Bret Stephens, a Pulitzer Prize-winning opinion columnist for the New York Times and former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, shares his sharp insights alongside Tim Miller. They dive deep into the corrosive effects of Trump's potential return on democracy and discuss the implications of leadership disinhibition. The conversation shifts to the intertwining of tech powers, particularly Elon Musk's foreign policy impacts. Stephens also evaluates the complexities of voting choices, netting a thought-provoking look at Kamala Harris's strategic positioning in contemporary politics.
Trump's disinhibition poses a significant threat to democracy due to his lack of restraint and potential for deliberate cruelty.
Voting for Kamala Harris is portrayed as a pragmatic alternative to safeguard democratic institutions against the dangers of another Trump term.
Deep dives
Understanding Trump's Unique Threat
The discussion revolves around Donald Trump's disinhibition, a trait characterized by impulsiveness and a lack of restraint, which is both a strength and a dangerous flaw. This disinhibition manifests in Trump's willingness to speak without filtering his words, often leading to controversial and harmful statements. It is pointed out that during his first term, there were individuals around him that acted as inhibitors to temper his more reckless ideas, but many of these individuals are no longer present. The concern is that in a potential second term, Trump could act without constraints, amplifying the threat he poses if there are no checks on his power.
The Consequences of Disinhibition
The podcast highlights the potential consequences of Trump's disinhibition, especially in light of past behavior during crises, such as his response to the Floyd protests where he exhibited alarming aggression towards peaceful demonstrators. The commentator underscores that while some view Trump's behavior as merely rude or tactless, there is a deeper, more concerning aspect where he appears to revel in causing harm to others. This notion goes beyond impulsivity; it suggests a purposeful cruelty that raises significant ethical and moral questions about his leadership. Recognizing this adds gravity to the argument that a disinhibited Trump, deprived of restraint, could lead to dire outcomes for the nation.
Concerns Surrounding Elon Musk
The conversation shifts to the rising concern regarding Elon Musk's influence on foreign policy, particularly his recent communications with figures like Putin and Xi Jinping. There’s an underlying fear that Musk's private maneuvers could undermine U.S. foreign relations and security, especially given the critical nature of his Starlink services. The commentary notes that the increasing dependence on Musk's technologies places immense power in the hands of one individual, raising implications for national security. It explores whether the government should step in to regulate Musk’s behavior to prevent interference with official U.S. foreign policy.
A Reluctant Vote for Kamala Harris
The discussion turns to the dilemma of voting for Kamala Harris with lingering doubts about her leadership capabilities, particularly regarding her stance on Israel and anti-Semitism. Critics express worries about her previous positions which seemed overly accommodating to pro-Palestinian sentiments, thus jeopardizing U.S.-Israeli relations. However, the argument is made that compared to Donald Trump's perceived threats to democracy, a vote for Harris is pragmatic, even if it feels like a compromise. The emphasis lies on the necessity of safeguarding democratic institutions, suggesting that ultimately, a vote for Harris functions as a bulwark against the chaos associated with a Trump administration.
Trump is corrosive to the soul of our democracy. He's a bigot, an ogre, and an isolationist. And for all the Reagan Republicans on the fence: If Trump gets back in, America won't have a healthy conservative movement again for generations. Plus, Kamala on Israel, and Elon's private foreign policy with Putin—he's working against our national security while helping himself to the treasury of the United States.
Bret Stephens joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.