Tim Miller, a former Republican strategist and author of "Why We Did It," shares his insider perspective on how Donald Trump reshaped the GOP. He delves into the culture of power and fame within the party, revealing how jealousy and resentment fueled Trump's rise. Miller discusses the ethical dilemmas faced by political insiders and critiques the media's role in this transformation. Through personal anecdotes, he reflects on the struggles of reconciling personal identity with party ideologies, highlighting the complexities within today's political landscape.
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Early Start
Tim Miller's political journey began at 16, sparked by a bet on the 1992 election and an internship with Bill Owens.
This early exposure hooked him on the thrill of political campaigns.
insights INSIGHT
Compartmentalization
Tim Miller admits to compartmentalizing his identity as a gay man while working for homophobic Republicans.
He draws a parallel to how people justify working for Trump despite disagreeing with his policies.
question_answer ANECDOTE
McCain Interview
Tim Miller reflects on a 2010 interview where he justified working for McCain despite anti-gay stances.
He cringes at his younger self, prioritizing winning over personal values.
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In 'Losers: The Road to Everyplace but the White House', Michael Lewis provides a humorous and unflinching analysis of the 1996 U.S. presidential campaign. He follows candidates like Pat Buchanan, Phil Gramm, John McCain, Alan Keyes, Steve Forbes, and Bob Dole, exposing the absurdities and unsavory aspects of the political process. Lewis critiques the influence of money and the superficiality of political discourse, leaving readers questioning the nature of political success.
Why We Did It
Rob Cornell
In 'Why We Did It,' Tim Miller provides an insider’s perspective on the Republican Party’s shift towards authoritarianism and the factors that led to Donald Trump’s ascendancy. The book explores the cynical tactics and ideological changes within the party, as well as the role of conservative media and the broader conservative movement. Miller reflects on his own involvement and the moral compromises made by party operatives, offering a critical look at the current state of the GOP.
How to Change
The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
Katy Milkman
In this ground-breaking book, Katy Milkman reveals a proven path to help readers move from where they are to where they want to be. Drawing on her original research and the work of her world-renowned scientific collaborators, Milkman shares strategic methods for identifying and overcoming common barriers to change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. The book offers innovative approaches like 'temptation bundling,' using timely reminders, and creating 'set-it-and-forget-it systems' to make change more achievable. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to specific roadblocks and using science to stack the deck in favor of successful change.
Sean Illing talks with former Republican strategist Tim Miller about his new book Why We Did It, which offers an inside look at Donald Trump's total capture of the Republican Party. Now a staff writer at The Bulwark, Miller shares detailed conversations he had with other party operators — who he criticizes as power- and fame-hungry enablers. He pulls back the curtain on a DC culture of identity and status, talks about the media's role in this transformation, and opens up honestly about the ways in which he and others like him are culpable.
Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), Interviews Writer, Vox
The Gray Area with Sean Illing 
