DiscoverThe Al Franken PodcastGeorge Packer on Vice President JD Vance
George Packer on Vice President JD Vance

George Packer on Vice President JD Vance

Update: 2025-06-01
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JD Vance has had an unorthodox rise to power. After a troubled childhood, he joined the Marines, graduated from Yale Law School, became a best-selling author, and then won a seat in the U.S. Senate. And now, at only 40, he is Vice President to Donald Trump, a man who Vance once described as "America's Hitler" and "cultural heroin."



We’re joined by The Atlantic’s George Packer. His most recent piece, “The Talented Mr. Vance,” explores Vance's political transformation and whether or not he genuinely evolved his political views or cynically abandoned his principles for ambition.



We also take a look at the Democrats' path forward. Packer shares how they can respond to Trump's appeal to disengaged voters.



Read Packer’s writing in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/george-packer/ 
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George Packer on Vice President JD Vance

George Packer on Vice President JD Vance

The Al Franken Podcast