Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps

2016 ELECTION TIME CAPSULE: Hear Josh's Reaction to Trump's First Election Win, with David Plotz

Nov 1, 2024

David Plotz, an influential journalist and founder of CityCast, joins to dissect the shock of Trump's unexpected 2016 victory. The conversation reveals their initial disbelief and delves into how Trump's presidency reshaped public sentiment and policies. They discuss the complexities of Trump's leadership style, the resulting skepticism from intellectuals, and the challenges facing working-class supporters. Dive into the implications for energy policy, the judiciary, and global relations, offering a thought-provoking reflection on a pivotal moment in American history.

20:40

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Episode guests

David Plotz

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The shock and disbelief among liberals following Trump's 2016 election win highlighted a significant misjudgment of his support base and its implications.

Concerns about Trump's governance style emphasized the unpredictability of his leadership, particularly regarding policy details and potential authoritarian tendencies.

Deep dives

Initial Reactions to Trump's Victory

The episode reflects on the immediate reactions surrounding Donald Trump's win in the 2016 presidential election, particularly focusing on the shock that ensued among those who expected a Clinton victory. The discussion highlights the sense of disbelief among liberal circles, emphasizing how they underestimated the support for Trump and the implications of his victory. Both speakers recount their attempts to understand the shifting political landscape and the potential consequences, weighing the fears of a Trump presidency against the background of previous assumptions about American progressivism. This retrospective analysis serves as a crucial reminder of the unpredictability of political outcomes and the importance of acknowledging diverse perspectives in American politics.

Intro

4min

Reflections on Trump's Presidential Impact and Public Sentiment

2min

Implications of Trump's Presidency on Policy and Global Relations

2min

Examining Trump's Impact on the Working Class and Republican Policy Limitations

3min

The Complexities of Trump's Leadership

10min

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At 11:00 a.m. on November 9th, 2016, the day after Donald Trump's surprise victory over Hillary Clinton, a shell-shocked Josh sat down with Slate's former editor David Plotz, the co-host of the Slate Political Gabfest, to share their analysis of what might happen. This is that conversation.

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