J.D. Vance looks like a bridge to everywhere. He has strong ties to the techno-aristocrats through his buddy Peter Thiel. He’s an outspoken conservative Catholic, albeit one with a shaky relationship with the Pope. He has connections with advocates of both the Godly Society and the New Confederacy. But he has elite credentials, too; he went to Yale Law School, and he can make a presentable case to NYT readers. A bit like George W. Bush, he is a member of the establishment he ostentatiously despises. With his abilities, connections, and resentments, he seems like a perfect successor to Trump.
But he has weaknesses, too. I’ve noted his problem with his capable Indian immigrant wife. His views about heritage Americans will offend hundreds of millions of voters who, according to him, are second-class citizens. And, of course, he will have to defend every inch of Trump’s ground even if it is resoundingly unpopular in 2028. That leaves the door open to challengers who don’t have those liabilities.