Tim Miller, host of The Bulwark and former Republican strategist, joins to analyze the surprising withdrawal of Matt Gaetz from the Attorney General candidacy. He discusses Pam Bondi's swift nomination as her replacement and what it signifies for Trump's other nominees. The conversation dives into the intricate dynamics of GOP nominations, revealing shifting alliances and potential impacts on political strategies. Miller also touches on international law dilemmas and the performative nature of Trump's leadership, drawing intriguing parallels to political theater.
Matt Gaetz's withdrawal from the Attorney General candidacy illustrates the ongoing tension in the Republican Party regarding candidate scrutiny and loyalty.
Pam Bondi's nomination following Gaetz's exit indicates a possible return to traditional nominee selections within Trump's administration despite controversies.
Deep dives
AMC Theatres and Sing-Alongs
AMC Theatres is taking a stand against audience participation during performances of the movie 'Wicked Part 1.' The theater chain has begun running a 30-second advertisement before the film, urging viewers not to sing along, as a sing-along version will be available in December. This move highlights the tension between theatrical experience and audience engagement, with the management clearly favoring a more traditional moviegoing atmosphere. The speaker expresses their strong dislike for audience singing, emphasizing the potential disruption it could cause during showings.
Gaetz Withdraws from Attorney General Consideration
Former Congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration for the position of U.S. Attorney General amid ongoing scrutiny regarding allegations of sexual misconduct. Reports indicated that Gaetz could not secure enough support, facing strong opposition from several senators who were concerned about his past conduct. This decision has raised questions about the dynamics within the Republican Party, particularly regarding how personal behavior and party loyalty influence nominee selections. Following Gaetz's exit, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was nominated, suggesting a potential shift towards more traditional picks in Trump's cabinet.
Ramifications for Trump's Nominees
The withdrawal of Gaetz may complicate the nomination process for other controversial candidates within Trump's proposed cabinet. Observers note that Trump's other picks, such as Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, are still under scrutiny despite similar past allegations. This situation reflects an internal struggle within the GOP, as senators weigh their votes based on personal relationships with nominees and public perception. The discussion suggests that while Gaetz's departure signals potential for change, the overall climate still favors nominees with strong ties to the party, regardless of their past controversies.
In news that was somehow both genuinely surprising and 100 percent predictable, former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration to be the next U.S. Attorney General on Thursday. If President-elect Donald Trump was upset about the whole thing, he didn’t show it. Within hours, he had a new pick for the job: Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, another longtime MAGA devotee. Still, it’s also not like Gaetz was Trump’s only problematic nominee, and it’s not clear how many of the others will actually make it through the Senate confirmation process. Tim Miller, host of The Bulwark podcast and a former Republican strategist, explains what Gaetz’s withdrawal means for the rest of Trump’s nominees.
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