Hacks On Tap

Strongmen, Weak Deals (with Ron Brownstein)

42 snips
Aug 19, 2025
Ron Brownstein, senior editor at The Atlantic and CNN’s political analyst, dives into the chaotic world of U.S. politics. He explores Trump’s troubling foreign policy maneuvers with Putin and Zelensky, and the shifting dynamics at home, including the implications of political polarization. Brownstein highlights how economic strategies differ between Trump and Biden while discussing voter demographics, especially among Latinos. With a touch of humor, he critiques the intertwining of personal comfort and political narratives, advocating for a revamped vision in the Democratic Party.
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INSIGHT

Putin Shapes Trump's Thinking

  • Vladimir Putin skillfully flatters and delays to shape Trump's positions on Ukraine and ceasefires.
  • Ron Brownstein says Trump's views shift to match the last person he talks to, making outcomes unpredictable.
ANECDOTE

Axelrod's 2009 Putin Encounter

  • Axelrod recounts meeting Putin with Obama, noting Putin tailored his rhetoric to push leaders' buttons.
  • The story illustrates how Putin personalizes interactions to influence foreign leaders like Trump.
INSIGHT

Ceasefire Talk Benefits Putin

  • Trump seeks a ceasefire that can advantage Putin and improve Russian bargaining position.
  • Hosts warn Trump appears driven by a personal quest for a Nobel Peace Prize rather than durable security for Ukraine.
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