KQED's Forum How MAGA Took Over Congress with NYT’s Annie Karni and Luke Broadwater
Mar 26, 2025
In this discussion, Annie Karni and Luke Broadwater, New York Times reporters and co-authors of "Mad House," delve into the chaos of the 118th Congress. They reveal how MAGA extremism has reshaped the political landscape, pushing moderators aside and leading to unprecedented dysfunction. Key highlights include the controversies surrounding the Speaker's ousting and the internal turmoil among Republicans. The guests also touch on the implications of these shifts for democracy and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party in this tumultuous climate.
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Accidental War Plans Leak
- Trump officials shared military strike plans with a journalist via a group text.
- They used a commercial app and blamed the journalist for being in the chat.
Dysfunction in the 118th Congress
- The 118th Congress, with its slim Republican majority, faced significant dysfunction.
- This empowered a small group of far-right members, giving them outsized influence.
McCarthy's Speakership
- Kevin McCarthy, a former used car salesman, was driven by his ambition to become Speaker.
- He made concessions to far-right members, hindering effective governance.
