26/06/2018
The digital arena has once again become the battleground for political titans, and this time, the exchange between Rory Stewart and JD Vance has provided a particularly sharp and revealing glimpse into the dynamics of modern political discourse. What began as a seemingly esoteric debate on theology and foreign policy quickly escalated into a public dissection of privilege, merit, and intellectual prowess, exposing a stark contrast between two men who, despite both operating within the political sphere, hail from vastly different worlds.
The Spark: Theology and Tribalism
The imbroglio was ignited by a statement from JD Vance, the newly appointed US Vice President, during an interview with Fox News. Vance articulated a perspective on patriotism and global responsibility, suggesting a hierarchical approach: "It’s a very Christian concept that you love your family and then you love your neighbour, and then you love your community, and then you love your fellow citizens, and then after that, you can focus and prioritise the rest of the world. A lot of the far left has completely inverted that."
Rory Stewart, never one to shy away from offering his opinion, responded via X (formerly Twitter), characterising Vance's statement as "a bizarre take on John 15:12-13 – less Christian and more pagan tribal. We should start worrying when politicians become theologians, assume to speak for Jesus, and tell us in which order to love." This critique, intended perhaps to highlight what he perceived as a theological misstep, inadvertently opened the door for Vance to deliver a more personal and pointed rebuttal.
Vance's Retort: The IQ Jab
Vance's response was swift and, for many observers, delightfully cutting. He retorted, "The problem with Rory and people like him is that he has an IQ of 110 and thinks he has an IQ of 130. This false arrogance drives so much elite failure over the last 40 years." This was not merely a dismissal of Stewart's argument; it was a direct assault on his perceived intellectual standing and, by extension, his background and upbringing.
The author of this piece found this exchange particularly thrilling, attributing it to a perceived difference in how working-class individuals who achieve success tend to conduct themselves compared to their more privileged counterparts. The sentiment expressed is that genuine achievers, especially those who have overcome significant hurdles, are less inclined to flaunt their accomplishments or belittle those who may have had a smoother path. This observation touches upon a perennial theme in British society: the enduring influence of class and the subtle, and not-so-subtle, ways in which it shapes interactions and perceptions.
Contrasting Narratives: Hillbillies and Belgravia
To fully appreciate the depth of this spat, it's crucial to understand the vastly different life trajectories of the two men involved. JD Vance, born into poverty and hardship in the Appalachian region of the United States, experienced firsthand the struggles of what he terms 'white trash' and 'hillbilly' culture. His upbringing was marked by his mother's drug addiction, leading to his being raised by his grandparents. He enlisted in the military as a teenager, later utilising the G.I. Bill to pursue higher education, culminating in a degree in political science and philosophy, followed by attendance at Yale Law School. His bestselling memoir, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, published in 2016, detailed his journey and offered a poignant, if controversial, examination of his background. At the time of this article's context, Vance is approximately 40 years old.
Rory Stewart, on the other hand, presents a profile steeped in privilege. At 52 years old, his background is described as 'literally to the manor born.' He received an elite education at Eton College and Oxford University, followed by a career in the diplomatic service and a stint as a Member of Parliament. More recently, Stewart has cultivated a significant presence in broadcasting, presenting several BBC documentary series such as 'The Legacy of Lawrence of Arabia' and 'Afghanistan: The Great Game – A Personal View by Rory Stewart.' He also co-hosts the popular podcast 'The Rest Is Politics' with Alastair Campbell. His background is painted as that of a quintessential member of the British establishment, a stark contrast to Vance's narrative of overcoming adversity.
The Meritocracy Debate: Privilege vs. Polish
The core of the disagreement, as interpreted by the author, lies in the perceived disparity between earned success and inherited advantage. Vance's jab about Stewart's IQ is framed as an accusation that Stewart, despite his privileged start, lacks the genuine intellect and hard-won success of someone like Vance, who clawed his way up from difficult circumstances. Vance's statement, "You, like many of your kind, had a great start in life, and you are still nowhere near as smart as me," is seen as a blunt, albeit rude, articulation of the meritocratic ideal: that true intelligence and success should transcend background.
