Guest Stuart Stevens, Lincoln Project Senior Advisor, discusses the upcoming Republican primary debate, the state of the GOP, and the un-American nature of Trumpism. They delve into questions about the qualifications of candidates, the purpose of debates, challenging Republican politicians on the 2020 election, declining support for Trump, renaming military bases, journalism in the era of Trumpism, focusing on Florida, and the perplexing attitude of some individuals.
The upcoming Republican presidential primary debate lacks clarity in message and rationale for being president.
Challenges faced by candidates in primary debates highlight the need for better preparation and a simplified approach to organizing and covering debates.
The Republican Party lacks a cohesive policy framework, failing to address key issues and appeal to diverse demographics.
Deep dives
The upcoming Republican presidential debate and potential strategies for the candidates
The podcast discusses the upcoming Republican Party's first presidential debate and offers insights into the potential strategies and goals for the candidates. It highlights the importance of having specific goals for the debate and comments on the lack of clarity regarding some candidate's messages and rationale for being president. The podcast also discusses the challenges faced by candidates who must sign pledges, including a promise to support the eventual Republican nominee. It emphasizes the unconventional nature of this particular debate and suggests that it may be a 'freaky freak show' due to the dynamics of the candidates involved.
The difficulties of preparing for and participating in primary debates
The podcast explores the challenges faced by candidates during primary debates. It mentions the pressure and impact these debates have on a campaign and the importance of preparing well. It refers to a specific incident from a past debate where a candidate was not able to respond effectively to an attack. The podcast also questions the purpose of such debates and the considerable resources invested in them. It argues for a more simplified and cost-effective approach to organizing and covering debates, focusing on the candidates' arguments rather than theatrical production.
The absence of a clear policy framework from the Republican Party
The podcast discusses the lack of a cohesive policy framework for the Republican Party in recent years. It emphasizes that key policy issues that were once at the core of the party's platform have been addressed and implemented, presenting a challenge for the party to define its purpose and direction. The podcast refers to past efforts within the party to develop a new policy framework, but notes that these attempts were not fully realized due to various circumstances. It suggests that the party's current approach lacks inclusiveness and fails to appeal to key demographics.
The changing demographics and challenges for the Republican Party
The podcast highlights the changing demographics of the country and the challenges for the Republican Party. It points out the significant increase in Gen Z voters and the need for the party to adapt to appeal to this demographic. The podcast comments on the party's focus on cultural issues and the lack of a broader policy framework. It explores the potential consequences of alienating non-white voters and the declining demographic of non-college-educated white voters, who historically formed the core of the party's support base. It suggests that the party needs to address these changes to ensure its future relevance and success.
The erosion of democracy and the threat of authoritarianism
The podcast raises concerns about the erosion of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism in the United States. It outlines the factors that contribute to this trend, including the support of a major party, financial backing, propaganda, organized extremist groups, and attempts to reshape the legal system. The podcast argues that the Republican Party plays a significant role in this shift. It criticizes those who continue to support Trump and deny the realities of the 2020 election, framing it as a betrayal of American values. The podcast warns about the potential consequences of allowing this trend to continue.
Host Reed Galen is joined by Lincoln Project Senior Advisor Stuart Stevens. They preview the upcoming Republican presidential primary debate slated for next week, examine the state of the GOP writ large (spoiler alert…it isn’t good), and discuss how Trumpism (and everyone that allows it to persist) is inarguably un-American. For more in-depth information be sure to check out the post-2012 RNC Autopsy, the Celinda Lake/Mac Heller Op-Ed, and the Trump Waco speech. Also, be sure to pre-order Stuart Stevens’ new book, The Conspiracy to End America. If you’d like to ask a question or share a comment with The Lincoln Project, send an email to podcast@lincolnproject.us.
