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The Washington Post has exposed a frightening reality about the future of American democracy: a secretive network of ultra-wealthy conservatives is working to replace our democratic system with an oligarchy, and Today in Ohio podcast hosts marveled Thursday at how much the group has helped JD Vance. Known as the Rockbridge network, the group of right-wing oligarchs has accumulated immense political influence by funneling massive amounts of money into Republican campaigns and building a sophisticated data operation to profile and mobilize voters. Their goal is simple: to ensure that they, the financial elite, control how the country is run. “This is a rapidly growing group of very rich people who want to direct government elections and policy,” explained Laura Johnston. Replied Chris Quinn: “They’re basically saying you, the people listening to this podcast, us, the people making this podcast, are too stupid to determine our fate and the country can only survive if a very elite group of filthy rich oligarchs make the decisions.” One of the network’s key figures is Vice President JD Vance, the author of Hillbilly Elegy, who was present at the Rockbridge group’s secretive 2019 Ohio meeting, where the plan to reshape American politics was hatched. “JD Vance was at the meeting,” said Quinn. “He’s part of the group that says… ‘You are too dumb to be in charge. You need to have masters to dictate our fate.’ " The Rockbridge network’s methods are both sophisticated and sinister. They’ve built a vast database of potential voters, harvesting information from non-political memberships like outdoor groups and churches, in order to precisely target and manipulate them. And they’re not afraid to play dirty, using their wealth to drown out opposing voices and install their preferred candidates. The Post story describes a grave threat to the future of American democracy, born right here in Ohio. Listen to the discussion here, and read the full Post story on cleveland.com. Read more Today in Ohio news Mike DeWine’s cruel stand: Why is he still blocking $900 million in federal aid for Ohioans? Is Cedar Point cracking? Ride breakdowns and staffing woes tarnish park’s final days Ohio Republicans are messing with libraries, but voters just sent a clear warning shot
