In a thought-provoking discussion, political columnist David French shares his evolving views on Kamala Harris, touching on his decision to support her despite previous reservations. He dives into the complexities surrounding candidates' qualifications, particularly contrasting Harris with Trump. The conversation also highlights the implications of the Ukraine conflict on global order, the nuanced debate on Florida's policies, and the intricate relationship between individual beliefs and party alignment. French's insights on these pressing topics provide a compelling look at today's political landscape.
David French's evolving political views highlight a significant internal conflict within conservatism, particularly regarding support for Kamala Harris over Donald Trump.
The conversation underscores rising concerns about bipartisan tendencies to expand executive power, posing risks to the constitutional order and governance.
The discussion about U.S. foreign policy emphasizes its critical role in shaping domestic political decisions, particularly in light of ongoing global conflicts like Ukraine.
Deep dives
The Road Trip Experience
The host recounts his recent road trip across the country, marking a shift from flying to driving due to airline cancellations. This journey included stays in motels, visits to amusement parks, and dining at various eateries, reflecting a more personalized travel experience compared to the usual airport hustle. The host hints at sharing insights from this trip in a future episode, along with discussions with a travel companion, Luther Abel. The narrative serves as both an introduction to his return and a backdrop for the upcoming discussions.
The Role of the Competitive Enterprise Institute
The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), a prominent sponsor, focuses on reducing government regulation to enhance human potential and innovation. By sharing well-researched analyses on important topics such as deregulation, capitalism, and AI, CEI actively engages policymakers and the public. Each week, CEI publishes a newsletter that simplifies complex policy issues, making the information accessible to a broader audience. The initiative also includes events featuring policy experts, emphasizing CEI’s commitment to enlightening discussions surrounding economic challenges.
A Discussion on Political Choices
The conversation centers around David French's decision to support Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination, prompting a deeper exploration of political alignments. French expresses his perception of conservatism that leads him to abstain from voting for Donald Trump despite being labeled as a conservative. The host questions this stance, particularly focusing on French's past critiques of Harris as a candidate, revealing a conflict between values and strategic voting. French emphasizes that the decision stems from a broader agreement that Trump should not be president and the importance of considering how to achieve that goal.
The Nuances of Executive Power
The discussion highlights a growing bipartisan consensus around the expansion of executive power in government, with both parties increasingly bypassing congressional authority. French argues that the trend poses a risk to the constitutional order and reflects a concerning normalization of presidential overreach. However, he expresses an understanding that recent judicial rulings have limited the extent of executive authority, potentially lessening the dangers posed by such overreach. This shift prompts him to reconsider the implications of supporting candidates who may further this trend in governance.
Foreign Policy as a Determining Factor
Foreign policy emerges as a significant focal point in the political discourse, with French asserting its importance in the current global landscape, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict. He argues that the stakes of U.S. involvement in international affairs are monumental, potentially impacting the balance of global power and America’s national security. French explains his preference for the Harris administration's approach to foreign policy over Trump's, who he feels represents a dangerous disregard for established international norms. This discussion illustrates how evolving global dynamics influence domestic political choices and perceptions of candidate fitness.
On episode 67, Charles talks to David French about David's column in the New York Times, 'To Save Conservatism From Itself, I Am Voting for Harris.' Among the questions Charles asks are why David has changed his view of Harris since 2019, why she hasn't reached the disqualification threshold, whether her support for abortion is a problem for him, and whether he thinks that she will win.
The dial-up tone in the introduction was recorded by lintphishx and is used under a CC 3.0 License.
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