J.D. Vance’s Long Con: From “Hillbilly Elegy” to Trumpism
From Critic to Convert: The Author of Hillbilly Elegy Reinvents Himself in the Era of Trump — But Is It Authentic or Opportunistic?
J.D. Vance, author of the 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy, once emerged as a prominent commentator on the challenges facing America’s white working class. His book was praised for shedding light on the socio-economic struggles of Appalachia, earning Vance a reputation as a bridge between two different Americas: the rural poor and the cultural elite. However, Vance’s recent political transformation — from a critic of Donald Trump to an ardent supporter — raises questions about his authenticity, ambition, and motivations.
A Transformation Rooted in Opportunism
When Hillbilly Elegy was first released, Vance was viewed as an anti-Trump voice who critiqued Trumpism as a harmful force for the white working class. In 2016, he publicly condemned Donald Trump, calling him a “bigoted huckster” and lamenting that Trump’s rhetoric made marginalized groups like immigrants and Muslims fearful. Vance’s book positioned him as an insider-outsider — an Appalachian who “made it” and could speak both to the struggles of rural poverty and to the liberal elite.
Fast forward to 2022, and Vance’s political persona has drastically shifted. He is now running for a U.S. Senate seat in Ohio, aligning himself with Trump’s populist base and embracing far-right figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene. Vance’s new rhetoric includes frequent criticism of “woke capitalism,” liberal institutions, and the so-called “ruling elite.” This pivot has drawn criticism, with many seeing it as less a sincere change of heart and more a calculated move to gain political advantage in a Republican Party increasingly defined by Trump’s brand of politics.
A Questionable Claim to Appalachian Authenticity
Critics argue that Vance’s claims to represent Appalachian culture are overblown. Vance grew up in Middletown, Ohio — a suburban town far removed from the rural poverty he describes in his book. Many in Appalachia believe Vance leveraged his family’s background to craft a narrative that portrays Appalachians as backward, violent, and dependent — stereotypes that play into existing biases about the region.
William H. Turner, a scholar from Harlan County, Kentucky, challenges Vance’s portrayal of Appalachia, pointing out that many Black people and immigrants in the region have achieved middle- and upper-class success. Turner argues that the struggles of Appalachia have more to do with external economic forces, like the collapse of the coal industry and the opioid crisis fueled by pharmaceutical companies, than with any inherent cultural deficiencies. This perspective undermines Vance’s argument that Appalachia’s problems are self-inflicted or culturally ingrained.
Aligning with the Populist Right
Vance’s critics also highlight his alignment with far-right political figures as evidence of opportunism. His embrace of Marjorie Taylor Greene, known for her conspiracy theories and inflammatory rhetoric, has particularly raised eyebrows. Vance has also criticized what he terms “woke capitalism” and has argued that nonprofits like Harvard and the Ford Foundation should be taxed, calling them “social justice hedge funds.” However, this stance appears hypocritical given Vance’s own ties to Silicon Valley venture capitalists, particularly Peter Thiel, who has donated millions to Vance’s campaign.
Vance’s current political rhetoric borrows heavily from the culture-war playbook, railing against topics like critical race theory and gender language. These issues, while salient to certain parts of the far-right base, have little direct relevance to the pressing economic and social challenges facing Ohio. Furthermore, his willingness to endorse or repeat unsubstantiated claims — such as allegations about migrants “eating pets” in Ohio — demonstrates a strategic choice to appeal to conspiracy-minded voters.
The Vance Conundrum: Is It Authenticity or Ambition?
The metamorphosis of J.D. Vance raises questions about authenticity. Was Vance ever genuinely invested in the welfare of Appalachians, or was his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, always a stepping stone for his political career? Many former admirers now see him as pandering to populist rhetoric to gain political favor, rather than advancing a meaningful dialogue about the challenges facing rural America. His critics argue that Vance’s new persona is less about policy and more about positioning himself favorably in the modern Republican Party.
A Calculated Political Gamble
Vance’s transformation is a gamble. He seeks to appeal to Trump’s base while maintaining the moderate appeal that made Hillbilly Elegy a success. Whether he can do so without alienating the coalition of voters who once saw him as a bridge between different parts of America remains uncertain. His critics argue that his opportunistic shift suggests he is more interested in advancing his political career than in addressing the systemic issues he once claimed to care about.
Conclusion: The “Long Con” and Its Implications
Vance’s journey from author to politician reflects the broader trend of weaponizing populist rhetoric in American politics. For many in Appalachia, Vance’s narrative was never about them — it was about his ambition and willingness to change his message to fit the moment. As Ohio’s Senate race unfolds, Vance’s ability to maintain credibility while navigating his ideological shifts will be a key factor in determining his political future. If voters see his transformation as a “long con,” it may signal not just an elegy for Vance’s political aspirations but also for authentic representation of Appalachia in American politics.
In conclusion, J.D. Vance’s career pivot from cultural commentator to political opportunist illustrates the complexities of modern politics, where ideological consistency often takes a backseat to the pursuit of power and influence. The question remains whether Ohio voters will see through what some perceive as Vance’s opportunistic rebranding or whether they will buy into his new persona.
