Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast Jonathan Karl & David Sirota
Nov 1, 2025
Jonathan Karl, an ABC News journalist and author, shares insights from his book on Trump's tumultuous comeback and the chaotic 2024 campaign landscape. He highlights Trump’s media dominance and the strategies that shape the electoral battleground. David Sirota, investigative journalist and founder of The Lever, delves into the corrupting influence of campaign finance and the Supreme Court’s alarming rulings. Together, they discuss the intersection of power, money, and politics, offering a compelling look at today's political dynamics.
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Retribution As Central Motive
- Jonathan Karl frames Retribution as explaining how Trump intended to use power to get even with perceived enemies.
- He argues this campaign and presidency represent a uniquely chaotic, high-stakes moment in U.S. history.
Courtroom Moment That Sparked Reporting
- Jonathan Karl recounts attending Trump's New York criminal trial and watching testimony that underscored the campaign's uniqueness.
- He used those experiences as motivation to report a deeply sourced, longer book on the campaign.
Visibility Dilutes Accountability
- Karl links media access and constant visibility to Trump's advantage over more scripted opponents.
- He says Trump's nonstop media presence floods the zone and dilutes scrutiny of individual remarks.
