Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: Carol Leonnig and Phil Rucker
Feb 10, 2020
Carol Leonnig, a National investigative reporter for The Washington Post, and Phil Rucker, the White House Bureau Chief, share riveting insights from their book, 'A Very Stable Genius.' They discuss the chaos of the Trump presidency, revealing how they garnered trust from insiders amidst turmoil. Their conversation touches on Trump’s self-perception as a 'genius,' the ramifications of his Twitter use on politics, and the evolving landscape for journalists navigating press freedoms under pressure. They also address the impacts of their recent media challenges.
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Trump Tower Meeting
- Trump crafted a misleading statement about the Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer.
- He prioritized winning the news cycle, ignoring future consequences.
Pearl Harbor
- During his first trip to Asia, Trump displayed a lack of knowledge about Pearl Harbor.
- He questioned its significance, highlighting his incuriosity and lack of historical understanding.
Aides' Worry
- Trump's aides express worry and feel lucky that a major crisis hasn't occurred during his presidency.
- They fear his impulsive decision-making could have severe consequences.