The author further elaborates on the cultural differences in how success is perceived and displayed. American success stories from humble origins are often seen as more openly proud, whereas British individuals who rise from less privileged backgrounds are sometimes perceived as becoming "cuddly mascots" or exhibiting a "chippy" attitude – a term used to describe those who complain about perceived unfairness, particularly within the working class. There's an implicit suggestion that the British establishment, of which Stewart is seen as a product, often relies on connections and bluff rather than pure merit, a sentiment echoed in the observation about certain Tory MPs knowing "someone who knew someone."
Stewart's Political Stance and Party Expulsion
While the recent X spat has brought Stewart into the spotlight, it's worth noting his prior political career and a significant event that led to his expulsion from the Conservative Party. In 2019, Stewart, along with several other Conservative MPs, had the whip withdrawn for voting against the government on a crucial Brexit motion. He had been a vocal critic of a no-deal Brexit, stating, "He has been able to use all of that and he's been promising people he can get a deal out of Brussels, but the truth is there is absolutely and never has been any majority either in the country or in Parliament for no-deal. That has been true all the way through - I said it in the leadership race." This principled stand, however, resulted in his expulsion from the party, highlighting his willingness to deviate from party lines on significant issues.
Table: A Comparative Look
To summarise the contrasting profiles, consider this table:
| Feature | JD Vance | Rory Stewart |
|---|---|---|
| Age (approx.) | 40 | 52 |
| Upbringing | Poverty, Appalachian hardship, raised by grandparents | Privileged, 'to the manor born' |
| Education | Military service, G.I. Bill, Yale Law School | Eton College, Oxford University |
| Career Path | US Vice President, Author, Military Veteran | Former MP, Diplomat, Broadcaster, Podcast Host |
| Public Persona | Populist, self-made, direct | Intellectual, establishment, articulate |
The Takeaway: A Lesson in Humility?
The author's concluding thoughts offer a piece of advice, not just to Stewart, but to anyone in the public eye who may have benefited from advantages. The suggestion is to remember one's origins and to cultivate humility, perhaps by periodically reminding oneself of those less fortunate or less accomplished. The reference to "Brooklyn Beckham" and the Spartacus film quote serves as a humorous yet pointed reminder that privilege alone does not guarantee lasting success or inherent superiority. In an era where AI is rapidly changing the landscape of many professions, the author posits that those who have not succeeded purely on merit may be the most vulnerable, as their positions might be more easily replicated or replaced by systems that do not value lineage or fortunate connections.
The exchange between Vance and Stewart, therefore, transcends a mere political disagreement. It serves as a microcosm of broader societal debates about class, meritocracy, and the often-uncomfortable realities of privilege and aspiration. Vance's blunt assessment, while perhaps lacking in diplomatic finesse, struck a chord with those who believe that true success is earned, not inherited, and that a little less 'pouting' and a little more genuine reflection might serve some of our public figures well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary reason for the online spat between Rory Stewart and JD Vance?
The spat began with Vance's comments on patriotism and societal priorities, which Stewart critiqued on theological grounds. Vance then responded by questioning Stewart's intelligence and character, leading to a broader discussion about their differing backgrounds and perceived levels of merit.
What is JD Vance's background?
JD Vance comes from a background of poverty and hardship in the Appalachian region of the US. He is a Yale Law School graduate, a military veteran, and the author of the bestselling memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy'.
What is Rory Stewart's background?
Rory Stewart is from a privileged background, educated at Eton and Oxford. He had a career in diplomacy and politics, serving as an MP, and is now a prominent broadcaster and podcast host.
Why was Rory Stewart expelled from the Conservative Party?
Rory Stewart was expelled from the Conservative Party in 2019 for voting against the government on a key Brexit motion, specifically opposing a no-deal Brexit.
The author argues that those who achieve success without privilege or advantages are genuinely exceptional and more intelligent than those who had a head start. They also suggest that privilege can lead to a false sense of superiority and a lack of humility, making individuals more susceptible to criticism and less likely to learn from their mistakes.
If you want to read more articles similar to Stewart vs. Vance: A Clash of Elites, you can visit the Taxis category.