#454 – Saagar Enjeti: Trump, MAGA, DOGE, Obama, FDR, JFK, History & Politics

1748 snips

Dec 8, 2024

Saagar Enjeti, a political journalist and commentator, dives deep into the complexities of American politics, exploring Trump's electoral dynamics beyond immigration and the influence of anti-incumbent sentiments. He discusses the historical and cultural impact of the Scots-Irish on U.S. identity and critiques current immigration enforcement policies. Saagar also analyzes leadership styles, contrasting Elon Musk's unconventional approach with traditional corporate structures while reflecting on the future of the Republican Party post-Trump and the significance of restoring trust in government.

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INSIGHT

Factors in Trump's Victory

Joe Biden's age and unpopularity, coupled with high inflation, contributed to Trump's win.
Deeper reasons include the evolution of the modern left and Trump's unique political impact.

INSIGHT

Trump's Transformative Impact

Trump's victory makes him the most transformative figure since FDR, realigning American politics.
He split the electorate along educational lines, becoming a racially depolarizing figure.

ANECDOTE

Cultural Divide in America

Saagar Enjeti recommends Charles Murray's "Coming Apart" to understand cultural divides.
The book highlights how college education shapes cultural preferences and life trajectories.

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Born Fighting

How the Scots-Irish Shaped America

Jim Webb

Born Fighting chronicles the full journey of the Scots-Irish, a cultural group whose lives were dictated by resistance, conflict, and struggle. Beginning nearly two thousand years ago at Hadrian’s Wall, the book traces the Scots-Irish history through their clashes with the English in Scotland and Ulster, and their subsequent influence on American history. Webb vividly portrays how the Scots-Irish developed qualities that helped settle the American frontier and define the American character. The book highlights their significant roles in American conflicts, their contributions to American politics, and their impact on various aspects of American culture, including country music and the Bible Belt.

Coming Apart

Why Relationships End and How to Live Through the Ending of Yours

Daphne Rose Kingma

In 'Coming Apart,' Daphne Rose Kingma provides a refreshing perspective on relationships by arguing that relationships are not always meant to be forever. She suggests that relationships serve as vehicles for personal growth and development, and their endings are often a natural part of this process. Kingma explains that people choose relationships based on their developmental needs, which are rooted in childhood experiences. The book offers practical advice and a process for working through the ending of a relationship, including a personal workbook to help readers heal and move forward. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the lessons learned from each relationship and finding joy and appreciation in the experiences shared with partners.

The managerial revolution

James Burnham

The age of entitlement

America since the sixties

Christopher Caldwell

In this book, Christopher Caldwell argues that the reforms of the 1960s, intended to make the nation more just and humane, have come with staggering costs in wealth, freedom, and social stability. These costs have been unevenly distributed among classes and generations. Caldwell explores key political turning points over the past half-century, including affirmative action, leveraged buyouts, iPhones, Oxycotin, Black Lives Matter, and internet cookies, showing how these reforms have led to two incompatible political systems and driven the country toward conflict.

Obama's Wars

Bob Woodward

In *Obama’s Wars*, Bob Woodward provides a meticulously researched and intimate portrait of President Obama as commander in chief. The book chronicles the internal conflicts and decision-making processes within the Obama administration from late 2008 to the summer of 2010, focusing on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the secret campaign in Pakistan. Woodward draws on internal memos, classified documents, meeting notes, and hundreds of hours of interviews with key players, including the president. The book highlights the tensions between the civilian leadership and the military, the debates over counterinsurgency and counterterrorism strategies, and the president's efforts to craft an exit plan for the Afghanistan War. It also explores the political and strategic challenges faced by Obama in his role as commander in chief[1][3][4].

The Unwinding

George Packer

Freedom from Fear

The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945

David M. Kennedy

This book explores the economic crisis of the 1930s and the role of the United States in World War II. It analyzes the determinants of American strategy, the painful choices faced by commanders and statesmen, and the agonies inflicted on ordinary Americans. The narrative covers the Great Depression, the New Deal, and the Second World War, highlighting how these events shaped modern America. Kennedy discusses key figures such as FDR, Churchill, Hitler, and Stalin, and how their historical trajectories intersected during this period.

Hillbilly Elegy

A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

JD Vance

In 'Hillbilly Elegy,' J.D. Vance recounts his life growing up in a dysfunctional family in Middletown, Ohio, with roots in Kentucky's Appalachia. The book details his experiences with poverty, addiction, and family violence, as well as his journey to joining the marines and eventually graduating from Yale Law School. Vance provides a personal and insightful look into the decline of the white working class in America, exploring themes of family, culture, and the loss of the American dream. The memoir also touches on the political swing of the region, particularly in relation to the 2016 presidential election and the appeal of Donald Trump to this demographic.

