Who Won the Chaos "Hot Mess" Debate, with Glenn Greenwald, Eliana Johnson, Michael Duncan, and Larry Elder | Ep. 637
Sep 28, 2023
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Glenn Greenwald, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, joins Eliana Johnson, Editor-in-chief of The Washington Free Beacon, Michael Duncan, co-host of the Ruthless podcast, and Larry Elder, GOP 2024 candidate, to dissect the chaotic recent Republican debate. They discuss the missed opportunities for meaningful dialogue, the moderators' failures, and Ron DeSantis' notable improvements. Opinions on candidates' personas and Trump's influence on working-class voters are also explored, alongside commentary on social issues like mental health and media responsibility.
The lackluster performance of some candidates and the poor moderation left a negative impression of the recent Republican primary debate.
Vivek Ramaswamy's shift in demeanor and call for policy-focused debates may be seen as inauthentic by viewers.
The debate's lack of structure and focus on oppressed minority groups over working class issues was criticized as crucial in winning elections.
Deep dives
Disappointment and lack of control in the Republican primary debate
The podcast episode discusses the recent Republican primary debate, criticizing the moderators for their inability to control the candidates and maintain order. The lackluster performance of some candidates, including Chris Christie's attempt at humor by calling Donald Trump 'Donald Duck,' was deemed ineffective and off-putting. Glenn Greenwald and Meghan Kelly express their frustration with the debate, finding it uninteresting and annoying due to the constant interruptions and bickering among the candidates. The poor performance of the moderators and the absence of a proper closing of the debate also left a negative impression.
Attempts to improve from previous debates
Vivek Ramaswamy's shift in demeanor, showing more manners and stating the debates should focus on policy instead of personal insults, is seen as an effort to improve his image. However, it is also seen as a potential change that might come across as inauthentic to viewers. The podcast notes the challenge moderators face in controlling the debate, trying to strike a balance between allowing exchanges and maintaining order. There is criticism towards the Univision moderator, considered biased, and the overall lack of structure and control in the debate.
Mixed performance and standout moments
The podcast discusses the mixed performance of Nikki Haley, who had some standout moments, such as calling Vivek Ramaswamy out for being arrogant, but also came off as rude at times. Ron DeSantis is highlighted as one of the winners of the debate, showing improvement from his previous performance. However, the significance of such victories is questioned, as he remains far behind Donald Trump in the polls. Overall, the tone is one of disappointment and frustration with the Republican primary debate, finding it lacking substance and failing to engage the audience.
The podcast discusses the lack of scrutiny faced by Trump and Biden
The podcast episode highlights the different levels of scrutiny faced by former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden. It is mentioned that Trump was not thoroughly tested during his presidency, and his positions were not held up to scrutiny in the same way as other candidates. Similarly, it is pointed out that Biden is not facing significant scrutiny or primary debates, despite polling numbers showing that a significant portion of the Democratic electorate is not in favor of him as a candidate.
The podcast explores the surprising resilience of former President Donald Trump's popularity, despite facing multiple criminal indictments. It is noted that Trump's base and even independent voters do not seem to be affected by these legal challenges, and his polling numbers remain stable or even solidify. The discussion raises concerns about the erosion of trust in institutions and the perception of legitimacy of the justice system.
The disparity in focus on working class issues during the debate
The podcast highlights the lack of emphasis on working class issues during the recent debate. It is noted that the questions posed focused primarily on issues related to oppressed minority groups, rather than addressing the concerns of the working class. The discussion criticizes this imbalance and suggests that focusing on the working class, particularly the white working class, is crucial in winning elections.
Megyn Kelly begins the show discussing her take on the "hot mess" of a second GOP debate, before breaking down all the angles with Michael Duncan, co-host of the Ruthless podcast, Eliana Johnson, co-host of the Ink-Stained Wretches podcast, Glenn Greenwald, host of Rumble's "System Update," and Larry Elder, GOP 2024 candidate. They discuss why Fox News partnering with Univision was a huge miss, the liberal framing on questions from the moderators, the need for structure amid the chaos, how Ron DeSantis has shown improvement from the first GOP debate, Nikki Haley and Tim Scott looking awkward debating curtains, a good DeSantis moment on Florida's curriculum, Vivek Ramaswamy “relaunching” with a new personality in the second GOP debate, if he was able to tone down his "know-it-all" persona, Trump's humor and connection with the working class, Gavin Newsom's “classless” comments when discussing his upcoming debate with Ron DeSantis, Newsom claiming trans issues are a "distraction," the UK government getting involved in comments made by Laurence Fox on Dan Wootton's GB News show, how it's leading to suspensions and firings, the issue of male suicide, and more.
