Vance’s ‘Fight or Flight’ Response to Trump on Rogan

In a recent appearance on Joe Rogan’s popular podcast, Senator JD Vance of Ohio shared a gripping account of his reaction to an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Vance described the harrowing moment he believed Trump had been killed, which led him to instinctively grab his children and load his firearms while he was at a mini-golf course in Cincinnati. The conversation offered insights into Vance’s political life and his perspective as a potential vice presidential pick.

During the episode, Vance recounted the chaotic events of July 13, when he witnessed a shooter attempting to assassinate Trump. Initially, he thought the worst had happened as he observed Trump fall to the ground. Vance said this prompted an immediate and intense response, stating he went into “fight or flight” mode. “I was so pissed,” he recalled, illustrating the anger he felt in that moment. This emotional turmoil led him to rush home, where he loaded all his guns and prepared to stand guard at his front door, ready to protect his family amid what he perceived as a grave threat.

The timing of this incident is significant, as it occurred just two days before Vance was officially named Trump’s choice for vice president. He mentioned that he had met with Trump to discuss the vice presidential selection on the same day as a rally in Butler, where Trump almost brought him along to announce the appointment. This context added a personal dimension to Vance’s reflections on the assassination attempt, underscoring the close-knit relationship between him and Trump during a pivotal moment in their political careers.

Throughout the podcast, Vance and Rogan delved into various theories surrounding the assassination attempt, expressing skepticism about the details surrounding the shooter. Vance referred to the situation as “fishy,” suggesting that there were many unanswered questions about the perpetrator’s background and motivations. “I hope we win and then get to the bottom of it because I think somebody clearly screwed up,” Vance stated, highlighting his desire for clarity on the incident.

Vance also touched on his communications with Trump regarding the vice presidential role, revealing that he had been in discussions with the former president for some time prior to the announcement. He candidly admitted that he had no idea he would ultimately be chosen for the position, showcasing the unpredictability of political dynamics.

In a twist during the conversation, Vance disclosed that his phone had been compromised by Chinese cybercriminals from a group he referred to as “Salt Typhoon.” He indicated that although the hackers didn’t retrieve sensitive information, they did access some personal memes and texts sent to his wife. This breach highlighted his ongoing concerns about digital security, particularly in light of the way the hackers infiltrated his device. “The way that they hacked our phones is they used the backdoor telecom infrastructure that had been developed in the wake of the Patriot Act,” Vance explained, reflecting the broader implications of cybersecurity in today’s political landscape.

This appearance on Rogan’s podcast is part of a concerted effort by Trump’s campaign to engage younger male voters, a demographic that has historically been less active in elections. The episode came shortly after Rogan’s own extensive interview with Trump, which garnered an impressive 42 million views on YouTube. By participating in these discussions, Vance aims to align himself with the messaging and outreach strategies that resonate with this audience.

Vance’s approach mirrors Trump’s, as he has made numerous podcast appearances, including on platforms like the “Full Send Podcast.” This strategy is designed to capture the attention of young male voters, especially in contrast to Vice President Kamala Harris, who has strong support among women. During the nearly three-hour long interview, Vance and Rogan explored a range of topics, including conspiracy theories related to the pharmaceutical industry, family values, and Vance’s connections with influential figures like billionaire Elon Musk. They also discussed a recurring theme on Rogan’s show regarding perceived media suppression of free speech and ideas.

One striking statement from Vance during the podcast addressed common accusations leveled against him and Trump. He remarked, “One of the big things that me and President Trump confront all the time is the accusation that we’re somehow like in bed with Russia, which is like the dumbest thing in the world to me. I don’t really care about Russia; I just don’t think we should have a nuclear war.” This comment reflects the complexities of navigating geopolitical tensions while maintaining a focus on domestic issues that resonate with voters.

The episode’s impact was significant, as it attracted over 1.5 million views within just three hours of its release, underscoring the substantial interest in Vance’s perspectives and experiences. As the political landscape evolves, Vance’s narrative serves not only as a reflection of his personal journey but also as a representation of the broader challenges and conversations taking place within American politics today. Through candid discussions like these, he hopes to connect with voters and address the pressing issues that affect their lives while positioning himself within the larger narrative of the upcoming election.