Best of The Axe Files: Sen. JD Vance
Digest
David Axelrod interviews JD Vance, author of "Hillbilly Elegy," about his upbringing in Appalachia and the struggles of the white working class. Vance describes his family's history of poverty, addiction, and violence, and how these issues have impacted his own life. He discusses the decline of the industrial economy in Ohio and the role of trade and automation in job losses. Axelrod and Vance explore the impact of the absence of a father figure in Vance's life and the importance of work for dignity and self-worth. They also discuss the opioid crisis and its devastating effects on rural America. Vance shares his perspective on the appeal of Donald Trump, arguing that he tapped into a sense of frustration and resentment among working-class whites who feel left behind by the political and economic system. He also discusses the importance of trust in institutions and the role of the media in a democracy. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the importance of personal responsibility and the need for government to play a role in addressing the challenges facing the white working class.
Outlines
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Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast and its host, David Axelrod. It also mentions that the episode will feature a conversation with JD Vance, author of "Hillbilly Elegy."
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JD Vance's Upbringing and Family History
This Chapter delves into JD Vance's personal story, focusing on his upbringing in Appalachia and the challenges his family faced. Vance describes his grandparents' migration from Eastern Kentucky to Ohio, their struggles with poverty, and the chaotic and traumatic family life he experienced. He discusses the habits and emotional baggage his grandparents brought with them from their impoverished background and how these factors contributed to the instability of his own childhood.
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Vance's Military Service and Education
This Chapter explores JD Vance's decision to join the Marine Corps after high school and the impact it had on his life. He describes how his military service provided him with stability and important social skills, and how it helped him to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Vance also discusses his subsequent education at Ohio State University and Yale Law School, highlighting the frenetic trajectory of his life since leaving the Marine Corps.
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Diminished Trust in Institutions and the Rise of Conspiracy Theories
This Chapter examines the erosion of trust in institutions, particularly among the white working class. Vance discusses the prevalence of conspiracy theories in his former community, citing examples such as those surrounding the 9/11 attacks, Obamacare, and the government's role in the Newtown massacre. He expresses concern about the potential for further radicalization among those who feel disillusioned with mainstream institutions.
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Vance's Political Philosophy and the Role of Government
This Chapter explores JD Vance's political philosophy, which he describes as communitarian conservatism. He argues that government can play a positive role in addressing social problems, but that it cannot solve them entirely. Vance emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and civic engagement, and expresses concern about the decline of mediating institutions such as churches and community organizations. He also discusses the limitations of the social welfare state in promoting class mobility and the need for a more robust approach to workforce development.
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Vance's Return to Ohio and Potential for Public Service
This Chapter focuses on JD Vance's decision to move back to Ohio after working in Silicon Valley. He explains his deep-seated homesickness and his desire to contribute to his home state. Vance discusses his plans to found a nonprofit organization to address the opioid crisis and his potential interest in running for public office in the future. Axelrod encourages Vance to consider public service, highlighting the importance of bright and successful individuals engaging in the political process.
Keywords
Hillbilly Elegy
A 2016 memoir by JD Vance that explores the struggles of the white working class in Appalachia. The book became a bestseller and was adapted into a film in 2020. It is considered a significant work in understanding the social and economic challenges facing rural America.
Appalachia
A mountainous region in the eastern United States, encompassing parts of West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Appalachia is known for its rugged terrain, rich cultural heritage, and history of poverty and economic hardship. The region has been a focal point of discussions about the decline of the American industrial economy and the social and economic challenges facing the white working class.
White Working Class
A social and economic group in the United States that is typically defined as white, non-Hispanic, and employed in blue-collar or manual labor jobs. The white working class has been a significant demographic group in American politics and culture, and its economic and social challenges have been a subject of much debate and discussion. The term has gained renewed attention in recent years due to the rise of populism and the perceived decline of the white working class in the face of globalization and automation.
Opioid Crisis
A public health emergency in the United States characterized by a surge in overdose deaths related to opioid drugs, such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers. The crisis has disproportionately affected rural communities and has been linked to factors such as poverty, unemployment, and a lack of access to healthcare. The opioid crisis has become a major political and social issue, with calls for increased funding for treatment and prevention programs.
Donald Trump
The 45th president of the United States, known for his populist and nationalist rhetoric. Trump's presidency was marked by controversy and division, and his policies have had a significant impact on American politics and society. Trump's appeal to the white working class, particularly in rural areas, has been a subject of much analysis and debate.
