The American Mind

Putting DOGE Down

7 snips
May 29, 2025
Michael Anton gains recognition for shaping U.S. policy during the Trump era, juxtaposed against Trump's shifting views on Putin. The discussion also pivots to California's transformation from a beacon of hope to a dystopian reality, while Austin emerges as a contrasting haven. The hosts delve into the daunting challenges of federal spending and the national debt, underscoring the urgent need for fiscal reform. Additionally, practical advice on navigating AI in daily life is shared, complemented by engaging recommendations for TV shows and reflections on WWII.
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ANECDOTE

Michael Anton's Rise in MAGA

  • Michael Anton rose quietly to a key diplomacy role under Trump, succeeding as an intellectual force behind MAGA's foreign policy.
  • A Machiavelli scholar, he skillfully navigated ideological divides and shaped policy from behind the scenes.
INSIGHT

Flight 93 Misconception

  • Flight 93 Election essay is often misunderstood as full MAGA cheerleading but it's really a tragic, last-ditch warning.
  • Anton views Trumpism as a prudent response to a corrupt, collapsing system, not as a guaranteed success.
INSIGHT

America’s War Fatigue on Ukraine

  • The prolonged Ukraine war has dulled American urgency and political pressure to end it rapidly.
  • Trump, like most presidents, faces little political cost for the conflict's continuation and offers cautious optimism about ceasefire progress.
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