J.D. Vance’s Addition by Subtraction

There is a simple but easily forgettable aphorism in politics that prescribes humbly asking for voters’ support rather than merely expecting it. That seems straightforward, but it’s easily forgotten by candidates who succumb to the temptations toward pomposity that accompany efforts to persuade voters of their strength and self-assuredness. The inverse also applies. Voters who are consistently told that they are not wanted tend to take the hint.

J. D. Vance has become a proficient practitioner of this latter style — addition by subtraction. In a recent sit-down interview with Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk, he demonstrated his talent for dissuasion. There, the GOP’s vice-presidential nominee reacted to the positively shocking news that former representative Liz Cheney will not vote for Donald Trump. In response, Vance rattled off a response evocative of the hollow, lazy, emotionally manipulative left-wing prattle any Republican over the age of 40 has spent their entire adult lives voting against:

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

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There is a simple but easily forgettable aphorism in politics that prescribes humbly asking for voters’ support rather than merely expecting it. That seems straightforward, but it’s easily forgotten by candidates who succumb to the temptations toward pomposity that accompany efforts to persuade voters of their strength and self-assuredness. The inverse also applies. Voters who are consistently told that they are not wanted tend to take the hint.

J. D. Vance has become a proficient practitioner of this latter style — addition by subtraction. In a recent sit-down interview with Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk, he demonstrated his talent for dissuasion. There, the GOP’s vice-presidential nominee reacted to the positively shocking news that former representative Liz Cheney will not vote for Donald Trump. In response, Vance rattled off a response evocative of the hollow, lazy, emotionally manipulative left-wing prattle any Republican over the age of 40 has spent their entire adult lives voting against:

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.