The Focus Group Podcast S6 Ep20: Playing Stupid Games, Winning Stupid Prizes (with Bill Kristol)
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Jan 17, 2026 
Bill Kristol, Editor-at-large at The Bulwark and renowned conservative political commentator, joins Sarah Longwell for an insightful discussion about the current political landscape. They delve into how Republican views on race and nativism have evolved, the moral outrage surrounding the recent ICE killing, and the significance of the Epstein files in public discourse. Kristol also critiques the GOP's future without Trump and the implications of the Jerome Powell investigation, shedding light on the complexities of today's political climate.
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Republican Party's Radical Shift
- Bill Kristol says the Republican Party has shifted radically under Trump, forcing rethinking of past assumptions about the party.
- He stresses tactics can change even if one's underlying policy positions remain moderate.
Old Prejudices Reignited
- Kristol and Longwell note nativism, race, and gender prejudices proved more combustible than they expected.
- They argue tactics may require alliances across ideological lines in a changed political environment.
ICE Killing Reveals Systemic Erosion
- The ICE killing of Renee Good exposed rapid lying and gaslighting by the administration, deepening distrust.
- Longwell warns the willingness to excuse excessive force signals a dangerous erosion of norms.