Sidebar Is Trump trying to influence the conclave?
May 6, 2025
Naftali Bendavid, a senior national political correspondent for The Washington Post, joins the conversation to dissect Trump's evolving economic rhetoric as he gears up for 2024 elections. They explore how Trump’s pivot from populism to an acknowledgment of necessary sacrifices might resonate with voters. The discussion also highlights the strains on American institutions under Trump’s influence and the controversial reception of his AI-generated image in papal attire, raising questions about satire versus serious political messaging.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump's Economic Message Shift
- Trump's campaign promised economic prosperity with lower prices and rising paychecks.
- His second term revealed a shift towards accepting economic pain and scarcity.
Tariffs' Economic Reality
- Tariffs act as tax increases leading to scarcity and higher prices.
- Trump convinced voters tariffs wouldn't harm them, but evidence shows otherwise.
Tariff Messaging Problems
- Trump and his officials acknowledge in messaging that tariffs cause short-term pain.
- Messaging sets expectations for possible economic downturn but lacks a clear achievable goal.