Lydia Polgreen, a prominent journalist, and David French, a noted legal commentator, dive into the current political landscape and the surprisingly muted resistance to Trump's second term. They explore the shift from passionate protests to a quieter outcry, questioning effective means of opposition today. The duo also dissects the influence of public sentiment on political action, the challenges within the Democratic Party, and the complex dynamics of political coalitions. Their insights offer a thought-provoking look at democracy and resistance in modern America.
The perception of Trump's presidency has shifted from illegitimate to legitimate, complicating current strategies for political resistance.
The evolution of political resistance has moved from large-scale protests to a reliance on legal avenues due to diminished grassroots mobilization.
Deep dives
The Impact of Trump's Reelection
The discussion highlights a significant shift in the political landscape following Trump's reelection, emphasizing that he won both the electoral vote and the popular vote in 2024. This has altered the perception of his presidency from being seen as accidental to being viewed as a legitimate and chosen outcome by the electorate. The guests note that this change has transformed the nature of political resistance, as there is less of a feeling that Trump is an illegitimate president compared to his initial term. This foundational shift in how Trump is viewed complicates the strategies for those opposing him and requires a reevaluation of resistance tactics.
Nature of Political Resistance
The mood surrounding political resistance has evolved from the fervent movements of early 2017, such as the Women's March and protests against the Muslim ban, to a more subdued current state. The early protests were marked by emotional rallies and grassroots mobilization, which now appears to be muted with a lack of cohesive organized resistance. The speakers discuss how the early days of the Trump administration saw diverse groups coming together against perceived injustices, but in the present context, there is a notable absence of large-scale movements due to fear, exhaustion, and concerns over potential government responses to protests. This change reflects a complex relationship between public sentiment, the fear of repercussions, and the effectiveness of past resistance efforts.
Democrats' Current Position and Response
The conversation addresses the position of Democrats in the current political climate, noting that they lack control in both the House and Senate, reminiscent of the Republican situation during the early Obama presidency. The belief is that any resistance must rely heavily on legal avenues rather than political actions in Congress, given their limited power to pass significant legislation. Additionally, there's a recognition that past forms of resistance, such as protests, have proven less effective, prompting a discussion on the necessity of a strategic reevaluation. This positions legal action as a primary method to confront the Trump administration's initiatives, although its effectiveness remains to be fully seen.
The Role of Public Opinion and Trust
The speakers explore the importance of public opinion in shaping the effectiveness of political resistance and the trust deficit that exists toward the Democrats. There is a concern that Democrats may not fully grasp how the Biden administration's shortcomings have diminished their credibility, as many Americans perceive a lack of transparency and integrity. With Trump now being viewed as less of an outsider and more of a legitimate leader, capturing public sentiment will prove crucial for any successful resistance. The discussion emphasizes that until the Democrats connect with the material needs of citizens and reshape their messaging, they risk remaining stagnant in an ever-evolving political environment.
Gone are the days of pussy hats and massive protests. Where is the resistance to Donald Trump’s second term?
Lydia Polgreen and David French join this week to talk about the muted outcry to Trump and Musk’s plans to upend the federal government and where the most effective forms of resistance may show up.
Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.
A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.
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