Few political reversals have been as dramatic and complete as the transformation of Senator JD Vance of Ohio from a self-proclaimed Never Trumper into former President Donald J. Trump’s new running mate.
Democrats have used Mr. Vance’s turnabout to paint him as untrustworthy, while Republicans have described his shift as another sign of Mr. Trump’s influence on the party. Whatever the case, Mr. Vance’s U-turn was a gradual one that played out in stages during the past eight years.
In many ways, Mr. Vance’s life has echoed the theme of change. He twice changed his name, a result of a tumultuous upbringing, and was baptized into the Catholic Church just five years ago. He has been unapologetic about his political change of heart,…
