Deadline: White House "The thing about snake oil"
Jan 16, 2026
Join political heavyweights John Heilman, Al Sharpton, and Claire McCaskill as they dive into Trump’s sagging approval ratings and the implications of his metaphorical 'snake oil' promises. Heilman critiques the political perils of Trump's immigration policies, while Sharpton warns of Trump's self-deception amid public discontent. McCaskill highlights how compelling video evidence is reshaping voter perspectives. Together, they explore the unique opportunity Democrats have to challenge Trump’s tactics, revealing the risks tied to his need for validation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump As A Failed Con Artist
- Nicolle Wallace frames Trump's presidency as a long con whose promises have failed and voters are catching on.
- She calls his shrinking approval evidence of widespread "buyer's remorse" among Americans.
Polling Shows Broad Unpopularity
- AP-NORC and other polls show Trump deeply underwater on immigration and overall approval.
- His economic numbers are weak, with limited public approval for his tariffs and manufacturing claims.
Tariffs Hurt Manufacturing And Consumers
- Tariffs touted to revive manufacturing have coincided with monthly declines in factory employment.
- Economists say tariffs raised input costs and harmed many manufacturers and consumers.