David Frum, a respected Staff writer at The Atlantic and former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, shares his insights on why he's supporting Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. He discusses how the Republican Party has shifted away from conservative values under Trump, highlighting Trump as a 'unique danger' to democracy. Frum also delves into U.S. foreign policy comparisons, particularly regarding Israel, and reflects on emerging Canadian leaders amid housing crises. His viewpoint provides a fascinating look into the evolving political landscape.
David Frum argues that the Republican Party has abandoned conservative principles, making Trump a unique danger to democratic institutions.
Despite criticisms, Kamala Harris is viewed as an adept political leader capable of fostering consensus among diverse groups.
Concerns over immigration policy highlight a misunderstanding of migration drivers, raising fears about the Biden administration's preparedness for upcoming challenges.
Deep dives
The Case Against Donald Trump
A major argument presented is the opposition to Donald Trump, highlighting the belief that he poses a unique threat to democratic institutions and the Constitution. The discussion revolves around Trump's actions, including his attempts to overturn the election results through violence, which are deemed unacceptable for a president. Consequently, the reasoning leads to the conclusion that any alternative, even if improbable, becomes the right choice. This negative case against Trump emphasizes the importance of preventing his return to power at all costs.
Admiration for Kamala Harris as a Politician
While recognizing potential disagreements with her policies, there is an acknowledgment of Kamala Harris's skills as a politician. She is viewed as someone who successfully engages in democratic processes, creating consensus among diverse groups. Her capacity for collaborative and collegial leadership is seen as essential for a president, offering assurance of responsible governance. Despite concerns about her past policy shifts, there is a belief that she has learned from her experiences, indicating potential for growth in her leadership style.
The Unpredictable Future of Harris's Presidency
One notable point raised is the uncertainty regarding how Kamala Harris would govern, given that she is perceived as more unknown than any recent president since Harry Truman. Observations are made about her ideological alignments and the influence of political pressures from different factions within the Democratic Party. The potential for her to pivot in response to the political climate is acknowledged, which can create both hope and concern for her future decisions. Ultimately, it is highlighted that Harris may maintain a balance between liberal and more centrist policies as she navigates her presidency.
Concerns Over Immigration Policies
The conversation shifts to immigration, where concerns regarding Harris's border policies are expressed. It is argued that her and Biden's management of immigration reflects a misunderstanding of the larger dynamics affecting migration, failing to address the complexities of why people seek to enter the United States. Recognizing the potential for labor shortages in the U.S., there is apprehension about whether the current administration is adequately prepared to handle future immigration challenges. The apprehension underscores the belief that without control, the flow of immigration could become overwhelming, necessitating a more robust and effective policy approach.
Facing the Threat of a Second Trump Term
The looming possibility of a chaotic second Trump term is outlined, with specific mention of how Trump may prioritize shutting down numerous legal investigations against him as his first order of business. Predictions of intense political upheaval arise, along with potential turmoil regarding the functionality of U.S. institutions in responding to his directives. The conversation indicates a significant concern that a Trump presidency could sow discord not just within governance but also lead to attempts to centralize power, fundamentally altering the nature of American democracy. The emphasis remains on the dire need to prevent this scenario to safeguard constitutional integrity.
Notorious RINO and Atlantic writer David Frum joins Jamie Weinstein to explain why he’s voting for Kamala Harris this election. Frum, a former speechwriter for President George W. Bush and a longtime critic of Donald Trump, believes that the current Republican Party no longer reflects conservative principles and has been overtaken by populism.
The Agenda:
—Frum’s history with conservatism
—Donald Trump as a “unique danger”
—Frum’s personal connection to the Gaza hostages
—Assessing Kamala Harris’ and Donald Trump’s foreign relation strategy
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