J.D. VANCE, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, introduced himself to America in a 37-minute prime-time address at the Republican National Convention (RNC) on July 17th. But before his lengthy speech, which seamlessly blended a storybook biography with populist politics, millions of Americans briefly heard from his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance. “When J.D. met me, he approached our differences with curiosity and enthusiasm,” she said. “He wanted to know everything about me, where I came from, what my life had been like.”