Vance's Unfiltered Texts Reveal Controversial Views and Connections

JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, engaged in a series of candid text exchanges with Charles Johnson, a controversial right-wing blogger, over a 20-month period. These communications, which began the day after Vance's Senate election in November 2022, offer insight into the senator's unfiltered views on various topics.

Vance's correspondence with Johnson reveals his casual approach to discussing sensitive matters, including foreign policy and domestic politics. The senator's comments often aligned with his public statements but were expressed more bluntly in private.

One notable exchange occurred in October 2023, when Vance wrote to Johnson:

"Dude I won't even take calls from Ukraine. Two very senior guys reached out to me. The head of their intel. The head of the Air Force. Bitching about F16s."

This statement highlights Vance's skepticism towards U.S. involvement in the Ukraine conflict, a stance he has maintained publicly.

Vance's interactions with Johnson also demonstrate his willingness to engage with fringe political figures. The senator has previously defended this approach, stating in a 2021 speech:

"Believing crazy things is not the mark of whether somebody should be rejected. Believing important truths should be the mark of whether we accept somebody, and if they believe some crazy things on the side, that's fine."

The texts reveal Vance's thoughts on various controversial topics, including the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, UFOs, and the death of Jeffrey Epstein. He also expressed skepticism about Johnson's claims of being a government informant.

Regarding Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu, Vance defended the Israeli Prime Minister against Johnson's criticisms. However, Vance's characterization of Netanyahu's past positions on Iraq and Iran was inaccurate, as Netanyahu had supported the U.S. invasion of Iraq and advocated for regime change in Iran.

Vance's comments about political donors, particularly the late Sheldon Adelson, were notably candid. When discussing Adelson, Vance wrote, "Never met him. Hes dead. Don't care." This statement came despite Adelson's widow, Miriam, having contributed to Vance's campaign.

As Vance's political profile has risen, culminating in his selection as Trump's running mate on July 15, 2024, these private communications offer a glimpse into the mindset of a politician who has embraced unconventional alliances and controversial views. The revelations have sparked debate about Vance's approach to politics and his readiness for higher office.