The Rest Is Politics 442. Question Time: Trump's Plot To Cancel The Midterms
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Aug 27, 2025 Is Trump pushing America towards military rule? The hosts dive into the implications of authoritarianism and political intimidation in the U.S. They also tackle the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its effects on global stability, alongside the geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine. Energy politics and the media's influence on political narratives are explored, revealing how these factors shape public opinion. Finally, they lighten the mood with a humorous take on celebrity culture inspired by reality shows like 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
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Militarising Politics To Intimidate Opponents
- Alastair Campbell warns Trump is normalising domestic military deployments and creating a militarised state.
- That tactic intimidates critics and shifts political pressure toward silence rather than debate.
Real-World Chilling On Critics
- Campbell recounts friends and lawyers who now self-censor after seeing reprisals against critics.
- He cites examples like raids on John Bolton and heckling of advisors to show the chilling effect.
Paths To Disrupt Midterm Elections
- Campbell outlines concrete ways Trump could manipulate midterms using security claims and certification powers.
- This approach leverages fear and administrative control to potentially disrupt democratic processes.
