Liliputin-5215

Turncoat J.D. Vance is nothing else but an empty suit ... "
Bill Maher

Liliputins. What, the heck, is this ?
http://stihi.ru/2021/11/24/7101

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turncoat

A turncoat is a person who shifts allegiance from one loyalty or ideal to another, betraying or deserting an original cause by switching to the opposing side or party.

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An empty suit is someone who appears powerful, wise, or competent, but is actually not very good at their job.
A sharp-dressed senator who has never accomplished anything on Capitol Hill might be criticized as an empty suit.
An authority figure who dresses appropriately but is completely ineffective is an empty suit.

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Hypocritical Flip-Flopper or Courageous Change Maker? A Psychologist's Take on JD Vance's Political TransformationHow leaders can effectively communicate when they've had a change in heart.
EXPERT OPINION BY NICK HOBSON, MANAGING DIRECTOR NORTH AMERICA, INFLUENCE AT WORK, BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE ADVISER @NICKMHOBSON
JUL 17, 2024
JD Vance.
JD Vance. Photo: Getty Images
JD Vance, author of the memoir Hillbilly Elegy, has undergone a remarkable political transformation. Once a vocal critic of Donald Trump, comparing him to Hitler, Vance has evolved into one of his staunchest supporters, culminating in his recent nomination for Vice President. This shift, while politically advantageous, raises questions about his consistency and integrity--questions that Vance will need to address convincingly if he hopes to gain widespread support.

Such a position is common for many leaders, including business leaders and founders, who find themselves changing their minds over time and then needing to communicate that change to their audience--whether it be customers, users, employees, or shareholders. Done right, changing one's mind can be a sign of intelligence, as Jeff Bezos once remarked.

In the political sphere, Vance's journey from Trump critic to supporter is well-documented. In 2016, during Trump's first presidential campaign, Vance was an outspoken opponent, referring to Trump as "cultural heroin" and questioning his ability to lead the country. Vance's criticisms were not mere political jabs; they were rooted in a profound skepticism about Trump's impact on American society and his ability to address the systemic issues plaguing the working class.

However, as Trump's influence within the Republican Party grew, so did Vance's alignment with him. By the time Vance ran for Senate in 2022, his tone had changed significantly. He praised Trump's policies, particularly on issues like immigration and economic nationalism, and sought the former president's endorsement. This endorsement proved crucial in securing Vance's Senate seat, demonstrating the extent of Trump's hold on the GOP.

A story of transformation
In Hillbilly Elegy Vance painted a vivid picture of the struggles faced by the white working-class community in Appalachia. He discussed issues such as poverty, addiction, and the decline of traditional family structures, attributing these problems to a combination of economic mismanagement and cultural decay. Vance's analysis in the book emphasized personal responsibility and cultural renewal as solutions, while also critiquing government policies that, in his view, exacerbated these problems.

Hypocritical flip-flopping or courageous change?
As he steps into the role of Vice Presidential nominee, Vance faces the challenge of reconciling his earlier critiques with his current political stance. Critics are quick to label this shift as "hypocritical flip-flopping", a term highlighted by psychologists studying leaders who show a change in moral stance. According to these researchers, when leaders change their views on moral grounds, they are often perceived as hypocritical, undermining their credibility and effectiveness.

The research showed that leaders who altered their opinions on moral issues were at risk of being seen as hypocritical, even if the audience agreed with the new stance. However, leaders who cited transformative personal experiences for their change were perceived as more courageous. This insight underscores the importance of narrative framing in maintaining credibility and support.

There's a path that leaders like Vance can take to mitigate these perceptions. Researchers suggest that if you can convincingly communicate that your change of heart resulted from a transformative personal experience, you may be seen as more courageous and less hypocritical.

For Vance to follow this path might mean telling a story that explains his evolution from a Trump skeptic to a supporter in a way that resonates with the electorate. He could frame his transformation as a response to the realities he encountered while campaigning and serving in the Senate. He could argue that his close interactions with constituents deepened his understanding of the challenges they face and that his embrace of Trump is rooted in those conversations and not simple political ambition. If he can highlight specific instances where his perspective shifted Vance could build a case for his evolution being grounded in genuine conviction rather than political expediency, though this could be complicated by his recent statement in an interview with the New York Times that "there is no law, there's just power."

A struggle many leaders face
In modern organizations, leaders often face similar challenges when they alter their stance on key issues. The ability to communicate a change in perspective as a result of transformative experiences can help leaders maintain their credibility and inspire trust. For example, CEOs who pivot their company's strategy in response to new market realities or social movements must effectively convey the reasoning behind these shifts to avoid being seen as inconsistent or opportunistic.

JD Vance's political turn offers a case study of how leaders can navigate the delicate balance between consistency and adaptability. By framing his journey as one of genuine transformation rather than mere political calculation, Vance has the opportunity to redefine his narrative and strengthen his appeal to a broader electorate.