What Next - Does JD Vance Have the Juice?

This episode of Slate's 'What Next' dissects the recent string of failures and political missteps that have plagued Vice President J.D. Vance, positioning him as a central figure in the evolving narrative of Trumpism post-Trump. Host Mary Harris, joined by senior political correspondent Asawin Soobseng, examines Vance's disastrous diplomatic missions to Hungary and Islamabad, both of which ended in public fiascos—Orban's crushing electoral defeat and the collapse of Iran peace negotiations. The episode argues that Vance, once hailed as the 'anti-war' face of MAGA and a potential successor to Trump, is now being used as a political scapegoat for the most unpopular aspects of the Trump administration, including an illegal war in Iran. The analysis reveals a growing disconnect between Vance’s public persona as a principled outsider and his behind-the-scenes role in advancing a hawkish foreign policy, undermining his credibility and amplifying his reputation as a 'phony' and politically opportunistic figure. The episode concludes with a sobering assessment: Vance’s strategy of survival through elimination of rivals and code-switching may not be enough to overcome his historically low approval ratings and the toxic brand of Trumpism he now embodies.