Middletown's Lack of Celebration for JD Vance's Vice Presidency
As the days pass, the buzz surrounding JD Vance’s ascension to the vice presidency of the United States grows louder across the country. However, in his hometown of Middletown, Ohio, there’s a surprising sense of indifference. It’s not every day that a local son makes it to second in line to the most powerful office in the world, yet walking through Middletown, you wouldn't know it. The streets are festive, adorned with Christmas lights, but there’s no noticeable acknowledgment of the political milestone that is about to unfold.
This disinterest has raised eyebrows, particularly for Vance’s mother, Beverly Aikins. Feeling the absence of recognition for her son’s achievement, she took it upon herself to speak at a city council meeting, requesting that Middletown officially honor Vance. She mentioned that her son’s success had gone largely unrecognized in his hometown, where she still resides with her family. In fact, it wasn’t until a month after Vance's vice-presidential nomination that the city of Middletown even acknowledged his achievement on social media. Aikins' plea was met with silence at the council meeting, although the city has since promised to take action by placing signs around town to mark the momentous occasion.
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So, why this seeming indifference to Vance’s rise? One explanation may be the fact that, despite his fame, Vance's involvement in Middletown's progress has been minimal. Local leaders, like Dr. Celeste Didlick-Davis from the NAACP, have expressed frustration over the lack of tangible contributions from Vance. They point to his two years in the Senate, yet little visible change has been made in the community. Critics argue that Vance, who rose to fame with his memoir Hillbilly Elegy , which portrayed the struggles of growing up in a working-class, Appalachian family, has distanced himself from the needs of his hometown.
Vance’s book highlighted the struggles of poverty, addiction, and the economic downturn that hit Middletown hard after the loss of manufacturing jobs. However, his transformation from memoirist to politician saw him lean heavily into conservative rhetoric, focusing on issues like mass deportations and a harsh stance on immigration, which alienated many in his predominantly blue-collar town.
The divide is clear: while Vance has earned national recognition, his hometown remains divided. Some residents feel that his rhetoric, especially on immigration, doesn't align with the values and struggles of the working-class people of Middletown. Others, however, see Vance’s rise as a source of pride, viewing his success as proof that anyone from a small town can make it to the highest levels of government.
As Vance prepares to take office, the contrast between the national fanfare and local ambivalence is stark. While Vance’s political positions may be controversial, his success has undoubtedly drawn attention to Middletown. However, it remains unclear if this recognition will translate into real change for the city, or if the divide between Vance's political identity and the needs of his community will only continue to widen. Regardless of the outcome, the situation serves as a reminder of how the personal and political often intersect in complex ways, especially when one’s rise comes at the expense of a community’s long-standing issues.
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