JD Vance: The Enigmatic Rise from 'Hillbilly Elegy' to Vice Presidential Nominee

JD Vance, the fresh vice presidential nominee, emphasized his Appalachian heritage in his Wednesday night speech at the Republican National Convention. This wasn't the first time he shared his personal story.

Before becoming a U.S. senator from Ohio, Vance gained prominence with his bestselling memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy,' which resonated within rural white America hit by joblessness and opioid addiction. Yet, the book sparked fierce debates, especially among Appalachian scholars who accused it of perpetuating stereotypes.

While Vance's narrative has drawn mixed reactions across party lines, his accomplishments remain impressive. Litafik, a political consultant, notes Vance's dynamic intelligence but acknowledges a lingering hesitancy due to past comments against Trump. Vance vows to be a vice president who remembers his roots, and some conservatives strongly back his nomination.

(With inputs from agencies.)