Tag Archives: J.D. Vance

Trump as Putin’s Luca Brasi

By Robin Bates | Published: March 2, 2025

The GOP’s switch from anti- to pro-Russia is like switching from Eurasia to Eastasia in “1984.” But rather than resembling mob boss Don Corleone in the scenario, Trump is more like Putin’s Luca Brasi.

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Trump vs. Zelensky, Harpy vs. Eagle

By Robin Bates | Published: February 28, 2025

Trump and Vance attacking Zelensky is like the harpies of the shore plucking the eagle of the sea in Holmes’s “Old Ironsides.”

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Sane-Washing Vance and Mac the Knife

By Robin Bates | Published: October 8, 2024

As I watched Vance sane-wash both Trump and himself in the debate, I thought of the sane-washing that occurs in Gay’s “Beggar’s Opera.”

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J.D. Vance Is No Barbara Kingsolver

By Robin Bates | Published: October 7, 2024

For a genuine depiction of Appalachia, read Kingsolver’s “Demon Copperhead,” not Vance’s “Hillbilly Elegy.” Vance just engages in “poornography.”

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Judge Invokes Handmaid’s Tale in Ruling

By Robin Bates | Published: October 2, 2024

A Georgia judge has invoked “Handmaid’s Tale” is ruling against a six-week abortion ban, testifying to the power of literature.

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Bunyan on Fiction vs. Lying

By Robin Bates | Published: September 17, 2024

Camus wrote that “fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth.” J.D. Vance has tried the same defense for his Haitian lies.

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Biden and Harris as Earthsea Characters

By Robin Bates | Published: July 25, 2024

Le Guin’s “Farthest Shore” has insights applicable to the Biden-Harris succession.

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J.D. Vance Dreams of Gilead

By Robin Bates | Published: July 17, 2024

Trump’s selection of J.D. Vance makes “Handmaid’s Tale” more timely than ever.

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Borges on Conspiracy Theories

By Robin Bates | Published: July 15, 2024

With Republicans attempting to blame Democrats for the Trump shooting, let’s look at what Borges says about conspiracy theories.

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