Making Sense with Sam Harris #329 — What Happened to the Republican Party?
68 snips
Aug 12, 2023 
Bret Stephens, a New York Times columnist and author of "America in Retreat," joins to discuss the Republican Party's tumultuous landscape. They dive into shifting attitudes towards Putin, the controversies surrounding Tucker Carlson, and the implications of the Hunter Biden laptop narrative. They also analyze the party's future in light of Trump’s influence and upcoming elections. Additionally, they explore the complicated relationship between misinformation, media ethics, and free speech, painting a vivid picture of modern conservatism's challenges.
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Republican Shift on Putin
- Republicans were once staunchly anti-Putin, viewing him as a Cold War adversary.
- This stance shifted with Trump's rise, as some Republicans now admire Putin's nationalism and strongman image.
Tucker Carlson's Cynicism
- Bret Stephens believes Tucker Carlson's primary goal is to advance his own brand, regardless of political ideology.
- Carlson's cynicism and focus on power dynamics appeal to those who feel everything is a form of manipulation.
Trump and Totalitarianism
- The Trump playbook eerily mirrors tactics used by totalitarian societies.
- These include exploiting the desire to obey, be misled, and belong, as observed by anti-totalitarian writers.
