Hillbilly Elegy director Ron Howard has taken a swipe at JD Vance, suggesting that Donald Trump’s Republican running mate has “changed” since he first met him.

Earlier this year, Vance was selected to be Trump’s possible vice president in the 2024 US presidential election race – but before his political career, he was known for being the author of memoir Hillbilly Elegy, which was later adapted into a Netflix film of the same name.

Since being announced as Trump’s running mate, Vance has been criticised for comments that saw him refer to women, such as Trump’s presidential rival Kamala Harris, as “childless cat ladies”. This prompted swift backlash and accusations of sexism, with Vance claiming the remarks were made in “sarcasm”.

  • bamboo@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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    9 days ago

    One of Vance’s former friends detailed the downfall of their friendship as Vance rose in politics. Despite their differences they were still friendly until 2021. Full article : https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/27/us/politics/jd-vance-friend-transgender.html

    During their last text exchange that was outlined in the article, they had this to say:

    “I know I can’t change your mind but the political voice you have become seems so far from the man I got to know in law school,” wrote Nelson, later explaining their position “as a trans person who accessed needed health care so I could live a full life.”

    It does seem like Vance did 180 from someone equating Trump to Hitler to Trump’s running mate in just a few years.

    • shinratdr@lemmy.ca
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      9 days ago

      I don’t even know why this is a question, people can absolutely be radicalized in a short period time, especially the apolitical. Even faster when large sums of money are involved.