John Giles, the mayor of Mesa, Arizona, and Olivia Troye, a former White House staffer from the Trump administration, join the discussion to explore surprising Republican support for Kamala Harris. They delve into the motivations behind this political shift, highlighting the ideological rift within the GOP. Personal narratives reveal a journey from traditional conservatism to endorsing a Democrat, emphasizing character over party loyalty. The duo also reflects on the changing media landscape and its impact on political perceptions, especially contrasting the coverage of Harris and Trump.
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Quick takeaways
The Democratic National Convention highlighted Kamala Harris's historic nomination, showcasing unity among high-profile Democrats like the Obamas and Clintons.
Conservative figures like David French and Sarah Longwell express that disillusionment under Trump's leadership prompts some Republicans to support Kamala Harris for her principled character.
The podcast emphasizes the significance of voter sentiment, particularly the need for Democrats to appeal to diverse demographics, including non-college white women.
Deep dives
Kamala Harris's Historic Nomination
The Democratic National Convention marked a significant moment with Kamala Harris being nominated as the vice-presidential candidate. This event showcased a plethora of high-profile figures from the Democratic Party, emphasizing unity among influential Democrats, including the Obamas and Clintons. Kamala Harris's choice of outfit, a stylish Chloe pantsuit, reflected the event's high fashion and the celebration surrounding her historic candidacy. This nomination has resonated deeply in the political landscape, especially against the backdrop of a party that has faced overwhelming divisiveness.
The Shift in Conservative Views
Conservative voices have begun to publicly assert their opposition to Donald Trump, challenging traditional party lines. Former Trump officials and prominent conservatives have described the current Republican Party as akin to a cult, specifically under Trump's influence. Jeff Duncan, the former lieutenant governor of Georgia, mentioned that conservatives do not have to agree with every policy of Kamala Harris to recognize her as a stabilizing figure compared to Trump. These sentiments indicate a growing movement within conservatism that prioritizes principles over party loyalty.
The Focus on Character and Values
The podcast delved into the essential attributes that warrant a candidate's support, namely character and values. David French articulated a view that the Republican Party's traditional values—character, a solid national defense, and limited government—have been eroded under Trump's leadership. This radical shift disillusions many traditional conservatives who now find themselves aligning with a candidate like Kamala Harris, who embodies a sense of moral clarity they feel has been lost. As French and his co-panelist Sarah Longwell conveyed, their support for Harris emerges not from uncritical agreement but from a recognition of principled leadership.
Voter Sentiment and the Gender Gap
Amid discussions of the upcoming election, the podcast highlighted the importance of addressing voter sentiment, particularly concerning gender dynamics. Acknowledging the enthusiasm gap among Democratic voters, Kamala Harris has made strategic efforts to galvanize support from non-college white women, tapping into feelings of dissatisfaction with the current GOP leadership. At the same time, the conversation pointed out that this election presents an opportunity for the Democratic Party to reach out and appeal to men, countering the misconception that it solely embodies the interests of women and minorities. Harris's coalition-building is essential for any chances of success in swing states.
Foreign Policy Perspectives
The discussion included multiple perspectives on the foreign policy implications of a Trump versus Harris scenario. Critics argue that Trump's approach has been erratic, displaying inconsistencies that could undermine U.S. interests abroad, particularly in relation to conflicts with countries like Russia and Iran. In contrast, Harris's commitment to traditional alliances and foreign policy norms is seen as a stabilizing factor in a tumultuous global landscape. This narrative reinforces the idea that voters should critically assess the long-term implications of their choices—not just based on domestic policy but also international relations.
The Uncertainty of Election Outcomes
As the election approaches, both panelists expressed the precarious nature of predictions, with sentiments shifting almost daily concerning who might win. While statistical polling suggests that Trump might have an edge in swing states, there's a palpable recognition that voters are dynamically responding to the candidates' actions and public perceptions. The possibility of a voter backlash against Trump’s behavior and statements may prove crucial in determining the election's outcome. The hosts underscore that regardless of party affiliation, the responsibility lies with the electorate to prioritize collective values and integrity when casting their votes.
A few weeks ago, at the much-anticipated Democratic National Convention, we witnessed the coronation of Kamala Harris. It was a star-studded event. We got the Obamas, the Clintons, Mindy Kaling, Kerry Washington, Kenan Thompson—and Oprah! Basically every Democratic A-lister you could think of came out in high fashion. (Kamala came out in a Chloé pantsuit.)
And then there were the Republicans: Mesa, Arizona mayor John Giles, former Trump White House staffer Olivia Troye, former Trump White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, former Georgia lieutenant governor Geoff Duncan, and former U.S. representative from Illinois Adam Kinzinger.
The purpose of their speeches was not only to warn Americans about the dangers of Trump—a message we’ve heard over and over again since 2016—but to give other conservatives permission to do the same. To not just oppose Trump, but to vote for the Democrat.
Two of those conservatives are here with us today: David French and Sarah Longwell.
David is an evangelical, pro-life conservative. He’s a former attorney who has worked on high-profile religious liberty cases. He was a staff writer at National Review, a senior editor at The Dispatch, and now he’s an opinion columnist for The New York Times.
Sarah is a political strategist and founder of Republicans Against Trump (now called the Republican Accountability Project). She’s also the founder and publisher of the Never Trump opinion website, The Bulwark.
The policy positions Sarah and David hold are not in lockstep with Kamala’s, not even close. So I ask them: Why is Kamala worthy of their vote? What do they think about the chasm between their political positions and Kamala’s? And do they support Kamala because she’s not Trump, or do they actually see something in her?
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