B. White provide a comprehensive narrative of the American automobile industry's fall and rise. The story begins in 1982, when Honda started building cars in Marysville, Ohio, and ends over a decade later with the Big Three emerging as global competitors. The book highlights larger-than-life characters like Lee Iacocca and Henry Ford II, as well as dedicated heroes who pushed for change.
Messages accidentally sent to a journalist by senior members of the Trump administration reveal information about strikes on the Houthis in Yemen and what Vice President JD Vance privately thinks about America’s European allies. Nick and Amol talk to James Orr, who Vance once described as his “British sherpa”, about the vice president's views and how much influence he has on President Trump (7:12).
And after a huge response to last week’s episode we hear some of your messages about the issues raised by the hit Netflix drama Adolescence (42:35).
You can listen to Adolescence and the Crisis of Masculinity here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00290bg
Amol’s full interview with Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty is available here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0ktfd2w
To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you’ll get an alert every time they release a new episode.
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The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.
This episode was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley and Grace Reeve. Digital production was by Grace Reeve. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Michal Gorecki. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.
Radical with Amol Rajan 
