Jonah Goldberg is joined by Bulwark contributor Damon Linker to discuss the chaotic news cycle, J.D. Vance's VP selection, GOP at the 2024 convention, conservative think tanks, Republican schism, and fallout of Trump assassination attempt.
Republicans are embracing Trumpism with JD Vance's VP candidacy, indicating a new ideological direction post-Trump.
Conservative circles are navigating personal conversions and evolving ideologies, reflecting on nuanced political dynamics.
Trumpism's philosophical roots intertwine loyalty and apocalyptic narratives, balancing coherence with Trump's unpredictability.
Deep dives
The Impact of RNC 2020 and Trumpism on the GOP
The podcast delves into the unique messaging and strategy observed during the 2020 Republican National Convention (RNC). The episode discusses how the event highlighted a shift towards a tightly scripted and emphatically pro-Trump narrative. The choice of JD Vance as a running mate is underscored as a pivotal moment indicating a clear ideological leaning towards Trumpism within the party, setting a tone for future directions post-Trump.
Damon Linker and Conservative Political Dynamics
The conversation between the host and guest Damon Linker touches upon the nuanced interactions within conservative political circles. Linker's political trajectory from the old-school New Republic era to his current critiques of the prevailing conservative landscape is intriguingly explored. The dialogue reflects on the significance of personal conversions, political ideologies, and the intricate dynamics of evolving conservative thought processes.
Philosophical Underpinnings of Trumpism and Claremont Tradition
The episode delves into the philosophical foundations of Trumpism as viewed through the lens of scholars associated with the Claremont Institute. The conversation elucidates the evolution of conservative thought towards an apocalyptic, loyalty-centric narrative rooted in historical interpretations of American progressive movements. The tension between ideological coherence and the unpredictable nature of Trump's approach is dissected within the context of political philosophy and historical analyses.
The Plague of Boredom and Misguided Drama in Times of Crisis
The obsession with apocalyptic narratives is fueled by boredom, leading individuals to seek dramatic events even if they know it is wrong. This inclination towards drama justifies extreme actions, such as glorifying political violence or creating mob sentiment. The absence of strong political parties results in emotional governance, where reactions are purely driven by raw emotions rather than rationality and institutional guidance.
Conspiracy Theories, God -Donald Trump Assassination Attempt
Following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, there was a surge in conspiracy theories attributing divine intervention and sinister motives to the event. Some narratives interpreted the incident as a strategic move to elevate Trump, dismissing the unintended consequences like innocent bystander harm. These theories reflect a need to create dramatic narratives amid overwhelming information influx, connecting divine providence with political events for a sense of reassurance and control.
As Jonah predicted in the outro of yesterday’s Remnant episode, everything is indeed on fire. To help interpret what is perhaps the most chaotic news cycle in recent memory, Jonah is joined by Bulwark contributor Damon Linker.
Tune in for Jonah and Damon’s referendum on newly selected VP candidate J.D. Vance, the state of the GOP at the 2024 convention, and the conversions of conservative think tanks. To close it out, they discuss the great Republican schism and the fallout of the Trump assassination attempt.
The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including Jonah’s G-File newsletter, weekly livestreams, and other members-only content—click here.
