Defeating the New Strain of MAGA with Simon Rosenberg
Sep 8, 2023
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Simon Rosenberg, a veteran political analyst and strategist, joins host Reed Galen to discuss the importance of spotlighting President Joe Biden's accomplishments, the challenges of selling the GOP's brand, the threat of a government shutdown, and the new strain of MAGA infecting the Republican Party. They also touch on media's failure to understand this new strain, the tactics and mindset of MAGA supporters, and the alignment of the GOP with countries like Russia. They emphasize countering right-wing propaganda and standing up for American ideals.
Democrats must continue spotlighting Biden's accomplishments to counteract Republican attacks on issues like inflation and crime.
Citizen activism is crucial for Democrats, who must focus on expanding their coalition and achieving a clear repudiation of MAGA.
Republicans' willingness to harm the country for political gain highlights the need for Democrats to combat falsehoods and protect American citizens' interests.
Deep dives
Key Point 1: Biden's Accomplishments and Good Summer
Despite negative media coverage, Joe Biden has had a successful summer with notable accomplishments. The economy is growing, unemployment is low, and inflation is flattening out. Biden has brought decency and normalcy back to the Oval Office, and the country is in an advantageous position compared to global competitors. The Biden administration's border policies have brought calm after years of chaos, and the murder rate is down. Additionally, the production of oil and renewable energy in the U.S. is expected to be at an all-time high this year, weakening Republican attacks on Biden regarding inflation, crime, the border, and the energy sector.
Key Point 2: The Evolution of the Center-Right Coalition and the Confidence of Democrats
The Center-Right Coalition has shown increased engagement and activity, with an ongoing primary, fundraising, and active candidates appearing on Fox News. In contrast, the Democratic coalition has not fully engaged yet in 2024, resulting in some softness in Biden's polling. However, as Trump becomes the nominee or when the Biden campaign ramps up, the Democratic coalition is expected to become more involved and engaged. Despite this, Biden's summer has been positive, with a strengthening economy, successful border policies, and significant progress in renewable energy. Republican attacks on Biden are becoming less effective as the facts undermine their claims.
Key Point 3: Advocacy for Democratic Engagement and Activism
Citizen activism has been on the rise in America, with millions of people engaging in political actions and fighting to protect democracy. This activism has provided Democrats with increased financial resources and grassroots support, pushing their performance and turnout to the upper end of what is possible. It is crucial for anxious individuals to channel their concerns into action by donating, making phone calls, participating in elections, and being informed about critical issues. Democrats are encouraged to focus on expanding their coalition, particularly among young people, those who oppose MAGA, Hispanic voters, and other emerging groups. The goal is not just to win in 2024, but to achieve a clear repudiation of MAGA and its extremism by securing a victory with a wider margin.
The Danger of Republican Tactics and Potential Chaos
There are concerns about Republican tactics and their willingness to hurt Biden and the country in order to achieve their goals. The possibility of a government shutdown and threats of impeachment inquiries by Kevin McCarthy and other Republicans demonstrate their disregard for the well-being of the nation. Republicans are willing to align with foreign entities like the Saudis and Russians, even when it may harm their own voters. Gas prices blamed on Biden are actually influenced by global factors, but Republicans use this issue to create a false narrative. This cynical behavior highlights the disconnect between the Republican project and national interests, and their willingness to lie to their own voters for political gain. There is a need for Democrats to combat these falsehoods and protect the interests of American citizens.
The Need for Democrats to Fight Against Republican Tactics
The podcast episode highlights the importance for Democrats to confront and counteract the tactics employed by Republicans. It emphasizes that Republicans are willing to go to extreme lengths, such as stealing Supreme Court seats and engaging in outrageous redistricting, showing them as a liberal anti-democratic force. The episode further discusses the Republicans' dangerous actions, such as the potential threat to the country during the debt ceiling fight. It stresses the desperation exhibited by Republicans, making it crucial for Democrats to acknowledge and address this reality.
Reimagining the Democratic Party's Narrative
The episode emphasizes the necessity for Democrats to reshape their narrative and not internalize Republican arguments against them. It suggests that Democrats should focus on telling their own story without bringing Republican arguments into the discourse. The episode highlights the potential of millions of Americans working together, utilizing various media platforms, such as podcasts and social networks, to amplify positive information about the Democratic Party and President Joe Biden. By doing so, Democrats can counteract the negative sentiment spread by MAGA and give Americans permission to love their country again.
Host Reed Galen is joined by Simon Rosenberg, the Veteran Political Analyst, Strategist and Commentator. They discuss why it's so important for Democrats to continue spotlighting the accomplishments of President Joe Biden, why the current brand of the GOP is such a tough sell to the American people, and why Republicans continue to threaten a government shutdown when they’ve never ended well. Plus, we’re witnessing the GOP being infected with a new strain of MAGA. To keep up with all things Simon Rosenberg, be sure to subscribe to his Substack newsletter, Hopium Chronicles. If you’d like to ask a question or share a comment with The Lincoln Project, send an email to podcast@lincolnproject.us.
