The Bulwark Podcast Neera Tanden: America's 'Daddy' Is in a Rut
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Dec 10, 2025 
Neera Tanden, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress and veteran policy adviser, dives into the tangled web of Trump's economy and political maneuverings. She critiques Trump’s economic messaging, particularly his unfounded claims about rising costs. Tanden analyzes recent Democratic successes in battleground elections and highlights the GOP's failure to present a viable healthcare alternative. With a focus on accountability, she calls for reforms to tackle corruption and offers insights on effective strategies to win over independents.
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Trump's Credibility Gap On The Economy
- Donald Trump's messaging on inflation contradicts his own policies and persona, creating a credibility gap with voters.
- Neera Tanden argues his tariff-first agenda actually raises costs, making affordability a political liability for him.
Policy Choices, Not Mysteries, Drive Prices
- Tariffs and some policy choices are straightforward drivers of higher prices, not mysterious forces.
- Tanden emphasizes Trump's agenda (tariffs, health policy) tends to increase consumer costs rather than lower them.
Expand Beyond The Base
- Democrats should build a big-tent coalition that appeals to independents and non-MAGA Republicans.
- Focus outreach on persuading those voters who voted for Trump but dislike his policies, rather than only energizing the base.
