JD Vance, best known for his bestselling memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy,' finds himself at the center of attention as he embarks on his political ascendance, serving as the running mate for Donald Trump. Alongside his rise, the sentiments within his hometown of Middletown, Ohio, paint a different picture—one of indifference and skepticism.
The vice presidential debate set for November 5, 2024, at the CBS Broadcast Center will showcase Vance’s political prowess. Beyond the debate platform, Vance’s narrative began with his chronicle of personal struggle and family dynamics in 'Hillbilly Elegy', which recounts his life shaped by his impoverished, tumultuous upbringing and the opioid crisis’s grip on the community.
Yet, as Vance steps onto this significant stage, the excitement typically seen for local political figures seems absent. Middletown, his hometown, has taken on holiday cheer, with Christmas lights and festivities taking center stage, hardly receptive to the fact its favorite son is on the verge of becoming vice president. The emotional disconnect is evident, and many citizens seem unaware of the historic moment their city is about to experience.
Vance's mother, Beverly Aikins, felt compelled to speak out at the city council meeting, pleading for more recognition of her son's achievements. “I still live here, and his sister still lives here in Middletown. [JD has] got two nieces who live here and I just think it would be nice if we could acknowledge...” she stated, shedding light on the lack of local acknowledgment surrounding Vance’s political rise.
The local government took over a month to recognize Vance’s election success publicly, which did not sit well with supporters, including local council members who expressed their disappointment. “It’s unacceptable,” voiced one member. While city officials later announced plans for signs to acknowledge his newly acquired status, many residents remained skeptical about the significance of Vance's achievements for the community.
Residents echoed nearly uniform sentiments of disappointment. Dr. Celeste Didlick-Davis, head of the Middletown NAACP, pointed out, “When I look around and want to see what this quote-unquote financial heavy hitter has done for this community, I’m still looking.” Her frustration encapsulates the sentiments of those disillusioned with Vance’s political contributions versus his widespread media recognition.
Local voter turnout figures tell another story. During the last election, 38% of residents opted for candidates other than Trump and Vance, reflecting growing discontent with their political narratives. Across many Middletown precincts, participation rates lagged well below the national average, with many residents expressing their disconnection from the current political climate.
A local Democratic party member, Scotty Robertson, suggested Vance's political engagement was superficial: “He’s coming back when he needs to make a political speech,” lamenting the brief appearances where Vance was purportedly present for the community. These remarks highlight the emptiness felt by many about the state's responsibility to its constituents.
Concerns escalated as local business owner Adriane Scherrer revealed sentiments shared among the women of Middletown: “I’m hearing from people who are concerned... That is really sending chills up people’s spines.” The anxieties surrounding impending changes to immigration policies stirred fear, particularly among immigrant families, and reshaped the authenticity of Vance’s connection to his hometown.
Conversely, some support Vance's success as one to celebrate, noting the possibility of inspiring future generations. Savannah Woolum, who manages a local bar, remarked, “It’s opening a lot of eyes to realizing... you can come from a small town like he did, and make it as far as he has.” Yet, she also acknowledged the political divide within the community, questioning if any additional recognition from the city would be forthcoming due to fears of backlash from those opposed to Vance.
Interestingly, Middletown did see some nod to local pride when the high school marching band and cheerleaders received invitations to perform at the inauguration parade, bolstered by the city’s financial contributions toward the trip. Mayor Elizabeth Slamka has acknowledged the city’s plans for signage celebrating Vance’s achievements, proving some positive movement amid criticism.
Nonetheless, as residents remain divided and disgruntled about the future under Vance’s potential administration, others reflect on how this experience could either uplift or devastate many locals, citing promises from Trump and Vance to cut significant public programs. Dr. Didlick-Davis voiced the concern: “I just see my community being overlooked and underserved.”
The juxtaposition between Vance's rise to national prominence and the apprehensive response from his hometown creates compelling commentary on the delicate relationship between constituency expectations and political realities. Local perceptions hold significant weight, and as Vance chases his ambitions, the question of his legacy—and the fate of Middletown—will shape the public discourse moving forward.
