J.D. Vance heir to Buchanan's radical politics, not just Trumpism

J.D. Vance's political trajectory is increasingly viewed as a continuation of Patrick Buchanan's more radical conservative ideology, rather than a direct inheritance of Donald Trump's political movement. Buchanan, a prominent Republican figure, expressed concerns in the late 1980s about a perceived erosion of Judeo-Christian values in America. He criticized secular leftist movements for imposing their values, policing orthodoxy, and promoting what he saw as a disdain for American history.

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the „once-Christian country” had abandoned the Judeo-Christian values he was raised on as a Catholic.

Buchanan also voiced strong opposition to free trade, viewing protectionist measures as essential for the West's economic health. He famously condemned the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and advocated for tariffs on goods from Japan and China. His foreign policy stance evolved towards isolationism, encapsulated in his "America First" slogan, and he expressed firm views on immigration, questioning the right of undocumented individuals to enter the country and receive welfare.

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A secular leftist movement with „its own methods for punishing heretics and policing orthodoxy”, was imposing its values by obsessing over perceived racism, sexism and environmental harm, spreading socialism, censoring speech and teaching young Americans to despise their history.

Vance's political transformation, particularly his embrace of Trumpism after initially expressing skepticism towards Donald Trump, is seen by some as a more profound alignment with Buchanan's foundational ideas. This shift is further contextualized by Vance's simultaneous conversion to Catholicism. While Trump's politics are characterized by pragmatism and a focus on projecting global power, Vance's recent book, "Communion," suggests he identifies more as an heir to Buchanan's grander societal transformation goals.

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an absurd ‘trade war’ to restrict Asian products as „an act of almost terminal stupidity for the West”.

The article posits that Vance represents a more radical political force than Trump, driven by deeply held ideological convictions reminiscent of Buchanan's critiques of secularism, economic liberalism, and globalism. This perspective suggests that Vance's political project aims for a more fundamental societal overhaul, guided by a specific vision of cultural and religious restoration.

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They’ve got no right to break our laws and break into our country and go on welfare.