Michael Steele, former Chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), characterized the upcoming vice presidential contest between Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) as a clash between “Hillbilly Elegy” and an authentic “hillbilly.” Speaking on MSNBC, Steele likened Vance’s memoir to a portrayal of elite academia versus Walz’s grounded rural experience.
Vance’s memoir, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, chronicles his life growing up in poverty-stricken Middletown, Ohio, and his experiences with addiction. A Marine veteran and Yale Law School alumnus, Vance discusses the transformation of Appalachia’s political landscape and his tumultuous family life.
Michael Steele frames the vice-presidential contest as a narrative battle between JD Vance’s memoir and Tim Walz’s lived rural experience
Walz, hailing from West Point, Nebraska, and moving to southern Minnesota in the 1990s, has a history of service with the Army National Guard and has built a reputation for connecting with rural and veteran voters. Steele praised Walz’s narrative, noting its strength in appealing to those who resonate with his background.
Following Walz’s selection as Harris’s running mate, he criticized former President Trump and Vance, even challenging Vance’s hunting skills. Vance, who joined the GOP ticket at last month’s Republican National Convention, congratulated Walz while labeling him as “far left” and questioning Harris’s choice over Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D).
Steele rejected claims that Walz is excessively progressive, highlighting his moderate record and achievements like universal free school meals for Minnesota students. He acknowledged that Walz’s handling of the George Floyd protests might be a challenging issue but expressed confidence in the pick’s strength. Republicans have criticized Walz for his handling of the protests and progressive policies, labeling him a socialist.
