151 Comments
Aug 1Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

Well I guess I'm one of the few that wanted JD Vance LOL and I don't regret it at all. The left would've taken down anyone that was put in that place. Although I think Tulsi would've been the ultimate pick.

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I read a few interviews and op-eds from him before I had a narrative to influence me. Was really impressed by some of his ideas, and his story. Reading his book now, which has been surprisingly emotional. My dad was a hillbilly from the same area as Vance. That was always incredibly embarrassing to me, but the book has been healing. I feel like I understand my dad, my grandparents, and that whole side of the family (even myself) so much better now. Anyway, I recommend the book.

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I cried my way through his book a few weeks ago. I love what you have to say. It brought healing for me too. I had a mentally ill and drug addicted mother who could not parent me and thank God for my grandparents.

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🥲🥲glad you good LW

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I bought the audio version as soon as it was published, have never cried so much while listening/reading a book. I absolutely love that JD's life story is making the underserved rural communities a topic of discussion this election season - the DC elitists need to provide them with real support and respect. They've been neglected and rejected by those in positions of power.

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I listened to the audiobook. It was very emotional listening.

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I did love his documentary - he has such an amazing story of resilience and determination

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I read his book recently. I now identify as Hillbilly.

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I stand corrected, it's "The Outlaw & The Hillbilly"

https://www.dodside.com/products/womens-the-outlaw-and-the-hillbilly-print-v-neck-t-shirt

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Thanks for the link 🇺🇸

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I need that 🙌🏻

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Oh, the tshirt & hat is already out there! Saw it on my IG feed last week - "The Felon & The Hillbilly."

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We should wear tshirts that declare we now identify as hillbillies 😂

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Haha! Yes!

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Think JD is terrific I’m surprised today at Jessica!

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Tulsi!!

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I like JD Vance, as well. He won't get a fair shake by the media, but that is a given. I would have LOVED Tulsi.

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I don’t trust him. He whole story seems fake. His story is similar to Obama.

He gets a book deal. He becomes a senator. Now he’s looking at the Whitehouse. Plus he wears makeup that we all notice. Why does he require eyeliner? Oh and he’s raising his kids to be Catholic and Hindu? Yeah, seems weird.

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Aug 1·edited Aug 1

Trust him trust Trump you won’t be sorry and you won’t look back - the other side are lunatics they have destroyed us and have nothing left to offer America

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So I actually think he has double layer eyelashes..like Elizabeth Taylor had. I don’t see the “obvious” eyeliner some find annoying. But I had someone say to me last week they like RFK Jr but his voice is just too annoying to vote for him. Finding fault with anything but policies is very shallow, IMO.

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I would think Obama’s story is fake before JD’s. I’m sure JD’s life before the book (especially after Oprah crucified “A Million Little Pieces” author for taking liberties and essentially untruths in an autobiography) was scrutinized.

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Have you read his book? My dad’s side of the family is hillbilly, and the sayings, cultural ideas, and family patterns in his upbringing are exactly what I grew up with. Hillbilly culture is very unique & geographically specific. You can’t fake it

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I was raised at the foot of the Appalachian mountains in Western Pa. I felt everything about his childhood growing up there. I heard a pollster say people doubting him are forgetting something very important. 28% polled like him because they identify with his growing up years because they live in poverty, drug abuse and low income households. That’s a significant percentile of our population. Having doubt because of his eyelashes and not his policies and life experiences is pretty shallow.

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I like him too. He's well spoken. He adds a coherence to the team. 🙏🇺🇸

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Yes…Tulsi would have been the ultimate pick!!!! 💔

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I too wanted JD Vance, he represents the American Dream. In the VivaBarnes Locals community we've been following his political career and were cheering for him to win the Senate seat. He's hated because he's pulled himself out of poverty and became a savvy business man who started a nonprofit to help ordinary folks with drug problems. And he married a Brown Immigrant - shattering the rural White Supremacist Trump supporter trope. 🙄

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I don’t see eyeliner, but I do wonder if he has double lashes? Elizabeth Taylor had them as well. Here’s an article that explains the gene mutation. https://www.thevintagenews.com/2018/07/22/dark-outlined-eyes/

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Yeah I didn’t think he had eyeliner, I can’t imagine him getting up every day and applying it that well, especially with his background. I thought he just had thick eyelashes. Some men have prettier eyes than women do!

