A reviewer in The Atlantic trashes most books written by politicians and asks specifically whether J.D. even wants anyone to read “Communion.” Can we help him out here?
To the extent that J.D. has a steady job within the administration, it is largely to keep all of the different factions happy. With reactionaries, he does this primarily by making outrageous and offensive statements about Democrats and immigrants on social media. With relative moderates, however, he tries to portray himself as a thoughtful guy who constantly examines his own motives and doesn’t hate anyone. When Vance is interviewed by the NYT, he is trying to reassure people like you and me that he isn’t just an angry reactionary. “Communion” is intended to serve the same purpose.
The problem for J.D., however, is that his mixed messages damage his credibility with everyone. At least Trump doesn’t pretend to be anything he isn’t just for purposes of political expediency.