The Dispatch Podcast Confirmation Kabuki | Roundtable
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Jan 17, 2025 
Join David French, an insightful attorney and commentator, alongside Jonah Goldberg and Steve Hayes, as they delve into the theatrical nature of Senate confirmation hearings during Trump's presidency. They discuss the implications for cabinet nominees amidst rampant partisanship and ponder Biden's legacies in both governance and rhetoric. The conversation also touches on California's wildfire crises, the failures of policy, and the emotional weight of presidential inaugurations. This lively roundtable unpacks serious issues with a mix of humor and critical analysis.
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Confirmation Hearing Significance
- Senate confirmation hearings have evolved in importance over time.
- They were insignificant 100 years ago, mattered 30 years ago, and now seem insignificant again but for different reasons.
Trump's Influence on Confirmations
- Trump's power over the Republican party makes it unlikely for his nominees to be rejected.
- Confirmation hearings hold little weight in the current political climate.
Confirmation Hearing Anecdotes
- Pete Hegseth's confirmation hearing revealed his failure to meet with Democratic senators.
- Tulsi Gabbard's nomination is facing scrutiny due to her lack of knowledge and preparedness.