To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes Susan Glasser: Lame-Duck is Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose
11 snips
Nov 19, 2025 
Susan Glasser, a noted journalist from The New Yorker, shares her insights on the fallout from a tense Oval Office encounter where Trump defended Mohammed bin Salman amid Khashoggi's murder. She examines the moral implications of Trump's behavior and his escalating attacks on press freedom. The conversation explores the fractures within the MAGA movement, highlighted by Marjorie Taylor Greene's revolt, and warns of a potentially more dangerous lame-duck Trump. They also discuss the troubling mainstreaming of extremist views within Republican politics and its real-world consequences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Defense Of MBS Reveals A Pattern
- Donald Trump publicly defended Mohammed bin Salman and downplayed Jamal Khashoggi's murder, shocking observers.
- Susan Glasser says this moment revealed a pattern of excusing authoritarian violence and attacking the press.
Threat To ABC Highlights Press Risk
- Trump threatened ABC's broadcast license after an in‑office question, signaling attacks on press freedom.
- Glasser warns dictators worldwide cheer when a U.S. president silences reporters.
Praise Driven By Transactional Incentives
- Trump lavished praise on MBS largely to curry favor and financial benefit, not on human rights grounds.
- Glasser links the groveling tone to Trump's transactional view of leaders and money.