Isaac Arnsdorf and Joe Perticone: Trying to Finish What They Started
Apr 11, 2024
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Isaac Arnsdorf, author of 'Finish What We Started', and Joe Perticone discuss the rise of MAGA, activism in DC jails post Jan 6, House drama over Ukraine and FISA, and the dynamics of political movements. Delve into online activism, Congress dysfunction, Pfizer completion prediction, political ideologies, Ukraine-Russia conflict, and Trump's stance on Putin.
Steve Bannon's creation of community and purpose for MAGA followers was pivotal in fueling the movement's rise.
Trump's territorial compromise proposal between Russia and Ukraine aims to leverage US-Russia relations to counter China, viewed skeptically by experts.
Trump's silence on advocating for an imprisoned American in Russia highlights his avoidance of confronting Putin and reluctance towards criticizing the Russian regime.
Deep dives
Trump's Plan to End the War in Ukraine
Donald Trump aims to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine by proposing to give certain territory to Russia in exchange for peace. However, Ukrainian President Zelensky refuses to cede any land to Russia, and Putin claims more territory than what he currently occupies. The proposed solution lacks feasibility due to complex territorial claims and global implications.
Foreign Policy Perspectives
Trump's advisors justify the territorial compromise with Russia as a strategy to focus on China as a greater threat. The idea revolves around pulling Russia away from its dependence on China by improving US-Russia relations, potentially weakening China in the process. Nonetheless, experts view this strategy skeptically, arguing against its viability.
Silence on Evan Gerskowitz
Trump's failure to publicly advocate for imprisoned American Evan Gerskowitz in Russia raises concerns. Despite editorial pressure questioning his silence on advocating for Gerskowitz's release, Trump's camp remains unresponsive. This pattern underscores Trump's reluctance to confront Putin and his track record of avoiding criticism towards the Russian regime.
Sally Grubs: From Average Republican to Rising Star
Sally Grubs epitomizes the transformation of ordinary Republicans into influential party members. Initially a passive party supporter, her experience of perceived election fraud in 2020 motivates her to engage in local party politics. Grubs' shift towards party leadership sparks tension with hardliners, labeling her as an establishment figure due to her nuanced understanding of party dynamics.
Legacy of Kathy Petsas
Kathy Petsas stands as a counterpoint to the rising MAGA influence within GOP state legislatures. Her traditional Republican background clashes with the radicalization within the party ranks, reflecting the ideological shifts influencing party nominations and policy directions. Petsas exemplifies the complexity within the Republican Party as it grapples with evolving party dynamics.
Trump's Impractical Peace Proposal
Trump's proposal to settle the Russia-Ukraine conflict by offering territory to Russia lacks practicality and faces staunch resistance from Ukrainian President Zelensky. While Trump hopes to broker peace by compromising on territorial claims, Putin's expansive demands and geopolitical complexities render the solution implausible. The intricate historical and political context significantly complicates the feasibility of Trump's proposed resolution.
Steve Bannon fueled the rise of MAGA by offering true believers a sense of community and purpose. A new book tells the story of ordinary Americans swept up in the movement. Plus, hanging out at the DC jail with the Jan 6 choir, and the House drama over Ukraine and FISA. Isaac Arnsdorf and Joe Perticone join Tim Miller.