I need to add an update here. As noted in my transcript, Billy Ray identified himself to me as a lifelong Democrat, as was his father. He shared a story about joining the Bill Clinton campaign. He even mentioned Donald Trump with some trepidation as we spoke back in 2016. And he spoke with pride and affection about his daughter Miley, even showing me the room where she stays when visiting.
But apparently he has succumbed to whatever the virus is that transforms Trump critics into zealous supporters. (Previous victims include Kevin McCarthy, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and VP nominee J.D. Vance.) Not having suffered this misfortune, I have trouble reconciling Billy Ray’s recently leaked comments about his ex-wife and their daughter with his former Democratic affiliation. Maybe he and I will cross paths again someday; until then, I can only hope that he and his family can reconcile when these divisive times finally pass.
I need to add an update here. As noted in my transcript, Billy Ray identified himself to me as a lifelong Democrat, as was his father. He shared a story about joining the Bill Clinton campaign. He even mentioned Donald Trump with some trepidation as we spoke back in 2016. And he spoke with pride and affection about his daughter Miley, even showing me the room where she stays when visiting.
But apparently he has succumbed to whatever the virus is that transforms Trump critics into zealous supporters. (Previous victims include Kevin McCarthy, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and VP nominee J.D. Vance.) Not having suffered this misfortune, I have trouble reconciling Billy Ray’s recently leaked comments about his ex-wife and their daughter with his former Democratic affiliation. Maybe he and I will cross paths again someday; until then, I can only hope that he and his family can reconcile when these divisive times finally pass.