From Hillbilly Elegy to the National Stage: J.D. Vance's Softened Image and Trump Loyalty at the RNC

In a pivotal moment for both his political career and the Republican Party, Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio took center stage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Known for his bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” and his recent rise as one of Donald Trump's most ardent defenders in Washington, Vance's keynote speech as Trump's vice-presidential pick marked a significant shift in his public persona. This address, carefully crafted to introduce Vance to a broader American audience, revealed much about the Republican strategy heading into the 2024 election.

Vance, who has gained a reputation in Washington as one of Trump's staunchest and most combative supporters, presented a markedly different image during his convention speech. Just days before, in the wake of an assassination attempt on Trump, Vance had taken to social media with characteristic ferocity, blaming President Biden and calling a top Democrat a “scumbag” for previous legislation. However, the man who appeared on the convention stage was a stark contrast to this MAGA warrior image.

Instead of fiery rhetoric, Vance opted for a softer, more personal approach. He spoke warmly of his family, sharing anecdotes about telling his children to go to sleep and expressing deep affection for his mother and grandmother. This strategic shift aimed to humanize Vance, presenting him as a relatable figure to a massive portion of Americans who have yet to form an opinion about him. Recent polling shows that 48% of the country has not developed a stance on Vance, with only 22% viewing him favorably and 31% unfavorably.

While Vance did briefly touch on the perceived persecution of Trump, mentioning “abuse, slander, and lies,” he quickly pivoted away from confrontational language. Instead, he focused on Trump's calls for calm and national unity, presenting a more measured and conciliatory tone. This approach seemed calculated to appeal to moderate and undecided voters who might be put off by more aggressive political rhetoric.

Throughout his speech, Vance made it abundantly clear that his role is secondary to Trump's. Unlike previous vice-presidential candidates who may have used the convention spotlight to establish their own political identity, such as Sarah Palin's headline-grabbing performance in 2008, Vance was careful not to overshadow the former president. This approach underscores a key theme of the convention: the centrality of Donald Trump to the Republican Party's identity and strategy.

A huge portion of Vance's address was dedicated to appealing to blue-collar voters, a crucial demographic in swing states. Leaning heavily into his Appalachian roots and his background as detailed in “Hillbilly Elegy,” Vance referred to himself as a “Hillbilly” and emphasized his understanding of working-class issues. This strategy aligns with the broader Republican effort to maintain and expand their support among working-class voters, particularly in key Midwestern states like Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Vance's focus on these states was evident when he playfully chided the Ohio delegation for their enthusiastic cheers, reminding them, “We've got to chill with the Ohio love; we've got to win Michigan, too.” This moment highlighted the campaign's awareness of the electoral map and the importance of appealing to voters beyond traditionally Republican strongholds.

However, Vance's rhetoric about fighting for workers and unions stands in stark contrast to his political record and the Trump administration's history with labor unions. Vance promised that under a Trump-Vance administration, they would fight for “working men, union and non-union alike,” and shift focus from Wall Street to Main Street. Yet, this messaging conflicts with Vance's 0% rating from the AFL-CIO in 2023 and Trump's reputation for anti-union policies during his presidency.

This disconnects between rhetoric and policy presents a significant challenge for the Trump-Vance ticket. While their populist message may resonate with some working-class voters, skeptics point out the lack of substantive policy backing. Labor expert Harley Shaiken of the University of California noted, “To court workers is very different than being pro-labor. The rhetoric comes easy, and the rhetoric can sometimes be appealing. But when there's no follow-through, it's very damaging.”

The Republican strategy to appeal to blue-collar workers seems to rely heavily on cultural issues, particularly immigration. The convention featured strong anti-immigration rhetoric, positioning it as a threat to American jobs. This approach mirrors right-wing populist movements globally, using immigration as a rallying point for working-class support.

As the convention progressed, it became increasingly clear that this event was less about the Republican Party as a whole and more about Donald Trump specifically. The presence of the Teamsters president at the convention, while not an endorsement, signaled the pressure some union leaders feel from their members who are drawn to Trump's cultural messaging, if not his labor policies.

Looking ahead to the general election, Vance's performance at the RNC raises several questions. Can his softer, more relatable image overcome his reputation as a fierce Trump loyalist? Will the disconnect between his pro-worker rhetoric and his policy record become a liability? And perhaps most importantly, how will Vance balance his role as Trump's subordinate with the need to appeal to a broader electorate?

As the campaign unfolds, it will be crucial to watch how Vance navigates these challenges. His ability to maintain this more moderate persona while still satisfying the MAGA base could be a key factor in the Republican ticket's success. Moreover, his performance in reaching out to blue-collar voters in swing states may prove pivotal in what promises to be a keenly contested election.

The convention's final night, featuring Trump's address, will likely set the tone for the campaign moving forward. As the party rallies around its leader, the success of the Trump-Vance ticket will depend on their ability to expand their appeal beyond the core Republican base while maintaining the enthusiasm of their most loyal supporters. In this high-stakes political ballet, J.D. Vance's transformation from “Hillbilly Elegy” author to potential vice president will be a fascinating subplot in the larger drama of American politics.