Trump’s Latest Interview With Time Magazine Is Also His Scariest to Date
May 3, 2024
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Rolling Stone politics reporter Nikki McCann Ramirez and investigative reporters Brody Mullins and Luke Mullins discuss Trump's alarming interview with Time Magazine, his authoritarian plans, autocratic administration, lobbying tactics, private equity influence on senators, and the impact of Trump's victory on lobbyists. The podcast delves into the evolving landscape of power dynamics in Washington and the critique of Trump's lawlessness and persona.
Trump's extreme anti-abortion stance disregards public opinion and threatens women's rights.
Trump's willingness to contest election results poses a significant threat to electoral integrity.
Democrats must prioritize supporting election infrastructure against potential disruptions and violence.
The evolution of lobbying tactics reflects a shift in corporate political power and challenges transparency.
Deep dives
Trump's Delusions of Post-Roe Abortion Chaos
Trump claims that people are thrilled about the loss of their bodily autonomy due to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Despite his claims, anti-abortion policies are unpopular and face challenges in various states. The Republican party's stance on abortion goes beyond just abortion and aims to restrict women's rights further. Trump's electoral strategy is to soften his abortion stance temporarily, but his long-term intentions point towards extreme anti-abortion measures.
Trump's Doubtful Acceptance of Election Results
Trump's ambiguous commitment to accepting election results, based on his judgment of their honesty, leaves room for repeating his 2020 tactics. Despite lacking evidence, he and his legal team are strategizing to contest the 2024 election if needed. His reliance on challenging results, combined with the Republican party's support and reshaping of federal institutions, poses a significant threat to the integrity of future elections.
Building Logistics for Election Integrity
Preparing for potential election challenges necessitates strengthening logistics and resources for election officials to ensure fair processes. The fear of repeated interference like in 2020 has led to reduced participation of election workers. Democrats must focus on supporting the infrastructure and individuals safeguarding the electoral process against disruptions and external threats, including potential violence instigated by Trump's loyalists.
Evolution of Corporate Political Power
The podcast episode delves into the evolution of corporate political power in Washington over the past century. It highlights how regulations were implemented in the early 20th century to limit the influence of companies, allowing labor unions, environmental groups, and citizens' organizations to wield significant power in shaping government policies and regulations. However, a shift occurred in the early 70s, sparked by consumer activist Ralph Nader, leading to a revolution in corporate political power.
Lobbying Tactics and Dynasties
The episode discusses the changing landscape of lobbying tactics and the emergence of lobbying dynasties like Tommy Boggs, Tony Podesta, and the trio of Charlie Black, Paul Manafort, and Roger Stone. These lobbyists adapted their approaches from traditional insider relationships to using campaign-style tactics to influence lawmakers and public opinion. The examples of how lobbying evolved reflect a modern lobbying economy that combines various strategies to shape political decisions.
Voter Suppression in Wyoming
The episode highlights voter suppression tactics in Wyoming, where a mandatory purge resulted in a significant drop in registered voters. This purge targeted individuals who did not cast ballots in specific elections, reflecting a broader pattern of voter suppression efforts aimed at limiting participation in the electoral process. The discussion underscores the concerning trend of restricting voter access and manipulating voter rolls to maintain political control.
Role of Media and Influence
The podcast sheds light on the role of media and public perception in influencing political decisions, as seen in lobbying efforts by individuals like Tony Podesta and Tommy Boggs. By leveraging media connections and grassroots advocacy, lobbyists can shape public sentiment and pressure lawmakers indirectly. This strategy demonstrates the power of external influence campaigns in swaying political decisions and reflects a shift towards more sophisticated lobbying tactics.
Implications of Lobbying Practices
The episode explores the implications of lobbying practices, emphasizing the blurred lines between direct lobbying and indirect influence campaigns. Lobbyists like Tony Podesta and Black Manafort and Stone use a combination of traditional lobbying strategies and modern campaigning tactics to achieve their goals. This nuanced approach showcases the complexity of lobbying in contemporary politics and raises concerns about transparency and accountability in lobbying activities.
Donald Trump gave a lengthy interview this week for a cover story in Time Magazine—and it sure scared The New Abnormal co-hosts Danielle Moodie and Andy Levy. Then, Rolling Stone politics reporter Nikki McCann Ramirez joins the program to discuss Trump’s terrifying rhetoric. Plus! Brothers and investigative reporters Brody Mullins and Luke Mullins stop by The New Abnormal to discuss their new book, “The Wolves of K Street: The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government.”
