The Dispatch Podcast Caving to Trump | Roundtable
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Aug 29, 2025 
Megan McArdle, a Washington Post columnist known for her sharp insights on political and economic issues, joins a roundtable with Steve Hayes, Jonah Goldberg, and Sarah Isgur. They dive into the authoritarian tendencies of Donald Trump and FDR, debating presidential power's legitimacy and implications for democracy. The conversation also tackles the Democratic Party's identity crisis and challenges in political messaging. They explore the media's role in shaping public perception, highlighting the finer points of communication in a polarized environment.
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Authoritarian Rhetoric Meets Weak Institutions
- Trump has long used authoritarian rhetoric and appeals to a results-oriented public that values outcomes over process.
- Weak institutions and frayed norms have amplified those instincts into real danger, leaving critics without clear language to describe escalation.
The Forest Not Just the Trees
- Isolated actions range from trolling to genuine abuses, and treating each separately obscures a worrying cumulative pattern.
- Trump uniquely cosplays as a dictator while also taking actions that consolidate power, making assessment complex.
Popularity Eases Power Expansion
- Presidents who deliver visible results often gain public tolerance for norm-bending or power grabs.
- Historical precedents like FDR show popular demand for solutions can enable concentrated executive power.