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I think he does have double lashes like Elizabeth Taylor

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I think it’s double lashes, and they put makeup on people who will be on tv/photgraphed. Some of the “eyeliner” could be mascara smudge

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I posted this too! Great minds...

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Yes! I think that too!

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Thank you! My view exactly.

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Perhaps

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1. Kellyanne is NOT to be totally trusted. Nobody with that shitty a spouse and daughter should be totally trusted.

2. JD definitely does NOT wear eyeliner. Y’all are jealous.

3. Almost 3 weeks in and we’re still riding this cat lady story. They have NOTHING on him.

4. He’s a Marine. He’s been at war. He’s not scared of Cumala Emhoff or her White Dudes for Harris.

5. Holy shit are you Ronnie’s secret love child???

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It feels like the election is already decided. Kennedy seems completely out of touch, spending much of his time boating or other activities to prove his vigor, which is a luxury most can't afford right now. His VP is nowhere to be seen. Trump is fixated on trivial issues, coming across as rambling and disorganized. The best asset they have is JD’s wife, who unfortunately isn’t speaking out. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris, despite her many many flaws, will likely secure votes. The Democrats and those in power see her as a controllable figure, open to the highest bidder, which is worrying for America given the existing issues with our food, water, and pharmaceuticals.

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Trump really needs to choose his words wisely when he speaks. I know he struggles to be an eloquent speaker but he needs a coach. Someone one who can teach him that less is more. Kennedy is the only one that is talking about policy and not getting into name calling with the other two. The democrats are just plain scary. Trump can get the job done. Bobby might too. But the VPs- I just don't know.

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For the love of God, are you all blind to what he did the 4 years that he was in office? I don't want an eloquent speaker, I want a guy that is going to get the job done. Our country is a freaking mess and we are worried about being eloquent. Sheesh...

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Wow. I would like for Trump to win, but he needs to win and I do not think he is going to get the votes he needs if he doesn't tone it down. Did you read what I wrote? "Trump can get the job done"- meaning I believe HE will get the job done IF he wins. He has to win first.

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Sorry if that came off has hostile. Not my intentions at all. Just frustrated that instead of supporting the guy that did get the job done and will get the job done again, we are criticizing him. We should leave that to the other side.

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yes. I am frustrated as well and that is why I want him to tone down the vitriol and talk about policy. People on the fence will be listening and are not thinking about what he did 4 years ago....

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Are we listening to the same Trump? All I've heard is what his policies will be. Also, a quick google search to Trumps website will enlighten the people on the fence. And if the last 4 years haven't shown a stark contrast to what Trump did, they were never really on the fence in the first place.

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He will!

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Common sense at last!🇺🇸🇺🇸

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Yes!!

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Vote Trump/Vance they are our best bet in spite of President Trump’s flaws which in my humble opinion enhance him - he is the Man for the moment we have got to get our country back on track if we going to have a better America.

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Also something people saying about JD Vance besides eyeliner is that 28% of people were raised or are living in exactly the same way he grew up. Poverty and drug problems in the family! They identify with him. That’s a lot of people!

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Yip it’s a lot of people

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Yes!!

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Not to mention a possible world war aka Ukraine, Turkey, Syria, Africa etc

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“Childless dog lady for JD” speaking here & I would have adored if picked Tulsi for the VP slot, but whoever Trump picked, the media would have smeared to smithereens. Makes you wonder what clips & soundbites his other top choices would have regretted?

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Honestly, him getting smeared is what made me realize that. Literally anyone else would also get the exact same treatment

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For what it is worth, I don’t see the resemblance to Reagan but I really needed that laugh. Thank you!

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Yes you do.

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I cannot unsee the Reagan resemblance now🤭😂🤣🫣

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Nope

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I agree. I don't see it either!! I really tried to see it, but it did not happen for me!

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Maybe I should show you my childhood photos

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I don’t see it either?! Also, eyeliner? You think so? I think it’s his eyelashes?! He’s a hairy guy??

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I think the medication made Jessica a bit crazy today

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The fake adderall scared me for her. It’s not safe to take others meds, first of all. Secondly, who knows what’s in them! Be careful Jessica!

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Like the vaccine!

