Christopher Caldwell, a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute and a sharp voice on conservative thought, engages in a deep dive into the complexities of contemporary politics. He discusses Trump’s consequential policies compared to Obama’s, the recent demise of affirmative action, and the evolving definitions of conservatism. Caldwell also touches on Biden's immigration strategies and the impact of DEI initiatives on political sentiments. The conversation critiques the dynamics between technology leaders and government, highlighting a transformative era in political leadership.
The podcast delves into the significant shift in affirmative action policies, illustrating concerns that the DEI framework may inadvertently promote division instead of unity.
Immigration is highlighted as a key voter concern, with emotional perceptions about crime and cultural changes driving public opinion more than statistical data.
Deep dives
The Shift in Affirmative Action Policies
A significant change in affirmative action policies is highlighted, emphasizing the executive order that revokes the previous affirmative action framework established by Lyndon B. Johnson. This order eliminated the requirement for businesses to implement affirmative action programs in order to do business with the government, impacting a substantial segment of the workforce. The discussion reveals that conservatives critique the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) framework, arguing that it promotes division rather than unity, leading to the perspective that it embodies a form of racism. The implications of these changes indicate a dramatic shift in how civil rights enforcement is conceptualized, raising questions about the future of equity in the workforce.
Analyzing Immigration and its Political Impact
Immigration emerges as a critical issue influencing voter sentiment, with discussions focusing on how perceptions of disorder and economic insecurity shape public opinion. The complexities of immigration are explored, noting that the public's concerns often do not stem from statistical data but rather from personal experiences and socio-cultural changes within their communities. The conversation pinpoints how Trump's rhetoric links immigration to crime and cultural degradation, harnessing powerful imagery that resonates emotionally rather than rationally. This narrative suggests that public sentiments may sway voter behavior more than factual data on immigration trends or policy outcomes.
The Role of Economic Factors in Voter Decisions
The economic landscape and its effects on voters' perceptions are examined, particularly regarding inflation and its tangible effects on everyday expenses. The dialogue indicates that rising costs are likely to influence electoral outcomes, with voters feeling the pinch of higher prices in their daily lives while their wages do not keep pace. Comparisons are drawn to the economic climate during the Trump presidency, where preliminary measures showed an improved income distribution, drawing voter approval. This highlights the significance of economic perceptions, emphasizing that voters prioritize personal finance and local economic conditions over broader economic trends.
The Intersection of Technology and Governance
The evolving relationship between technology, specifically artificial intelligence, and governance plays a crucial role in current political dynamics. The discussion suggests that leaders in technology influence political agendas, with Trump's alignment with figures like Musk signaling a shift towards prioritizing innovation and efficiency in government operations. This partnership raises concerns about the implications of placing tech experts in governance roles without a clear understanding of political and social ramifications. The potential for these relationships to redefine governmental priorities and structures introduces complex challenges as the country navigates modernization.
Chris — an old friend and, in my view, one of the sharpest right-of-center writers in journalism — returns to the Dishcast for his third appearance. He’s a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, a contributing editor to the Claremont Review of Books, a contributing writer for the NYT, and a member of the editorial committee of the French quarterly Commentaire. We covered his book The Age of Entitlement on the pod in 2021, and in 2023 he came back to talk European politics. This week I wanted to talk to a Trump supporter as we survey the first month. And we hashed a lot out.
For two clips of our convo — on the vandalism of DOGE, and why Chris thinks Trump has been more consequential than Obama on policy— see our YouTube page.
Other topics: the final demise of affirmative action; the 1964 Civil Rights Act; how DEI created racial strife; warring Dem interest groups; Biden’s belated border enforcement; why Harris was picked for veep and party nominee; the minorities disillusioned with Dems; the rise in public disorder; looming inflation; Trump’s tax cuts and tariffs; Trump vs Reaganism; DOGE vs Clinton’s downsizing; Bannon vs Musk; Thiel a harbinger of Trump’s broligarchy; USAID and NGOs; the Swamp; Musk calling for the impeachment of judges; his ignorance on government; his craving to be cool; RFK at HHS; Bezos ditching dissent at the WaPo op-ed page; America’s new foreign policy; Trump’s alliance with Russia against Ukraine; pushing reparations on an invaded country; NATO’s Article 5 void under Trump; his love of strongmen; Vance’s disdain of European leaders; Brexit; mass migration; the German elections; China and Trump; Syria and Obama; the DCA helicopter crash; the awfulness of Bluesky; the Gulf of America; and debating the extent to which Trump’s rhetoric is just noise.
Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy (the first 102 are free in their entirety — subscribe to get everything else). Coming up: Evan Wolfson on the history of marriage equality, Nick Denton on China and AI, Francis Collins on faith and science, Michael Lewis on government service, Douglas Murray on Israel and Gaza, Ian Buruma on Spinoza, Michael Joseph Gross on bodybuilding, and the great and powerful Mike White, of White Lotus fame. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.
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