Why does Rod Dreher still want J.D. Vance to become president?

Rod Dreher, a personal friend whom J.D. Vance credits with drawing him into politics, ties his support to the national conservatism movement started by Yoram Hazony. Dreher describes it as putting national sovereignty and interest first, joined to cultural conservatism and economic reforms that make raising families easier. He says Vance can win if he champions pro-family economics, social conservatism and no new wars, though the midterms have badly dented his standing as Trump's natural successor.

• Dreher says Trump's own obsessions crushed the national conservative ideas that existed inside MAGA.
• Dreher describes Marco Rubio as a chameleon who carried out Trump's foreign policy without the same damage sticking to him.

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on Today, Explained (2026-11-05). Read the whole episode summary →

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