The NPR Politics Podcast

Belonging, Money, Duty? Inside Account Of Why GOP Pros Backed Trump

Dec 26, 2022

Tim Miller, a former Republican operative who worked with Jeb Bush and Jon Huntsman, shares his insights on the GOP's support for Trump in a candid conversation. He discusses the conflict between political loyalty and personal ethics during the turbulent 2016 election. Miller reflects on the performative nature of political rhetoric and how media influences shifted the party towards radicalism. He also addresses the unique challenges faced by gay Republicans grappling with their identities amid a changing political landscape.

20:59

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Tim Miller

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Navigating Republican Politics: A Personal Journey

8min

The Performative Nature of Political Rhetoric in GOP Dynamics

2min

Voters, Leaders, and the Trump Effect

6min

Navigating Identity and Political Allegiance

4min

Tim Miller spent years working as a Republican political operative for candidates like Jeb Bush and Jon Huntsman, before breaking with his party over Donald Trump. In the latest NPR Politics book club chat, Danielle Kurtzleben talks to Miller about Why We Did It — his attempt to explain why professional Republicans chose to back Trump.This episode: political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben.This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Research and fact-checking by Katherine Swartz.Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.

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