The Comeback: The NYT’s Bret Stephens and the GoodFellows Recap the ’24 Election | GoodFellows | Hoover Institution
Nov 8, 2024
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The discussion highlights Donald Trump's unexpected comeback in the 2024 election, emphasizing his popularity and potential control over Congress. Analysts critique the Democratic Party's disconnect with working-class voters and the influence of identity politics. They explore U.S. foreign policy strategies under Trump, the economic tensions facing the new administration, and the future of governance in California. Lastly, the conversation reflects on leadership virtues and the complexities of American electoral politics, acknowledging Trump's unique leadership style.
Trump's unprecedented comeback reflects a significant backlash against a disconnected Democratic Party and its moralizing trends.
The evolution of media influence in Trump's campaign showcases a shift to modern, meme-driven communication, energizing younger voters.
Voter concerns about economic performance highlight a stark contrast between Trump's and Biden's administrations, emphasizing the need for effective governance.
Deep dives
Trump's Political Comeback
Donald Trump has made a remarkable political comeback, securing 312 electoral votes, the highest for a Republican in decades. He not only won the majority of the popular vote but managed to gain control of the Senate and is on track to influence the House. This political landscape mirrors that of Franklin Roosevelt in 1936, with Trump benefiting from a strong party base, many state legislatures, and Supreme Court justices appointed during his tenure. The discussion emphasizes the unprecedented nature of Trump's return, considering the various obstacles he faced during his first term.
Democratic Party's Failure
The recent election results have been interpreted as a critical rejection of the Democratic Party's current trajectory, which is characterized as overly moralizing and disconnected from the working-class concerns. Trump's victory signifies a clear backlash against what some believe is an increasingly elitist and pious Democratic establishment, especially embodied by Kamala Harris. Critics argue that the Democrats have not successfully connected with everyday Americans and have focused more on identity politics rather than unifying the country. This has sparked calls for a reevaluation of political strategies among liberals in light of Trump's electoral success.
Media's Role in Elections
The podcast discusses the changing landscape of media influence in political campaigns, highlighting the difference between traditional media approaches and the modern, meme-driven communication methods employed by Trump's campaign. Trump's ability to leverage new forms of media, like social platforms and meme culture, allowed him to energize his base and connect with younger voters in a novel way. This marks a significant shift away from established media norms, which are sometimes seen as biased or out of touch. The conversation suggests that this evolution in media engagement could reshape future political tactics and voter outreach strategies.
Economic Perspectives
The episode underscores contrasting economic perspectives prevalent in the election, particularly the performance of Trump's economy compared to that of Biden's administration. Analysis shows that Trump's administration saw significantly higher median household income growth compared to Biden's, with inflation being a major concern for voters. The discussion suggests that regardless of political rhetoric, voters primarily care about economic performance and the tangible effects on their lives. This real-time evaluation of economic policies speaks to a broader desire for effective governance that resonates with the electorate.
Prospects for a Second Trump Administration
The prospects of Trump's second term are examined, focusing on the crucial appointments he needs to make and the direction of his policy initiatives. There's speculation about whether Trump will adopt a hawkish foreign policy or lean towards a more isolationist stance depending on his future team choices. The participants emphasize the importance of surrounding himself with effective advisors who can help navigate complex global challenges. Additionally, there's an acknowledgment that holding onto power while implementing strategies effectively will be vital for Trump to avoid the pitfalls commonly associated with second terms.
Donald Trump will return to the Oval Office in a manner few saw coming – he won America’s popular vote; his coattails may lead to Republican control of Congress – while progressive institutions (legacy media, Hollywood, wokeism, and a tired Democratic playbook) take a beating.
New York Times opinion columnist Bret Stephens joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, John Cochrane, and H.R. McMaster to discuss an American election that defied conventional wisdom – and how Trump should proceed in the weeks ahead (key cabinet appointments, foreign and economic policies) given the surprise gift of an Election Night mandate.
Recorded on November 7, 2024.
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