Joining the discussion is George Packer, a Staff writer at The Atlantic, known for his insightful coverage of American society and foreign policy. They dive into J.D. Vance’s dramatic political shift from reflective memoirist to a figure of controversy. Packer questions whether Vance genuinely believes in his new rhetoric or if he's simply catering to power demands. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of political corruption and extortion, drawing parallels between Vance’s identity and loyalty within the current political landscape.
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insights INSIGHT
Unprecedented Trump Corruption Scale
The Trump administration's corruption is historically unprecedented in scale and boldness.
It functions more like extortion with Trump as the active architect seeking direct payments for favors.
insights INSIGHT
Vance's Complex Moral Struggle
J.D. Vance has complex interiority, unlike Trump who is instinct-driven.
Vance struggles between knowing right and wrong but chooses power and loyalty over morality.
insights INSIGHT
Vance’s Self-Justifying Turn
Vance likely convinced himself he was doing right despite betraying earlier values.
He rationalized that elite policies harmed his class, justifying his turn to Trumpism.
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The Talented Mr. Ripley is a 1955 novel by Patricia Highsmith that follows Tom Ripley, a young American con artist who travels to Italy to persuade Dickie Greenleaf to return home. As Ripley becomes increasingly obsessed with Dickie's lifestyle, he commits a series of crimes to assume his identity. The novel explores themes of identity, morality, and the blurred lines between reality and deception. Highsmith's portrayal of Ripley as a charismatic yet amoral character has captivated readers and inspired numerous adaptations.
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On this episode of The David Frum Show, David opens with a Memorial Day message about corruption and extortion in the Trump White House, including revelations about meme-coin pay-to-play schemes and foreign-financed golf courses.
Then David is joined by his Atlantic colleague George Packer to discuss Packer’s new profile of Vice President J. D. Vance. They examine Vance’s sharp political turn from thoughtful memoirist to contemptuous shape-shifter, and debate whether Vance believes what he says or just knows what power demands.
David closes the episode with a reflection on Edward Luce’s new biography of Zbigniew Brzezinski and what Brzezinski’s legacy says about American power today.
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The David Frum Show 
