JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, has publicly portrayed his transformation from a Trump critic to a fervent supporter as a result of the former president's White House achievements. However, recently uncovered private messages from 2020 paint a different picture, challenging Vance's narrative and raising questions about his political evolution.
In February 2020, Vance privately expressed harsh criticism of Donald Trump's economic policies, stating, "Trump has just so thoroughly failed to deliver on his economic populism (excepting a disjointed China policy)." This statement stands in stark contrast to Vance's public assertions of Trump's success in implementing a populist agenda for disadvantaged Americans.
Moreover, Vance predicted Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election, writing in June of that year, "I think Trump will probably lose." This forecast contradicts Vance's subsequent public claims that the election was stolen from Trump.
These revelations add a new layer of complexity to Vance's political journey. As the author of "Hillbilly Elegy" and a Yale Law School graduate, Vance initially gained prominence as a conservative voice critical of Trump. He voted for independent candidate Evan McMullin in 2016, describing Trump as "reprehensible" and "cultural heroin."
Vance's campaign spokesman, William Martin, defended the 2020 messages, stating that Vance's assessment of Trump's economic failures was aimed at "establishment Republicans" rather than Trump himself. However, this explanation does not address Vance's prediction of Trump's electoral defeat.
The private messages also reveal Vance's thoughts on various political issues. In May 2020, he expressed concern about the economic impact of pandemic lockdowns while acknowledging the seriousness of the virus. This view contrasts with his later stance as a senator, where he pushed to ban federal mask mandates and criticized public health experts like Anthony Fauci.
Interestingly, Vance showed openness to progressive ideas such as Medicare for All in early 2020, describing it as "maybe a net positive." This position differs significantly from his recent advocacy for rolling back Affordable Care Act regulations.
"You're playing a strategic game, the same as me."
This statement, made by Vance in February 2020, suggests a calculated approach to his political career, raising questions about the authenticity of his public positions.
As Vance continues his campaign as Trump's running mate, these revelations may impact public perception of his political journey. The contrast between his private criticisms and public support for Trump highlights the complex nature of political evolution and the challenges of maintaining consistency in the public eye.