Jacobin Radio: The Landslide That Wasn't w/ Marc Cooper
Nov 26, 2024
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Marc Cooper, a veteran journalist and former USC journalism professor, dives deep into the complexities of Trump's presidency and its impact on democracy. He discusses the precarious nature of Trump's electoral win and the vulnerabilities lurking beneath his perceived strength. Cooper also critiques the Democratic Party’s disconnect and ineffective strategies, emphasizing the need for grassroots organizing. The conversation raises alarms about authoritarianism in the political climate and stresses the importance of collective action to defend democratic institutions.
Trump's narrow popular vote margin of 1.6 percentage points undermines claims of a strong electoral mandate, exposing his vulnerability.
The media's shift towards a softer coverage of Trump raises concerns about its responsibility to critically inform the public about his administration.
Deep dives
Trump's Fragile Victory
Trump's claim to a landslide victory is undermined by his narrow margin of popularity, which stands at just 1.6 percentage points, making it the smallest victory in over two decades. Despite securing a trifecta in government, the idea that he possesses a strong mandate is misleading, as his support does not reflect a clear majority of the popular vote. Many voters opted for candidates other than Trump in the last election, underscoring the notion that while he holds office, a significant portion of the electorate does not endorse his leadership. This precarious support raises questions about his authority and the potential vulnerabilities he faces moving forward.
Media's Evolving Role
The media landscape's treatment of Trump is showing signs of shifting, as coverage increasingly centers on his cabinet picks and political maneuvers rather than scrutiny of his actions. The discussion highlights a growing inclination within the media to adopt a softer tone toward Trump, reminiscent of the pre-2016 coverage style, despite the controversies surrounding his choices. The appointment of controversial figures, such as Matt Gaetz, signifies a willingness to overlook alarming qualifications in favor of loyalty to Trump. This indicates a concerning trend where the media's responsibility to inform the public is diluted in favor of sensationalist coverage that supports or legitimizes Trump's narrative.
The Perils of Authoritarian Tendencies
The conversation highlights a real concern for the emergence of authoritarian governance under Trump's leadership, given his ability to consolidate power and manipulate institutions to his favor. With Trump amidst a trifecta control of government, apprehensions rise regarding the potential erosion of democratic norms and civil rights. The appointments of individuals lacking independence or expertise in critical roles suggest that the government may operate with an agenda that prioritizes Trump's interests over the public's well-being. This potential descent into authoritarianism emphasizes the necessity for vigilance and organized opposition among citizens to protect democratic institutions.
The Need for Organized Resistance
Effective opposition against Trump requires not just awareness but also organized, grassroots efforts capable of mobilizing communities and addressing critical issues that impact everyday lives. Acknowledging past failures, the discussion calls for real movements that transcend social media campaigns and produce tangible actions within communities. Significant change will not stem from merely wishing for better outcomes but through proactive engagement and fostering leadership that resonates with the broad working class, which includes diverse groups affected by economic struggles. Emphasis is placed on unity and creating a collective force that can challenge the status quo and demand accountability from those in power.
Veteran journalist Marc Cooper joins Suzi to talk about the landslide that wasn’t, Trump’s transition swamp, and the state of the Fourth Estate. Trump’s victory is confined to the undemocratic electoral college. His winning margin in the popular vote is 1.6 percentage points, the smallest in more than 20 years. Trump may claim an historic, unprecedented mandate, but he just squeaked by. He is still dangerous but vulnerable. We talk about the danger and the chaos to come, including the threat to formal democracy.
Jacobin Radio with Suzi Weissman features conversations with leading thinkers and activists, with a focus on labor, the economy, and protest movements.
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