The Gist Not Even Mad: Michael A. Cohen & Charles Fain Lehman
Jan 8, 2026
In a lively discussion, Charles Fain Lehman, a Manhattan Institute fellow, and Michael A. Cohen, political analyst, dive into the potential capture of Nicolas Maduro and Marco Rubio's role in it. They analyze Tim Walz's exit from Minnesota's governor race amid a pandemic fraud scandal and debate the implications of Cea Weaver's leftist housing policies in New York. The duo also critiques the 'Heritage American' myth and questions the New York Times' statistics on bus speeds, all while sharing a humorous take on Larry David's New Year wishes.
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Competing Motives Behind Maduro Capture
- The Maduro capture exposed competing motives: Rubio-driven regime change versus Trump's spectacle-and-deals approach.
- Lack of a clear long-term plan risks short-lived gains and regional credibility loss.
Swift Strikes Versus Lasting Transition
- The "Trump doctrine" favors swift, overwhelming strikes without long occupations.
- That approach can deter adversaries but may not secure lasting democratic transitions.
Rubio's Transition Playbook
- Rubio and like-minded actors push for a managed transition and elections in Venezuela.
- Success hinges on U.S. follow-through and whether Trump’s team sustains pressure.