Vivek Rises, DeSantis Untouched, and Trump's Arrest, with Michael Knowles, Emily Jashinsky, Comfortably Smug, and Charles C.W. Cooke | Ep. 614
Aug 24, 2023
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Joined by a powerhouse panel, Michael Knowles, Emily Jashinsky, Comfortably Smug, and Charles C.W. Cooke dissect the latest GOP debate landscape. They highlight Vivek Ramaswamy as the standout performer amid some lackluster moments from others, including Ron DeSantis's passive strategy. The group debates Trump's influence even while facing legal challenges and ponders the candidates' views on pardoning him. With humor and sharp insights, they tackle everything from media impacts to the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party.
No clear winner in the debate; Trump's absence maintained his frontrunner status; DeSantis benefited from few attacks.
Nikki Haley performed well by challenging Vivek on foreign policy, but it's uncertain if GOP still aligns with her Neocon ideology.
Tim Scott failed to make an impact with generic statements, making him a loser of the debate.
Mike Pence's presence provides closure and emphasizes Constitution importance, even if he may not win nomination.
Deep dives
No clear winner in the debate
There was no clear winner in the debate as none of the candidates changed the game or significantly impacted their standings. Trump's absence kept him as the frontrunner, while DeSantis benefited from not being the target of many attacks. Vivek received attention but did not impress, and the candidates who did well like Nikki Haley and Mike Pence are unlikely to win the nomination. Overall, the debate did not alter the dynamics of the race.
Nikki Haley shines in the debate
Nikki Haley performed well in the debate, particularly in her confrontation with Vivek on foreign policy. She successfully argued against Vivek's sweeping policies and lack of experience, scoring points with the audience. However, it remains unclear if Republicans are still aligned with the Neocon ideology Haley represents.
Tim Scott disappoints in the debate
Tim Scott failed to make an impact in the debate despite having high expectations. His generic and vague statements lacked substance and did not set him apart from the other candidates. This lackluster performance makes him a loser of the debate.
Mike Pence serves an important role in the race
Mike Pence's presence in the race provides closure and catharsis to the nation regarding the events of January 6th. While he may not have a chance at the nomination, his truthful and calm approach highlights the importance of upholding the Constitution and dispelling false narratives surrounding the 2020 election.
Vivek struggles to justify his candidacy
Vivek's candidacy lacks a clear justification, as he often echoes Trump's message without distinguishing himself or providing specific policy steps. His praise for Trump and inability to articulate why he is running when Trump is still the frontrunner raises doubts about his campaign's purpose.
DeSantis's struggle to find his political identity
Ron DeSantis is caught between who he actually is and who he's been told he should be as a politician. He lacks the charismatic affect of successful politicians like Reagan, Clinton, and Obama. To have a chance at becoming president, DeSantis needs to embrace his own unique style and confidently convey his middle-class background and successful governorship of Florida. He must break free from trying to meet others' expectations and stand firm in his own convictions, irrespective of the consequences.
Vivek Ramaswamy's rise as a legitimate threat
Vivek Ramaswamy emerged as a legitimate threat in the primary race, gaining momentum and attention. His willingness to engage in hostile media environments and his strong debate skills have contributed to his rising popularity. Ramaswamy's visibility and growing support indicate the need for other candidates, such as DeSantis, to adopt a more assertive and bold approach to stand a chance against him.
The increasing political divide and potential for conflict
Donald Trump highlighted the deep divisions and the potential for conflict in the country. He expressed concern about the level of passion and hatred on both sides, which could be a dangerous combination. Trump also acknowledged the possibility of violence and a civil war-like situation. The current political climate, marked by extreme animosity and a disregard for due process, suggests a growing need for dialogue, understanding, and a commitment to preserving the democratic process.
Megyn Kelly begins the show by breaking down what the moderators did and didn't do well at the GOP debate, how the candidates performed, and the Trump factor. Then The Federalist's Emily Jashinsky, Ruthless Podcast co-host Comfortably Smug, National Review's Charles C.W. Cooke, and The Daily Wire's Michael Knowles join to talk about the highlights and lowlights from the GOP debate, how Vivek Ramaswamy was “the star" by getting involved in so many fights, how DeSantis was mostly untouched by his competitors, why Tim Scott lost the debate, whether Vivek vs. the GOP establishment will help him gain ground in the primary, Mike Pence’s role and his messaging at the GOP debate, how the candidates reacted when asked about pardoning Trump if he gets convicted, DeSantis trying to figure out whether to be who he is or who he thinks he should be, Fox News not asking about racial gender ideology but asking about UFOs, former President Trump's interview with Tucker Carlson, the truth about the "hundreds of millions" of views, Trump's presence and humor, whether Tucker Carlson’s interview with Donald Trump was successful counter-programming, how he hilariously roasted Biden and Harris, and more.