The Origins of Woke

Civil Rights Law, Corporate America, and the Triumph of Identity Politics

Richard Hanania

In this book, Richard Hanania presents a theory that the rise of 'woke' views in the US is primarily driven by legal rules and legislation, particularly those related to civil rights and affirmative action, rather than by ideological or cultural shifts. He argues that these laws have forced major institutions, including corporations and educational bodies, to conform to certain standards, leading to the widespread adoption of identity politics. Hanania also provides a roadmap for how these legal and institutional changes could be altered to reduce the influence of identity politics. The book offers a detailed historical and legal analysis of how these changes have shaped American society and culture[1][4][5].

The Loudest Voice in the Room

How the Brilliant, Bombastic Roger Ailes Built Fox News--and Divided a Country

Gabriel Sherman

This book chronicles the life and career of Roger Ailes, from his humble beginnings in an Ohio factory town to his role as the master strategist behind Fox News. Sherman draws on hundreds of interviews with Fox News insiders to document Ailes's tactical acuity, his role in shaping talent, and his complex relationships with other key figures such as Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, and Rupert Murdoch. The book also includes an afterword about Ailes's downfall during the 2016 election, highlighting the human drama and political intrigue surrounding his career.

Unknown

Kate DiCamillo

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World

Jack Weatherford

This book, written by Jack Weatherford, challenges the traditional Western view of Genghis Khan as a ruthless destroyer. Instead, it portrays Khan as a secular leader who promoted egalitarianism, religious tolerance, and free trade. The Mongol Empire, under Khan's leadership, subjugated vast lands and people, but also facilitated cultural communication, expanded trade routes, and contributed to the blossoming of civilization. Weatherford argues that the Mongols' rule was less burdensome than that of European nobility, with lighter taxes, tolerance of local customs and religions, and universal education for boys. The book also explores how the Mongols encouraged scientific advances, improved agriculture, and sponsored lucrative international trade, thereby influencing European civilization and the modern world[2][3][5].

Melting pot or civil war?

Reihan Salam

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Edward Gibbon

This magisterial history, written by Edward Gibbon, covers the peak of the Roman Empire, the history of early Christianity, the fall of the Western Roman Empire, and the rise and fall of various other empires and civilizations up to the fall of Byzantium in 1453. Gibbon's work is renowned for its thorough scholarship, diverse sources, and engaging prose. He argues that the Roman Empire succumbed to barbarian invasions partly due to the gradual loss of civic virtue among its citizens and critiques the role of Christianity in the empire's decline. The work was published in six volumes between 1776 and 1789 and has remained a seminal work in historical literature despite some criticisms from modern scholars[2][4][5].

The Age of Acrimony

How Americans Fought to Fix Their Democracy, 1865-1915

Jon Grinspan

This book explores the era after the Civil War, a time marked by high voter turnout, rough elections, and battles over race, immigration, and income inequality. It tells the story of how Americans sought to fix their democracy during this period, highlighting the lives of a remarkable father-daughter dynasty, William 'Pig Iron' Kelley and Florence Kelley, and their involvement in the nation's politics.

Master of the Senate

Robert A. Caro

Master of the Senate is the third volume in Robert Caro's biography series, The Years of Lyndon Johnson. The book focuses on Johnson's rapid ascent in the U.S. Congress, especially his time as Senate majority leader from 1949 to 1960. It explores how Johnson transformed the Senate through his political acumen, manipulating Senate rules, building coalitions, and securing legislative victories. The book also delves into Johnson's battle to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1957, his relationships with other senators, and his strategies for maintaining power within the Senate. It provides a comprehensive look at how legislative power works in America and Johnson's role in shaping the Senate into a more effective legislative body.

Chaos

Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties

Tom O’Neill

Dan Piepenbring

This book is the result of twenty years of meticulous research by Tom O'Neill, who questions the Helter Skelter scenario presented by Vincent Bugliosi. O'Neill's investigation delves into police carelessness, legal misconduct, and potential surveillance by intelligence agents. The book explores the connections between Charles Manson, Hollywood figures, and the CIA's mind-control experiments, presenting a complex and alternative view of the Manson murders and their place in American history.

Truman

David McCullough

This biography by David McCullough provides a detailed and engaging account of Harry S. Truman's life, from his early days in Missouri to his presidency. The book explores Truman's military service in World War I, his rise in politics, and his pivotal decisions as president, including the atomic bombing of Japan, the Potsdam Conference, the Marshall Plan, and the Korean War. McCullough's narrative is enriched by extensive research, including interviews with Truman's family and colleagues, and his own letters and diaries. The book portrays Truman as a courageous and determined leader who embodied 19th-century midwestern ideals of honesty and integrity[2][3][4].

