J.D. Vance's Shame Spiral

Excerpt from Ron Reagan's substack article


Despite leaking that he had been a lone anti-war stalwart among Trump’s toadies, he dutifully climbed aboard the war-wagon once the die had been impetuously cast. Perhaps because Vance had ever-so-gently demurred on the question of Trump’s Persian excursion, he was subsequently dispatched to Islamabad on a fool’s errand.

With no real experience in international diplomacy and little appreciation for the complex issues involved, he was to face off with seasoned Iranian negotiators and somehow hammer out a deal in a single marathon session. Not to worry, he was accompanied by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, so at least there was the prospect of a real estate deal. Kharg Island Resort and Spa, anyone?

Vance sounded a note of optimism as he emerged from the meeting, but Trump quickly pulled the Isfahan rug out from under his vice. The Iranians and the rest of the world were left with the impression Vance was not a serious player and, what’s more, didn’t speak for the administration. Not a good look for Mr. President-in-Waiting.

I’m guessing Trump, who doesn’t like the smell of other people’s ambition, got a whiff of J.D.’s musk and decided to take him down a peg or three.

It got worse. Vance is preparing to publish his 2028 campaign autobiography. That tome will reportedly feature an account — I won’t say heartfelt because I’m not sure that applies — of his conversion from Protestantism to Catholicism. Maybe not a great time to pick a fight with the Pope.

https://open.substack.com/pub/ronpreagan/p/jd-vances-shame-spiral