On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti The Jackpod: Follow the frogs
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Apr 3, 2025 Jack Beatty, an On-Point news analyst, dives into Donald Trump’s intriguing comments about a potential third presidential term. He connects historical instances, like FDR's four terms, to the current political climate. The conversation shifts to the risks of Caesarism in American leadership, warning against authoritarian tendencies. Beatty also discusses how recent tariffs impact consumers and local economies, emphasizing the emotional toll on communities. His insights draw a vivid picture of the complexities of power dynamics and political survival in today’s landscape.
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Trump's Third Term Inspiration
- Trump's interest in a third term reportedly began in 2018 after observing Xi Jinping abolish term limits in China.
- Trump expressed admiration for Xi's lifelong presidency and even joked about trying it himself.
Two-Term Limit History
- The two-term limit was a norm established by George Washington and held for nearly 200 years before FDR broke it.
- FDR's four terms prompted the 22nd Amendment, formalizing the two-term limit.
Putin's Tandemocracy
- Putin circumvented term limits in 2008 by installing Dmitry Medvedev as a placeholder president while retaining actual power as prime minister.
- This "tandemocracy" demonstrates a potential path Trump could follow.