On January 20, 2025, J.D. Vance will be sworn in as the nation's president. 50th Vice PresidentThe third youngest person in history after john breckenridge and richard nixon. His climb from the hills of Kentucky to industry in Ohio to the battlefields of Iraq to Yale University captures the quintessential American success story. Vance, who has been both poor and rich, anti-Trump and pro-Trump, civilian and military, leaves Americans wondering, “Who will be next?”
The answer may be the most powerful vice president in American history. Mr. Vance could use his intellectual ability, his relationships with Congress and venture capitalists, and his competitive roots to expand the vice president's powers and lead America in a new direction.
Vance's historic path to power resembles that of another hillbilly vice president. lyndon johnson. Mr. Johnson rose from a difficult life in the Texas Hill Country to become a member of the House of Representatives by the age of 26, a senator by the age of 40, Senate Majority Leader by the age of 46, and vice president by the age of 52. walked the path to Johnson used relationships to tip the scales of power. A favor to realize his ambitions.
In 1937, Johnson received significant financial support from Herman Braun while running for Congress. Brown & Root. Johnson forged a bond with the future speaker during his time in the House and Senate. Sam Rayburn From Texas richard russell jr. Originally from Georgia. Johnson and his wife Lady Bird frequently entertained (separately) bachelors with significant political capital. Their dinners created an informal forum for Mr. Johnson to seek advice and discuss political strategy.
Vance met venture capitalist Peter Thiel. “Techno-libertarian” in lecture He called it “the most important moment of my time at Yale Law School.” He joined Mr. Thiel's venture capital firm, Mithril Capital, and later co-founded Narya Capital with key individuals. investment From teal. Thiel then invested while Vance was running for the Senate in 2022. $15 million In order for Vance to close the economic gap with his competitors and ensure victory.
In a short time, Vance had formed “many current allies in the Senate.” Sense. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Shelley Moore Capito (R-Va.), and Thom Tillis (R-Utah). he also has great strength relationship New Right thinkers such as Donald Trump Jr., Cabinet nominees Marco Rubio and Patrick Deneen, and Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts.
During his time in the Senate, Mr. Johnson effectively leveraged his relationships to build cross-party coalitions and pass legislation. he believed, “Power is where power goes.” As vice president, Johnson planned to use his influence as a senator to serve as a bridge from the White House to Congress. With the help of the new Senate majority leader, mike mansfield Mr. Johnson had hoped to be elected chairman of the Democratic conference.
But Johnson overreached, and the plan failed. Despite setbacks, Johnson helped pass JFK during the 87th Congress. new frontier However, his role was limited due to his rivalry with Robert Kennedy Jr.
Vance's hand is probably stronger than Johnson's. Mr. Vance will be working for an aging lame-duck president rather than a young, vibrant, once-in-a-generation leader. Mr. Vance's relationships with Silicon Valley donors paid for the campaign. The slim majority means President-elect Donald Trump will rely on Vance's relationship in the Senate to finalize his Cabinet picks. Unlike Johnson, who was on the outside of Kennedy's inner circle, Vance is central to Trump's side.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Resignation A leadership vacuum remains in the Senate, and Vance is uniquely positioned to fill it. Like Johnson, McConnell was a master of Senate procedure and a guru of fundraising. Mr. Vance has advanced to this field by frequently presiding in the Senate, learning procedures, participating in policy negotiations, leveraging relationships to broker important policy deals, and strategically leveraging tie-breaking votes. There is a possibility of participation. Additionally, Vance's ties to Silicon Valley donors position him to be a key player in new Republican fundraising efforts.
If President Trump recognizes Vance's growing influence and reacts in an unexpected way, Vance's status as vice president would make him the only person in Trump's inner circle who cannot be fired. If circumstances warrant, Vance's influence could extend to invoking the 25th Amendment. President Trump was notorious for his erratic behavior during his first term in office. impeached twice. Suppose Trump goes off script again and becomes destructive to himself, his party, or his country. It's not far-fetched to think that Mr. Vance could use his relationships with the majority of the Cabinet to force his removal.
Political power is a thinking human game, run by money, built on relationships, and empowered by people. Vance's success story from the Kentucky hills to the vice presidency shows he has the potential to wield that power in ways never seen before.
Vance has ties to Congress and donors, and represents a part of America that has been forgotten by the “WASPs of the Northeast.” He could lift Johnson up from Congress to the White House and help pass much-needed immigration reform and get the debt under control.
Vance is at a crossroads. He has the potential to redefine the vice presidency because of his unique alliances and keen sense of the dynamics of an unrepresented America. Whether he chooses to build bridges or consolidate his power will shape not only his legacy but also the future of the country.
Jeff Mayhugh is the founding editor of Politics and Parenting and vice president of No-Cap Funds.
