Newly announced as Trump’s running mate, JD Vance has become a powerful voice in the new American right.
In the lead-up to the 2024 US presidential election, the political landscape has been starkly polarized. Once the outsider, Donald Trump now faces a re-election bid that highlights the rift between a divided America. The election is becoming a referendum not just on his controversial presidency but on a broader ideological divide, with his policies growing more mainstream in an age of global uncertainty.
One prominent figure emerging from the shadows of this right-wing shift is JD Vance, the Ohio senator and bestselling author of Hillbilly Elegy. Vance, who has been floated as one of Trump’s top choices for vice president, represents a new form of conservatism that blends economic nationalism with social conservatism. His rise signals a significant realignment within the Republican Party as it embraces populist sentiment rooted in the experiences of working-class America, particularly in the post-industrial heartlands of the country.
Vance’s political evolution has been dramatic. Once a critic of Trump, he now passionately supports the president’s populist vision, advocating for the revitalization of American manufacturing and a stern stance on immigration. Vance has criticized both the Biden administration’s liberal internationalism and its failure to confront domestic issues such as the decline of traditional working-class communities. For Vance, the message is clear: America must abandon the failed policies of free trade and open borders that have eroded its industrial base and contributed to societal fragmentation.
Vance’s background, shaped by the struggles of his Appalachian upbringing, informs his political vision. He advocates for a more community-oriented approach to governance, one that recognizes the importance of family structures while also embracing social reforms that address the economic decay plaguing rural America. His personal narrative, rooted in overcoming hardship, has made him a relatable figure for voters who feel alienated by both elites and the entrenched political establishment.
Vance’s vision for America challenges the status quo. He questions the globalist policies of the Democratic Party, which continue to support immigration and the free movement of labor. His stance on immigration, in particular, sharply contrasts with Biden’s open-border rhetoric, advocating for more restrictive measures to protect American workers from being undercut by cheap labor.
Furthermore, Vance’s brand of social conservatism is not just about limiting immigration or strengthening borders—it’s about fostering a sense of national pride and rebuilding communities devastated by economic decline. This includes returning manufacturing jobs to America, which he sees as a key strategy for revitalizing the country’s economy and countering the hollowing out of the American middle class.
The political dynamics of the 2024 election are shaping up to be a battle of ideologies, with Vance’s populist conservatism representing a stark contrast to Biden’s post-neoliberal policies. While Biden has embraced some of Trump’s economic nationalism, such as tariffs and industrial policy, Vance argues that these efforts are insufficient without a more radical overhaul of America’s economic and social systems. His vision for America is one where national identity, economic self-sufficiency, and strong family values are central to restoring the country’s former strength.
Despite his rise in popularity, Vance’s policies and rhetoric have not been universally embraced. Critics argue that his economic nationalism is divisive and that his social conservatism could further alienate already marginalized groups. However, Vance’s supporters see him as a figure who can bring about real change, challenging the political elites who have failed to address the issues of working-class Americans for decades.
As the election approaches, Vance’s influence is only set to grow. His ability to articulate the frustrations of America’s disillusioned electorate makes him a powerful force in the conservative movement. Whether or not he becomes Trump’s running mate, JD Vance’s brand of populist energy is likely to shape the future of the Republican Party for years to come.