Politix Powell Obstruction
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Jan 14, 2026 The discussion dives into Trump's recent brash tactics, likening them to a speed-chess game where aggression overshadows strategy. They scrutinize his flawed attempts to intimidate Fed Chairman Jay Powell and the mixed responses from his elite supporters. Questions arise about the lasting impacts of Trump's chaos on the GOP and the future of institutions like the Fed. The hosts highlight the dangers of normalizing power abuse and the potential need for Democrats to recalibrate for a post-Trump landscape.
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Flailing Over Strategy
- Trump’s behavior reflects frantic, reckless attempts to change topics rather than coherent strategy.
- His moves often fail to produce durable political gains and sometimes weaken his position.
When Elites Defy Trump
- Powerful elites self-censor around Trump when their narrow financial interests are at stake.
- They push back only when abuse threatens broad economic or institutional stability.
Norms Have Been Boiled Away
- Erosion of norms has normalized interventions that would previously be big scandals.
- The public and media now treat serious institutional abuse as routine background noise.