Vance Shares Story of Tragic Job Loss

During a speech on Friday, Vice President JD Vance captured the attention of a lively crowd by sharing the poignant story of Kevin Flanagan, a California computer programmer.

Vance was addressing supporters of gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio) in Middletown, Ohio, when he narrated Flanagan’s experience.

“No man is a king if they can’t take their family out to dinner without being mugged or having their car jacked,” he stated, setting a somber tone.

He reminisced, “I can remember times when a schoolmate would mention that their dad had lost his job. It was always heartbreaking to hear that the factory where their parents worked was relocating overseas, perhaps to China or Mexico.” Vance reflected on how, in some instances, American workers found themselves not just jobless, but informed they’d be replaced by foreign workers whom they were instructed to train. These stories resonated with him, sticking in his mind for years.

“Let me tell you about one case. A computer programmer named Kevin Flanagan lost his job at a bank. The bank told him that he’d receive his severance package only if he trained his foreign replacement first,” Vance recounted.

“It’s deeply distressing because he did comply; he trained the replacement as requested. On his last day, he gathered his belongings, went out to the parking lot, got into his truck, and ended his life.” The audience fell silent as they absorbed the gravity of his story. Vance connected this tragedy to the broader opioid crisis as well.

“This is not just about Kevin, as we can see. Economists have linked the opioid crisis to the very regions where jobs have been outsourced,” he continued. “And while open borders have allowed for the entry of innocent people, they have also facilitated cartels and the spread of fentanyl, resulting in countless children being raised by distressed grandparents.”

The memory of Flanagan’s death in 2003 drew national attention. In a note he left, Flanagan expressed that he finally felt a sense of belonging when he secured his position at Bank of America.

Vance also drew inspiration from the populist message of Louisiana Democrat Senator Huey P. Long from the 1930s, stating, “Huey Long’s vision was ‘every man a king.’ But, of course, no man can claim that title when their home is besieged by criminals.” He concluded with the reminder that true kings are those who can safely take their families out to enjoy a simple dinner.