The podcast discusses the challenges faced by Republican candidates in the absence of the front-runner. They explore debate preparation, the anti-Trump Republican vote, and the potential for consolidation. Other topics include tennis moves, a new segment called 'I'm So Indicted', and the impact of GOP views on Joe Biden's electability.
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Quick takeaways
Trump's decision to skip the first two Republican primary debates and opt for a pre-taped interview with Tucker Carlson aims to counter-program against Fox News and appeal to anti-establishment viewers.
Vivek Ramaswamy effectively taps into the sentiments of Republican voters looking for a candidate who embodies the spirit of Trump's movement by addressing key issues and connecting with audiences at events.
The perception of Joe Biden as politically weak among Republicans hampers the electability argument often used against Trump, as his base is resistant to believing Biden poses a significant threat.
Deep dives
Debate Dynamics: Skipping the Stage
Trump has decided to skip the first two Republican primary debates, opting instead for a pre-taped interview with Tucker Carlson. This move aims to appeal to viewers who believe Fox News has become too corporate and establishment. While losing some Fox viewers might not significantly impact Trump's base, the success of this counter-programming strategy will depend on the level of outrageousness in the interview and the potential lackluster performance of the undercard debate.
Vivek Ramaswamy's Appeal to the MAGA Base
Vivek Ramaswamy, a young Republican candidate, has managed to resonate with a significant section of the MAGA base. He effectively speaks the language of the new nationalist GOP movement, with talking points addressing issues such as China, Ukraine, and 9/11 conspiracy theories. While his appeal may be perceived as phony or performance by some, Ramaswamy demonstrated intelligence and skill in connecting with audiences at events. He successfully taps into the sentiments of Republican voters looking for a candidate who embodies the spirit of Trump's movement.
The Weakened Electability Argument
Republicans now view Joe Biden as politically weak, rendering electability arguments ineffective in swaying them. Clips portraying Biden's stuttering or physical mishaps have contributed to this perception, making it challenging to persuade Republicans that Biden is a formidable opponent. This shift in perception hampers the electability argument often used against Trump, as his base is resistant to believing Biden poses a significant threat.
DeSantis's campaign finance issues
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing criticism and scrutiny after a Washington Post report revealed his questionable campaign finance practices. The report alleges that after getting elected, DeSantis targeted lobbyists and their top clients to solicit cash. He even had his staff create a list of 40 lobbyists, expecting nine of them to raise a million dollars each. The report sheds light on what some argue is legalized corruption in Florida, where campaign finance rules are lax.
Debate expectations for Haley, Scott, and Christie
As the Republican primary race begins to take shape, several candidates are gearing up for an important debate. Among them are Nikki Haley, Tim Scott, and Chris Christie. Haley and Scott are seen as potential vice presidential candidates, while Christie's debating skills are highly anticipated. However, there are doubts about Haley's appeal to the Republican base, as she has been criticized for not aligning closely enough with Trump. Scott, on the other hand, faces skepticism about his presidential ambitions, with some questioning his electability. Christie, known for his confrontational style, needs a standout moment to regain momentum in the race.
The Republican candidates try to figure out how to debate when the front-runner isn't on stage. The Bulkwark's Tim Miller joins the pod to talk about prep, bad candidates, and whether it's too late for anyone to consolidate the anti-Trump Republican vote. Plus, Vivek Ramaswamy's tennis moves, and our first-ever round of "I'm so Indicted"!
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Show Notes
NEWS ROUND UP
Des Moines Register: How every GOP presidential candidate performed with likely caucusgoers in new Iowa Poll
NYT: DeSantis Tweaks His Messaging and Tactics After a Tough Campaign Stretch
NY Post: DeSantis calls MAGA supporters in Congress ‘listless vessels,’ says Trump didn’t drain swamp
CNN: Asa Hutchinson says he has qualified for the Republican debate
WaPo: What to watch for in the first Republican debate
NYT: Democrats, Popcorn in Hand, Root for a Rowdy G.O.P. Debate