JD Vance: From Hillbilly Elegy to Vice Presidential Nominee
By Megyn Kelly
Meeting JD Vance
In 2017, I first met JD Vance, a year after his memoir, *Hillbilly Elegy*, became a New York Times bestseller. The book, which dropped during the 2016 election cycle, was JD's personal account of growing up in Appalachia, dealing with severe family turmoil, poverty, societal decay, abuse, and addiction. While not explicitly political, it provided Coastal Elites with insight into why Trump's message resonated with working-class Americans and helped propel him to victory. JD quickly became known as the voice of the Rust Belt.
Growing Up in Appalachia
JD's early years were spent in the backwoods of Jackson, Kentucky, where he was born into a proud hillbilly family. His book describes his family's violent tendencies, painting a vivid picture of the harsh environment he grew up in. His family moved to Middletown, Ohio, a once-thriving steel town that became a casualty of globalization. JD witnessed the decline of his community as jobs disappeared and the basketball courts became overgrown with weeds. He describes his home as a "hub of misery."
A Childhood of Trauma
JD's parents divorced when he was a toddler, and his father abandoned him. His mother, Beverly, struggled with addiction, eventually turning to heroin. She brought a series of men into their home, some of whom were abusive. JD's childhood was marred by trauma, including an incident where his mother, after a fight, drove erratically and threatened to crash and kill them both. JD jumped out of the car and ran for help, leading to his mother being taken away by the police.
The Role of Family
JD's sister, Lindsay, who was five years older, played a crucial role in his survival. After his mother's arrest, JD went to live with his strict, no-nonsense grandmother, whom the family called "Mamaw." She had 19 loaded guns in her house and was a significant influence in JD's life. Mamaw instilled in JD the belief that he could overcome any obstacles and achieve anything he set his mind to. This mindset was crucial in JD's eventual success.
Military and Academic Success
JD enlisted in the Marines and served in Iraq, returning home as a more disciplined and motivated young man. He attended Ohio State University, completing his degree in two years with summa cum laude honors and a double major. He then achieved the seemingly impossible: admission to Yale Law School, where he met his future wife, Usha, and was mentored by Professor Amy Chua, author of *Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother*. Chua encouraged JD to write his memoir and to consider marrying Usha, who she saw as a positive influence on him.
Returning Home and Entering Politics
By 2017, JD had returned to his home area after a stint in San Francisco working for investor Peter Thiel. He was determined to make a difference locally. During my interview with him, JD expressed hesitation about entering politics, despite his wife's encouragement. Less than eight years later, JD Vance stands as a potential vice-presidential nominee for the Republican Party, embodying the American Dream and carrying on Trump's political legacy.
Dealing with the Past
JD's journey is inspirational, but it's also a reminder of the enduring impact of childhood trauma. In our conversation, JD admitted that he probably hasn't fully dealt with everything from his past but sees his memoir as the beginning of a lifelong process of healing. His bond with his sister Lindsay remains strong, a testament to the resilience and support that helped him survive his tumultuous upbringing.
Acceptance and Future Prospects
Yesterday, JD Vance accepted the nomination for vice president at the GOP convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At 39, he represents the embodiment of the American Dream, having overcome significant odds to reach this point. His story resonates with many, offering hope and inspiration to those facing similar struggles.