J. D. Vance’s Bargain With the Devil
Summary
David Frum discusses the unprecedented scale and nature of corruption in the Trump administration, framing it as extortion facilitated by pay-to-play schemes and punitive actions, unlike any previous US historical scandals. He then speaks with George Packer about J.D. Vance's political transformation, debating his authenticity, focus on 'his people' versus the nation, and role as a disciplined ideologue who may represent the future of a narrow, brutal political vision. The episode concludes with a reflection on Zbigniew Brzezinski's legacy and his belief in American ideals compared to Henry Kissinger's pessimism.Episode description
On this episode of The David Frum Show, David opens with a Memorial Day message about corruption and extortion in the Trump White House, including revelations about meme-coin pay-to-play schemes and foreign-financed golf courses.
Then David is joined by his Atlantic colleague George Packer to discuss Packer’s new profile of Vice President J. D. Vance. They examine Vance’s sharp political turn from thoughtful memoirist to contemptuous shape-shifter, and debate whether Vance believes what he says or just knows what power demands.
David closes the episode with a reflection on Edward Luce’s new biography of Zbigniew Brzezinski and what Brzezinski’s legacy says about American power today.
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