Economic Anxiety
A feeling of uncertainty and insecurity about one's financial future. Economic anxiety has been identified as a key factor in the rise of populism and the political polarization of the United States. It is often associated with concerns about job security, income inequality, and the perceived decline of the middle class.
Trust in Institutions
The level of confidence that people have in government, media, and other social institutions. Trust in institutions has been declining in the United States and other developed countries, and this trend has been linked to factors such as political polarization, economic inequality, and the rise of misinformation. The decline of trust in institutions has been seen as a threat to democratic governance and social cohesion.
National Service
A program that requires all citizens to perform a period of service to their country, typically in the military, government, or community organizations. National service has been proposed as a way to promote civic engagement, build social cohesion, and address social problems. However, it has also been criticized as a form of forced labor and a potential infringement on individual liberty.
Workforce Development
The process of providing individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to participate in the labor market. Workforce development programs can include training, education, and job placement services. The importance of workforce development has become increasingly apparent in the face of technological change and the automation of jobs.
Geographic Mobility
The movement of people from one place to another, often in search of better economic opportunities. Geographic mobility has been a key factor in the economic development of the United States, but it has declined in recent decades. The decline of geographic mobility has been linked to factors such as the rising cost of housing, the decline of manufacturing jobs, and the increasing concentration of economic opportunity in major metropolitan areas.
Q&A
What are some of the key challenges facing the white working class in Appalachia, as described by JD Vance?
Vance highlights several challenges, including poverty, addiction, family breakdown, and a sense of decline in their communities. He attributes these issues to a combination of factors, such as the decline of the industrial economy, the opioid crisis, and a lack of trust in institutions.
How does Vance explain the appeal of Donald Trump to the white working class?
Vance argues that Trump tapped into a sense of frustration and resentment among working-class whites who feel left behind by the political and economic system. He believes Trump's message resonated with those who feel that the economy is rigged against them and that the political class is out of touch with their concerns.
What is Vance's perspective on the role of government in addressing the challenges facing the white working class?
Vance believes that government can play a positive role, but that it cannot solve these problems entirely. He emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and civic engagement, and advocates for a more robust approach to workforce development and education.
What are some of the policy levers that Vance believes could be pulled to address the challenges facing the white working class?
Vance suggests focusing on workforce development, particularly community and technical education and apprenticeships. He also emphasizes the importance of geographic mobility and calls for policies that make moving to areas with more opportunity more attractive. He criticizes zoning and land use regulations that make it difficult for poor people to live in areas with high employment.
What is Vance's view on the role of the media in a democracy?
Vance believes that the mainstream media is an important civic institution, but that it must be careful to guard its credibility in the age of social media and misinformation. He expresses concern about the potential for further radicalization among those who feel disillusioned with mainstream institutions.
What is Vance's personal story and how has it shaped his perspective on the challenges facing the white working class?
Vance's upbringing in Appalachia, marked by poverty, addiction, and family instability, has deeply informed his understanding of the struggles faced by many in his former community. His experiences have led him to advocate for policies that address the root causes of these issues and promote opportunity for all Americans.
What is Vance's view on the importance of work for dignity and self-worth?
Vance believes that work is not just about a paycheck, but also about dignity and self-worth. He expresses concern about the impact of automation on jobs and the need to prepare people for the next generation of work.
What is Vance's perspective on the opioid crisis and its impact on rural America?
Vance describes the opioid crisis as a devastating problem that has disproportionately affected rural communities. He shares his personal experience with his mother's struggles with addiction and highlights the need for increased funding for treatment and prevention programs.
What is Vance's view on the role of the military in American society?
Vance believes that the military plays an important role in educating people about social skills and providing a sense of shared purpose. However, he expresses concern about the growing cultural segregation between those who serve in the military and those who do not, and the potential for this to undermine social cohesion.
What is Vance's view on the importance of personal responsibility and civic engagement?
Vance believes that personal responsibility and civic engagement are essential for addressing the challenges facing the white working class. He argues that government can help, but that it cannot solve these problems entirely.
Show Notes
Ohio Sen. JD Vance made news this week when GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump selected Sen. Vance as his running mate. But Sen. Vance didn’t start out a Trump fan. Once a harsh Trump critic, he slowly transitioned to all-out supporter. Sen. Vance spoke with David in 2017 about his life and bestselling book “Hillbilly Elegy,” what it was that attracted working class voters to President Trump, and his political opinions on the social and economic difficulties facing everyday Americans.
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