The Moynihan Report Moynihan: the media pretends we don't know the motive for political violence | The Moynihan Report
25 snips
Sep 26, 2025 
Dan Turrentine, a Democratic strategist and commentator, joins to dissect the Democratic Party's strategic missteps from 2016 to 2024. He critiques misreading Trump’s appeal and the rise of progressive politics within the party. They explore media biases in reporting on political violence, questioning the quick attribution of motives. Dan highlights how recent shifts in messaging could alienate key voter demographics, particularly white working-class constituents. The discussion also touches on the evolving media landscape and its impact on civil discourse.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Lawfare Backfires Politically
- Dan Turrentine warns prosecuting political figures for minor technical crimes becomes ‘lawfare’ that the public hates.
- Such tactics fuel backlash and strengthen populist leaders rather than neutralize them.
First Trump Rally Memory
- Michael recalls attending the first Trump rally he covered in Marshalltown, Iowa in 2015–16.
- He was surprised by the crowd's intensity and later shocked by Trump's victory.
Misreading Trump's Appeal
- Democrats misread Trump's appeal by dismissing his voters as duped or crazy.
- Failing to ask why Trump sustains intense loyalty prevents Democrats from winning back those voters.
