JD Vance Endorses Far-Right Views in Speech on Extremist Book

In December 2023, JD Vance delivered a speech defending a white nationalist convicted of 2016 election disinformation. Vance also discussed breaking up tech companies, criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, and described a social media “censorship regime” as having originated from the deep state.

His speech was at the launch of “Up from Conservatism,” a book praised by the now Republican vice-presidential candidate and primarily authored by members of the far-right Claremont Institute.

The book calls for repealing the Civil Rights Act, investigating the effects of the “gay lifestyle,” defunding colleges and childcare, and promoting male-dominated industries to reduce female participation.

Vance’s endorsement of the book could further spotlight his extreme views and affiliations. Neither Vance’s Senate staff nor the Trump and Vance campaigns responded to inquiries about his appearance at the book launch.

In a preserved broadcast by C-Span, Vance’s speech at the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington DC on 11 December can be viewed. The event launched “Up from Conservatism,” edited by Arthur Milikh from the Claremont Institute’s Center for the American Way of Life.

Milikh said the book examines the right’s mistakes over decades pertaining to immigration, universities, and the administrative state. However, the book seems aimed at promoting a new right focused on confronting the left, which it sees as tyrannical.

In the introduction, Milikh writes of the left as an enemy promoting a “tyrannical conception of justice” irreconcilable with American values. He describes the new right as a counterrevolutionary force, even suggesting that they must “learn to rule.”

Vance congratulated the authors and echoed themes from the book. He criticized conservative reluctance to wield power and suggested that Republicans should act decisively.

Brad Onishi, author of “Preparing for War,” noted that Vance and his associates endorse using big government to enforce conservative values, such as restricting immigration and outlawing pornography.

Vance acknowledged government overreach, claiming that the most egregious part of the deep state is the Department of Justice, which he accused of prosecuting political opponents, including Donald Trump.

He referenced Douglass Mackey, who was charged with conspiracy for distributing disinformation during the 2016 election. Mackey produced an image suggesting African Americans could vote via text, which prosecutors said misled at least 4,900 people. Mackey was convicted in 2023 and sentenced to seven months in prison, although he was granted bond pending appeal.

Far-right figures have defended Mackey, falsely claiming he was prosecuted for memes or political beliefs rather than election interference. Vance suggested appointing Department of Justice officials who align with conservative culture war values.

Vance also recounted a conversation advocating for imprisoning tech CEOs instead of breaking up companies, reflecting his audience’s radical desires.

He defended the Fraternal Order of Police, praising them as a barrier against chaos, and criticized diversity efforts in the airline industry, suggesting qualifications should be merit-based, especially for critical professions like surgeons and pilots.

His comments align with a rightwing narrative suggesting DEI programs compromise safety and quality. However, diversity programs have not significantly altered the demographic composition of the pilot workforce, which is predominantly white and male.

Vance also propagated a theory of tech companies colluding with the deep state to censor content during the 2020 election, implicating the FBI.

“Up from Conservatism” espouses reactionary views on several issues. John Fonte criticizes the progressive narrative of civil rights and proposes federal intervention in education to oppose DEI initiatives and narratives of systemic racism.

David Azerrad urges conservatives to reject accusations of racism and adopt policies recognizing racial disparities in outcomes. He suggests eliminating affirmative action and addressing issues like crime and academic achievement in Black communities.

Helen Andrews advocates against subsidizing college and childcare, promoting male-dominated industries, and reducing support for working mothers.

Scott Yenor argues for a return to traditional marital norms and attacks the current “Queer Constitution” that he claims promotes non-traditional sexual behaviors. He suggests the state should regulate citizens’ sex lives and calls for new obscenity laws and investigations into pornography companies.

Yenor and Milikh also recommend overhauling the education system and defunding certain academic disciplines, criticizing universities’ focus on social justice.

Onishi remarked that while such proposals may lack widespread appeal, the New Right envisions imposing them through a powerful executive branch led by a loyalist president.

Source: The Guardian