The Best People with Nicolle Wallace Jon Lovett: “This is not Policy Making. This is Vandalism”
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Aug 18, 2025 
Jon Lovett, a founding member of Pod Save America and former speechwriter for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, takes listeners on a whirlwind tour of today's political landscape. He critiques Trump's 'vandalism' of American institutions and shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time with Hillary. Lovett also tackles the Epstein scandal, its implications for Trump’s support, and the need for Democrats to connect authentically with voters. His insights shed light on the importance of combating misinformation and fostering trust in media.
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Ideology Undermines Public Data
- Lovett warns the administration cancels programs and data that benefit everyone simply due to ideology.
- He stresses these moves erode understanding of the economy, climate, and public health.
Use Primaries To Define Party Identity
- Lovett says the Democratic primary debates will define what the party stands for to voters.
- He advises watching those debates as a crucible to show values and strategy for reclaiming trust.
Authenticity Trumps Policy Lists
- Authentic connection matters: politicians who show clear values win trust even if imperfect.
- Lovett contrasts Trump’s visceral clarity with Democrats' failure to make their values felt.