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Radio Atlantic

Laughing at Trump

Aug 29, 2024
David Graham, a staff writer at the Atlantic, and George Conway, a conservative lawyer known for his wit against Trump, delve into the escalating use of mockery in politics. They discuss how Democrats have embraced mocking Trump—a tactic he’s used against opponents for years. The conversation highlights the risks and benefits of humor in political discourse, exploring its potential to shape public perception. They also unpack the psychological effects of Trump’s narcissism and the power of targeted campaign ads to expose vulnerabilities.
28:43

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Democrats are shifting their political discourse from high-minded rhetoric to employing mockery as a strategic tool against Trump.
  • While mockery can effectively undermine Trump's authority, it also risks trivializing serious democratic threats, necessitating careful balance in political engagement.

Deep dives

The Shift in Political Strategy

A notable shift in the Democratic Party's approach to political discourse has emerged, moving from Michelle Obama's 'when they go low, we go high' mantra to a strategy that openly embraces mockery. This change can be attributed to Democrats becoming increasingly disillusioned with the effectiveness of high-minded rhetoric, particularly following their setbacks in recent elections. Instead, politicians like Tim Walz have embraced casual language, such as using the word 'weird' to describe political opponents, signaling a shift in how Democrats are willing to engage with rivals. This evolution reflects a broader acceptance of an aggressive stance, suggesting that humor and ridicule could resonate more with voters fed up with conventional political decorum.

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