The Rest Is Politics: Episode 421 - "The Real JD Vance: The Power Behind The Man (Part 2)"

Release Date: June 27, 2025

In this riveting episode of The Rest Is Politics, hosts Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart delve deep into the enigmatic rise of JD Vance, exploring the intricate web of influences that have catapulted him from a staunch critic of Donald Trump to his Vice President and potential political powerhouse. Titled "The Real JD Vance: The Power Behind The Man (Part 2)," the episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the forces shaping Vance's ascent within the tumultuous landscape of American and global politics.

1. The Transformation of JD Vance

The episode opens with a compelling examination of JD Vance's dramatic political transformation. Rory Stewart highlights the paradox of Vance's journey:

Rory Stewart [00:49]: "Vance combines the hillbilly elegy story with the tech bro story and in doing so crosses the cusp into a whole new vision of the world, at the center of which is not democracy, but the CEO, the authoritarian, the monarch."

This juxtaposition underscores the blending of traditional populist narratives with the ambitions of modern tech elites, positioning Vance as a bridge between disparate political ideologies.

2. The Influence of Tech Billionaires

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the pivotal role played by influential tech moguls, particularly Peter Thiel, in shaping Vance's political trajectory. Alastair Campbell provides insight into Thiel's vision and his mentorship of Vance:

Alastair Campbell [00:49]: "Peter Thiel clearly saw something in Vance. He basically doesn't see Trump as the monarch, he sees Vance as the monarch. He thinks Vance is a more impressive character intellectually."

Campbell elaborates on Thiel's disdain for traditional democratic frameworks, advocating instead for a more centralized, visionary leadership model reminiscent of historical figures like Napoleon or Lenin. This philosophy is deeply embedded in Vance's burgeoning political persona.

3. From Critic to Ally: Vance's Alignment with Trump

Rory Stewart reflects on Vance's initial opposition to Trump and his subsequent alignment:

Rory Stewart [02:03]: "Vance says as a conservative and as a Christian in 2016, that Trump is Hitler and represents everything that he despises as a Christian and a conservative. And I still can't quite work out how you get from those moral and intellectual views to becoming the most obsequious follower and flatterer of Trump."

This transformation raises critical questions about the underlying motivations and influences driving Vance's shift, suggesting a complex interplay between personal beliefs and external influences.

4. Peter Thiel's Long-Term Strategy

The dialogue delves into Peter Thiel's strategic maneuvers to position himself and his protégés within the corridors of power. Campbell outlines Thiel's methodical approach:

Alastair Campbell [03:52]: "Thiel is obsessed with Lord of the Rings... he keeps producing tech companies named after Lord of the Rings. So Palantir is the globe... the venture capital firm he sets up for J.D. Vance is called Mithril... he lets JD Vance launch his business career, and he's the guy that then convinces Trump to endorse J.D. Vance when he runs for the Senate."

This strategy not only fosters a network of like-minded individuals but also embeds these figures deeply within influential political and economic structures.

5. The Vision Beyond Democracy

A recurring theme is the critique of democratic institutions and the advocacy for a more authoritarian model of governance. Campbell cites Thiel's skepticism towards democracy:

Alastair Campbell [03:52]: "Peter Thiel... said two years earlier, I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible. So this is a guy who's absolutely on the kind of sovereign individual."

This perspective is instrumental in understanding the ideological underpinnings of Vance's potential aspirations for power, where he may favor centralized authority over democratic plurality.

6. The Role of Mentorship and Financial Backing

The episode emphasizes the critical role of mentorship and financial support in Vance's rise. Rory Stewart recounts his personal interactions with Thiel, highlighting the latter's influence:

Rory Stewart [07:57]: "He’s the first person to break... Thiel is the first of these tech to really come out for Trump."

Meanwhile, Campbell points out the substantial financial investments made by Thiel:

Alastair Campbell [11:38]: "Thiel gave him 15 million. Thiel gave him his first job."

This combination of mentorship and capital has been pivotal in enabling Vance to navigate and manipulate the political landscape effectively.

7. Contradictions in Thiel's Philosophy

The hosts explore the inconsistencies within Thiel's worldview, particularly his simultaneous advocacy for technological innovation and cynical marketing tactics:

Rory Stewart [08:01]: "Instead of focusing on product, you've got to focus on sales. The product doesn't actually matter very much. What matters is the marketing and the sales."

Alastair Campbell [09:39]: "He also takes a very, very, very big bet on Trump backing him, giving him money... Peter Thiel is someone who seems to me quite enjoys the fact that people like us talk about him."

These contradictions highlight a complex strategy where genuine innovation is interwoven with manipulative tactics designed to dominate public perception and influence.

8. The Future of JD Vance in Politics

Concluding the episode, Campbell and Stewart ponder the future implications of Vance's ascendancy:

Rory Stewart [02:52]: "Will J.D. Vance be America's next president or its first king?"

Alastair Campbell [11:38]: "I think it's possible to make the case that J.D. vance wouldn't have been what he's become without Peter."

These reflections underscore the potential for Vance to either reshape the American political landscape fundamentally or concentrate power in a manner that challenges democratic norms.

Conclusion

Episode 421 of The Rest Is Politics offers a penetrating exploration of JD Vance's rise within the political arena, meticulously tracing the influences of powerful tech billionaires like Peter Thiel. Through insightful analysis and critical discussion, Campbell and Stewart illuminate the intricate dynamics between personal ambition, ideological shifts, and the overarching desire for centralized authority. This episode serves as an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand the undercurrents shaping contemporary politics and the emergence of new political figures influenced by unconventional power brokers.