

Kurt Andersen & John Ganz
Jan 9, 2025
Kurt Andersen, the author of "Evil Geniuses," shares insights on how Pat Buchanan influenced the rise of Trump and Republican populism. John Ganz, author of "When the Clock Broke," discusses the historical context of today's political turmoil and the implications of Trump's leadership style. They dive into the evolving nature of the Republican Party, the blending of authoritarianism with conservatism, and the dangers posed to democracy by current political trends. Their conversation unveils the cyclical nature of backlash politics and the ramifications of nostalgia for Trump's tenure.
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Buchanan as Trump Prototype
- Pat Buchanan, a prototype for Trump, ran for president in the 90s.
- He foreshadowed Trump's right-wing populism, albeit with more IQ points and historical knowledge.
2016 vs. Reagan's Landslides
- The 2016 election, while a Republican win, wasn't a landslide like Reagan's.
- Trump's victory was narrow, and the overall impact is distinct from the 80s.
Trump's Inheritance
- Trump inherited the worst aspects of Republicanism from the last 60 years, including Nixon's resentment of the elite.
- Like Nixon, Trump tapped into resentment towards groups like the media, hippies, and black people.