Sophia, can I ask you to read this email from J.D. Vance, starting with the date.

Okay.

June 29, 2016.

Hey Sofs, here is an expert from my book.

I send this to you not just to brag, but because I'm sure if you read it you'll notice reference to an extremely progressive lesbian.

I'm sure most readers will have no idea who it refers to, but you will. I recognize now that this

may not accurately reflect how you think of yourself and for that I'm really

sorry.

I hope you're not offended.

Love you, JD.

And can you read your reply to that email?

Hey buddy, first of all, congratulations. Second, thank you for reaching out and being sweet.

Third, it would take a lot more to offend me than that. How do you think

I survived growing up in a similar place as you? Gasp even going to public school as a half Mexican non-evangelical tomboy.

While we see and care about many of the same problems, I know we often come to different conclusions

about how to best address them.

But what I value in you is your genuineness, curiosity, kindness, and desire to make a difference.

And I consider you a great friend.

Love Sophia.

How does it make you feel to read those exchanges now?

This relationship we had of mutual respect across the political divide has completely vanished and I think it's

Sad for me personally, but I think it's also sad for the country

...