Fresh Air The Talented Mr. Vance
97 snips
May 28, 2025 
George Packer, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'The Unwinding', discusses the intriguing political evolution of JD Vance, declaring him the most compelling figure within the Trump administration. Packer delves into Vance's complex background, tracing his journey from Appalachian poverty to political prominence. The conversation highlights Vance's shifting narratives on class and identity amid the political upheaval following Trump's election, revealing how personal beliefs shape broader political trends.
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Vance's Complex Political Identity
- J.D. Vance is a complex figure, capable of deep reflection but also political use of identity for power.
- He may represent the future direction of the MAGA movement and Republican Party.
Vance's Rise from Appalachian Roots
- Vance rose from poverty and family trauma to thrive in high school, the Marines, Ohio State, and then Yale Law.
- His journey exemplifies dramatic social mobility from Appalachian roots to elite American institutions.
Disillusionment with Iraq War
- Vance became disillusioned by the futility of the Iraq war even before his deployment.
- This experience shaped his cynical view of America's global democratic mission.
