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

00:00:00

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."

00:00:16

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.

00:21:56

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.

00:44:36

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.

00:50:32

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.

00:57:51

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

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