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I think a side by side of photos would be helpful. I went looking myself :)

I'm popping homeopathic ADHD pills all day trying to stay focused and your email in the inbox was just one more distraction to add to the day :)

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We need a side by side comparison!

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You were smart to take only 1/2 pill! Another persons chill is another’s ill!

Resemblance to Reagan? Nope- Just don’t see it- at all!

Anniston and Barrack?!

JD? I hate they’re tearing into him. As for the pick? Oh I wish we could change! Tulsi- RFK…

Trump needs to stick to policies policies policies… illegals, inflation, crime. He can do that AND still keep his marvelous sense of humor.

Anyone else feeling the world tilted like a carnival ride? Jessica you mirror the landscape beautifully!! Keep writing!

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Yes! I agree.

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Yes to all!

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The fun of reading various substacks is getting a wide variety of viewpoints and thoughts to ponder. I admit to being a huge Vance fan since the RNC. Prior to that, I knew more of him as author of Hillbilly Elegy than of his political stance. Yesterday, I read an interesting article by Alex Berenson on JD Vance. (he is not a fan). I refer to this because Berenson then published a response by "K" who is a retired reader on fixed income. The reader's response was perfect on Vance's appeal to those in the Midwest, Heartland or better known as "Deplorables"! When I look at Vance, I see someone who is relatable and authentic. His appeal is even greater because he is more of an outsider in Washington and, I believe, that was an advantage in choosing him. This election will be incredibly important. Just look at the change in Venezuela in less than a generation. It is horrific. I hope we can move the trajectory of the United States so we do not find ourselves in the same boat. I believe that Vance can help Trump accomplish this so the US can get back on the path to success and freedom. We owe it to our children and grandchildren.

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Loved that Alex posted the reader email- so good, and the number of people in the comments offering to purchase subscriptions for those who can't afford it gave me hope for the US.❤️

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Please try to stress less, I for one am not going anywhere, literally stopped doing paperwork in my home office when I saw this…such a good read….love your posts… Don’t worry we’ll wait for the next one!❤️

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Look up photos of JD - there is a one of him at perhaps 6ish. His eyes look the same. I disagree he's rockin' the eyeliner. I think stage make-up is normal but his eyes look incredible even as a child.

I didn't have strong feelings about VP other than I did not want "Little Marco." I'm good with JD but think he needs to work at capturing an audience when he's on his own. I didn't read the book but cheated and watched the movie. I liked it. He is proof a kid can be poor and bullied and not turn into an asshole.

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Ok Jess. This. THIS article is why I love you. The eyeliner squiggles over JD's photos. The reference to Kendrick with 'they are not like us'. L O effin L. Amazing and Brava! Give this Reagan look alike (I don't see it?) a Pulitzer, Peabody, Oscar and Emmy. xoxox from LA!

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Yes! All of this! My thoughts exactly… the DETAILS 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

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I think the fact that they are trying to pin him as weird and all in sync with this message, is a sign that they know that he is the right pick. Why would I care what MSM thinks or the Democrats? Also, its 2024, why are being so cruel about what a person looks like? Listening to RFK is like nails on a chalkboard. Just pointing this out makes me cringe. Please stop with the cruelty.

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This was very fun to read, but I’m still waiting for those psychic prophecies!! 😉

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same!!

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Establishment Repubs don’t like JD because he’s a class traitor. He rose to riches from nothing then didn’t like what he saw up there. His pro-working class economic ideas threaten them. Batya Unger-Sargon just wrote a good piece on this: https://www.compactmag.com/article/why-the-media-turned-on-j-d-vance/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZRG1PE6ER0o5V6yzhJ3y6ME8n9ee9EKTzbu9ZxpJTUFZRe1SkT1IHOK_M_aem_ZdIeCfTUJ0y5WJg80SKhFw

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Exactly.

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👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

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I’m an old Tea Party Ron Paul supporter and I do not trust JD whatever his name is Vance. Have y’all even looked at his narrative? Reminds me of BHO.

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It’s just another manic…. But wait it’s Wednesday 😮!

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This. Is. Great. Will you be writing up something or interviewing Nichole? We really need more on her. She is not around and I worry that she struggles with being in the public eye. You are doing a fantastic job on or off adderall, but it sounds like you need to stay away from it!

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I really want to feature Nicole. Yes!

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