Will Saletan: The GOP Surrenders before First Vote
Jan 15, 2024
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Will Saletan, a political commentator and journalist, joins Charlie Sykes for a discussion on the Republican Party's surrender to Trump, the normalization of political violence, and racial attitudes within the party. They also touch on Joni Ernst's stance on Capitol attack pardons and the controversy surrounding Joe Biden's strike on the Houthis.
Republican senators are endorsing Trump without any votes being cast, revealing the rapid collapse of the party and their moral and authoritarian positions.
The upcoming Iowa caucuses could solidify Trump's dominance in the Republican primary, with Nikki Haley's potential second-place finish impacting momentum.
Concerning polls show high anti-immigrant sentiment and declining support for democracy among Republican voters, emphasizing the need for conversations about the country's future.
Deep dives
Republican Party's Collapse and Support for Trump
The podcast discusses the rapid collapse of the Republican Party and the widespread support for Donald Trump among its members. It mentions the shift in attitudes from Republican senators who previously criticized Trump to now endorsing him without any votes being cast. The podcast highlights the moral and authoritarian positions taken by these senators and explores the motivations behind their early endorsements. It also raises concerns about the declining support for democracy among Republican primary voters and the growing acceptance of racist rhetoric within the party.
Potential Impact of Iowa Caucuses
The podcast examines the upcoming Iowa caucuses and its potential implications for the Republican primary race. It explores the likelihood of Trump winning the caucuses and the focus on whether he will reach the 50% threshold. The podcast also discusses the significance of the second-place finish, particularly if Nikki Haley surpasses Ron DeSantis, as it could impact momentum heading into the New Hampshire primary. The overall analysis underscores the limited chances for any candidate, including Haley, to challenge Trump's dominance in the primary.
Rising Concerns of Anti-Immigrant Sentiment and Democracy
The podcast addresses the concerning findings of recent polls regarding anti-immigrant sentiment and support for democracy. It highlights the alarming statistic that 81% of Republican voters believe that immigrants entering the country illegally are 'poisoning the blood' of America. The podcast also reveals the troubling fact that 65% of Republican voters prioritize a strong economy over a functioning democracy. It discusses the implications of these attitudes and their potential impact on policy discussions, highlighting the need for greater awareness and conversation about the future of the country.
Attacks on the Criminal Justice System
The podcast highlights the danger of the Republican Party's attacks on the criminal justice system. By supporting the idea of voting for a convicted felon and delegitimizing the whole legal process, the party is eroding faith in institutions and undermining the foundations of the legal system.
Isolationism in the Republican Party
The podcast examines the possibility of a fundamental shift towards isolationism in the Republican Party. Historically, the party has embraced internationalism, but the current trend, as evidenced by attacks on international institutions and policies, suggests a turn towards isolationism, with potential long-term consequences for American foreign policy.
Republicans are racing to bend the knee before the Iowa caucuses even start, while also looking like they want border chaos. Plus, racial resentment right now is worse than at the time of Martin Luther King. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
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