Pete Buttigieg on JD Vance | Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)

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At the convention, one of the significant moments is when a presidential candidate unveils their vice-presidential pick. In this scenario, it's JD Vance. When asked about Vance, Pete Buttigieg shared his thoughts, essentially noting similarities and differences between them. Both from the Midwest but different regions, Buttigieg mentioned knowing many individuals like JD Vance, not just from his time growing up in Indiana but also in later years.

JD Vance's significant backer is Peter Thiel, known for starting PayPal and being a billionaire Silicon Valley figure who is also openly gay. The contradiction between Thiel's support for Vance, who opposes gay marriage, was highlighted. Buttigieg finds this contradiction profound but also simplified it by pointing out that very wealthy individuals often support parties that favor policies beneficial to the rich.

Buttigieg explained the seeming paradox of Silicon Valley figures, like Thiel, supporting candidates who back Trump, despite Silicon Valley's reputed stance on issues like climate change and science. He narrowed their interests down to wealth and influence rather than ideology.

A personal anecdote provided by Buttigieg illustrated a pattern he noticed in individuals like JD Vance: the tendency to say whatever necessary to advance their careers. He drew a comparison between JD Vance and Mike Pence, both of whom pivoted their stances dramatically for political gain. JD Vance, who was once critical of Trump, is now a vehement supporter, undergoing a transformation similar to Pence. Pence, who began his career advocating for evangelical and family values, ultimately supported Trump, leading to conflicted outcomes, culminating in Trump supporters calling for his execution after he acted on a point of principle during the Capitol riot.

Buttigieg expressed a human sentiment, hoping that JD Vance's political journey doesn't end as tumultuously as Pence's did.

Keywords

Pete Buttigieg
JD Vance
Vice Presidential Candidate
Peter Thiel
Gay Marriage
Silicon Valley
Republican Party
Mike Pence
Donald Trump
Political Career

FAQ

1. Who is JD Vance's significant backer?

JD Vance's significant backer is Peter Thiel, a billionaire who started PayPal and is openly gay.

2. Why is Peter Thiel's support of JD Vance seen as contradictory?

It is seen as contradictory because Peter Thiel is gay, while JD Vance is against gay marriage.

3. What did Pete Buttigieg observe about JD Vance’s political stance?

Pete Buttigieg observed that JD Vance, like many he’s known, says whatever is necessary to advance his career, which is why Vance shifted from being anti-Trump to a strong supporter.

4. How does Buttigieg compare JD Vance's trajectory to another politician?

Buttigieg compares JD Vance’s trajectory to that of Mike Pence, who also made significant ideological shifts for political gain but ended up in a conflicted situation.

5. What does Buttigieg suggest about Silicon Valley figures supporting Trump?

Buttigieg suggests that the support is less about ideology and more about very wealthy men backing a party that favors policies beneficial to their wealth.