40 more years

How the Democrats Will Rule the Next Generation

James Carville

The book examines the underpinnings of Democratic victories in 2004, 2006, and 2008 and argues that Democrats will continue to win due to the support of young people and the failures of Republican policies. It includes an autopsy of the Bush administration and the McCain campaign, and discusses necessary policy ideas for the United States, such as the economy, environment, energy independence, foreign policy, taxes, and health care[1][3][4].

The Origins of Trump

Jim Webb

The Constitution of Knowledge

Jonathan Rauch

What It Takes

The Way to the White House

Richard Ben Cramer

In this comprehensive and engaging book, Richard Ben Cramer provides an in-depth analysis of the 1988 U.S. presidential election. The book delves into the lives and campaigns of the major candidates, including George H.W. Bush, Michael Dukakis, Joe Biden, Gary Hart, and others. Cramer's narrative explores the personal and political aspects of each candidate, offering a rich and nuanced understanding of what it takes to run for the highest office in the United States.

Essence of decision

Explaining the Cuban Missile Crisis

Graham Allison

In 'Essence of Decision: Explaining the Cuban Missile Crisis,' Graham T. Allison analyzes the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis using three different models: the Rational Actor Model, the Organizational Behavior Model, and the Governmental Politics Model. The book challenges the traditional rational expectations theories in political science and international relations by highlighting the complexities and nuances of governmental decision-making. The revised edition, co-authored with Philip Zelikow in 1999, incorporates new materials, including tape recordings of the U.S. government's proceedings, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the crisis.

Ghosts of the Ostfront

Dan Carlin

This podcast series provides a detailed and gripping account of the Eastern Front in World War II, focusing on the intense suffering, destruction, and strategic blunders of the conflict. Dan Carlin draws from multiple sources, including firsthand accounts and historical records, to paint a vivid picture of the war's impact on civilians and soldiers. The series explores Hitler's miscalculations, Stalin's leadership, and the unimaginable atrocities committed by both sides, offering a comprehensive and engaging narrative of one of the most brutal chapters in human history.

God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life

Gene Edward Veith

In this book, Veith unpacks the Bible’s teaching about the doctrine of vocation, guiding readers in discovering God’s purpose and calling in those seemingly ordinary areas of life. The book covers various aspects of vocation, including work, family, citizenship, and the church.

Means of Ascent

The Years of Lyndon Johnson II

Robert A. Caro

In 'Means of Ascent,' Robert A. Caro delves into the life of Lyndon Johnson during his most challenging years, from his 1941 defeat in a special election for the U.S. Senate to his controversial victory in the 1948 senatorial election. The book highlights Johnson's relentless ambition, his service in World War II, and the foundation of his fortune. The central drama revolves around the 1948 election, where Caro reveals the true story of how Johnson, with significant political chicanery and vote fraud, won by just 87 votes. This volume is part of Caro's comprehensive series on Lyndon Johnson and is characterized by its detailed investigation and engaging narrative style[2][4][5].

Saagar Enjeti is a political journalist & commentator, co-host of Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar and The Realignment Podcast. He is exceptionally well-read, and the books he recommends are always fascinating and eye-opening. You can check out all the books he mentions in this episode here: https://lexfridman.com/saagar-books
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See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.

Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/saagar-enjeti-2-transcript

CONTACT LEX:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Saagar’s Book Recommendations: https://lexfridman.com/saagar-books
Saagar’s Substack (where he recommends more books): https://saagarenjeti.substack.com/
Saagar’s X: https://x.com/esaagar
Saagar’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/esaagar
Breaking Points: https://youtube.com/@breakingpoints
The Realignment Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@therealignment
Saagar’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/esaagar

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OUTLINE:
(00:00) – Introduction
(09:47) – Why Trump won
(14:48) – Book recommendations
(18:24) – History of wokeism
(25:54) – History of Scots-Irish
(32:32) – Biden
(36:34) – FDR
(38:36) – George W Bush
(40:59) – LBJ
(46:15) – Cuban Missile Crisis
(53:48) – Immigration
(1:25:46) – DOGE
(1:52:27) – MAGA ideology
(1:55:39) – Bernie Sanders
(2:04:00) – Obama vs Trump
(2:21:00) – Nancy Pelosi
(2:24:14) – Kamala Harris
(2:40:00) – 2020 Election
(3:03:49) – Sam Harris
(3:14:55) – UFOs
(3:20:47) – Future of the Republican Party
(3:27:24) – Future of the Democratic Party
(3:35:21) – Hope