The Playbook Podcast June 20, 2025: Is the ‘MAGA civil war’ real?
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Jun 20, 2025 Adam Wren, a contributing author to Playbook, dives deep into the evolving dynamics of the MAGA movement amidst rising tensions surrounding a potential U.S. strike in Iran. He discusses how Trump's base is split on military intervention, raising questions about potential fractures within the GOP. Wren argues that the debate marks a critical moment in foreign policy, shifting from isolationism to more nuanced perspectives. The conversation also touches on the lasting impact of the Iraq War on current political attitudes and the upcoming 2028 elections.
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Trump's Calculated Delay
- President Trump sees the Iran decision as pivotal for his second term and domestic agenda.
- He seeks to delay action by calling for diplomacy, likely buying time to assess options.
MAGA Civil War May Be Overblown
- Initial fears of a MAGA civil war over Iran have softened into acceptance of limited strikes.
- Key MAGA figures reconcile that a strike without extended involvement could be supported.
MAGA Spectrum and GOP Hawks
- The MAGA universe ranges from isolationists like Tucker Carlson to traditional GOP hawks.
- GOP senators' pro-Israel stance pushes Trump toward a limited strike, reviving old GOP muscle.