The Commentary Magazine Podcast Running Government as a Business
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Mar 28, 2025 The discussion dives into Elon Musk's attempt to apply business strategies to government operations, revealing why such efforts often falter. The internal strife within the Republican Party is examined, especially with an upcoming special election in Florida. The complexities of government finances are explored, particularly within the IRS, highlighting challenges unique to public administration. Additionally, the tension between media narratives and political actions, especially regarding immigration enforcement, illustrates the intricate relationship between public perception and governmental trust.
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Economic Messaging
- The Doge team's messaging about saving taxpayers money might not resonate with struggling workers.
- Focusing on eliminating bureaucratic waste needs to translate into tangible benefits for them.
Stefanik Withdrawal
- The withdrawal of Elise Stefanik's UN ambassadorship nomination highlights the Trump administration's lack of foresight.
- Pulling nominees from Congress creates special election risks, as seen with the potential loss of Mike Waltz's seat.
Off-Year Election Risks
- Off-year elections often result in a snapback against new administrations. The Republicans should have anticipated potential losses in special elections.
- The Democrats, for example, faced similar challenges in off-year elections after Obama's initial wave.