Maggie Haberman, a senior political correspondent for The New York Times, and Jonathan Swan, a political reporter covering Trump's campaign, dive into the tumultuous aftermath of the election. They reveal the internal struggles and shifts in morale at Trump's campaign headquarters as uncertainty transformed into confidence. The duo discusses the bizarre dynamics during a rally filled with grievances, as well as the complexities of Trump's transition and potential cabinet choices. Legal implications and political maneuvers for Trump's second term are also unpacked amidst ongoing challenges.
Trump's campaign showcased a stark disconnect between their internal confidence stemming from positive polling data and public anxiety about his prospects.
In contemplating his second term, Trump exhibited a focus on retribution against critics, signaling potential conflicts within his administration's governance approach.
Deep dives
Trump's Campaign Dynamics
The internal dynamics of Donald Trump's campaign leading up to the election illustrated a stark contrast between public perception and private confidence. Despite a public image filled with self-harm and controversial statements, Trump's internal polling data consistently indicated he would secure a victory. Campaign manager Tony Fabrizio's private polls showed promising trends, creating a sense of rational confidence within the campaign, even as the external atmosphere buzzed with anxiety. This dissonance highlighted the complexity of the election landscape, where internal beliefs did not always align with the public's expectations.
Election Night Revelations
On election night, the Trump campaign experienced a gradual shift from anxiety to jubilation as results began to come in. Initially, there were concerns about strong Democratic turnout in key cities, prompting Trump to voice accusations of fraud. However, the mood changed notably around 9 PM when returns indicated that Democratic candidates were underperforming in suburban areas, alleviating fears and reinforcing the team's confidence. By the time Trump delivered his victory speech, the atmosphere was celebratory, reflecting the campaign's belief that they had overcome significant challenges to achieve success.
Planning for a Second Term
As Trump contemplated his second term, he showed little interest in formal transition discussions or policy planning, focusing instead on key cabinet positions that aligned with his vision. Roles such as Attorney General, Secretary of Defense, and CIA Director held significant weight for him, while other cabinet positions remained of minor importance. His superstitious nature led him to avoid discussing transition strategies until after the election, resulting in a somewhat informal approach to staffing and governance. Conversations surrounding potential cabinet members hinted at a mixture of business-friendly and ideologically driven candidates, suggesting potential tensions within his administration.
The Pursuit of Retribution
Trump's approach to governance in his anticipated second term is likely to include a strong focus on retribution against perceived enemies, particularly those in the media and political opposition. Discussions around the appointment of a new Attorney General emphasized intentions to investigate and possibly prosecute political adversaries. The administrative strategies indicated that the use of the Department of Justice could become a tool for punishing critics. This intention is underscored by Trump's past behaviors and ongoing lawsuits against media organizations, hinting at a broader campaign to dismantle any accountability mechanisms that challenge his authority.
In the days since the election, Donald J. Trump has started preparing to retake the White House.
Jonathan Swan, who covered Mr. Trump’s presidential campaign for The Times, and Maggie Haberman, a senior political correspondent, take us inside the campaign’s endgame.
Guest:
Jonathan Swan, a reporter covering politics and Donald Trump’s presidential campaign for The New York Times.
Maggie Haberman, a senior political correspondent for The New York Times.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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