

How long will Trump's base support him?
27 snips May 7, 2025
Charlie Warzel, a writer for The Atlantic and Substack's Galaxy Brain, joins for a thought-provoking chat about the evolving dynamics of Trump's support base. He discusses the unsettling state of American democracy and the cracks appearing in voter loyalty due to recent policies. The conversation touches on the financial investor mindset behind political support, the toxic influence of media figures, and the chaotic nature of modern political discourse. Along the way, they humorously reflect on societal issues and the absurdity of current narratives.
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Democracy Crisis Feels Distant
- The survival of American democracy feels precarious but not imminent to most Americans who aren't paying attention.
- The political crisis seems overwhelming to those immersed but less tangible to the everyday person outside the core networks.
VCs Treat Politics Like Investments
- Silicon Valley elites treat political support as a portfolio investment where reputational risk matters.
- They hedge bets and cut losses on Trump when his policies threaten their financial interests.
Dave Portnoy's Tariff Week Saga
- Dave Portnoy lost $7 million on stocks and crypto amid the tariff panic but still publicly interacts with Trump.
- His reactions reveal the volatile and performative nature of some MAGA base influencers.