Byron York, political journalist and author of 'Obsession', shares insights on the shifting dynamics in American conservatism. He examines the evolution of the GOP, especially in the South, and the impact of figures like Trump and Clinton on political discourse. York discusses Trump’s unorthodox challenges to Republican norms, his handling of immigration, and the long shadow of Russiagate. He also reflects on his personal journey from academic roots to the frontlines of political journalism, providing a rich context to contemporary issues.
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Byron's TV News Heritage
Byron York shared about his father being a local TV news pioneer and beloved figure in Birmingham, Alabama.
This early exposure influenced Byron's appreciation for communication and media.
insights INSIGHT
Republican Hatred Shaped Politics
The Republican hatred for Bill Clinton was intense and often irrational, rooted in both policy opposition and personality distrust.
This hostility set a precedent for relentless partisan battles, including multiple impeachments in recent decades.
insights INSIGHT
Right's Hostility Toward Obama
Obama was seen by the right as a moderate aiming to unify the country, yet faced destructionist hostility from his opponents.
This revealed a faction within the Republican Party more interested in destroying than building.
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In 'Obsession', Byron York explores the intense political opposition faced by Donald Trump from the moment he was elected. The book delves into the strategies of Trump's defense team and the reactions of congressional Republicans to the impeachment efforts. York argues that an anti-Trump hysteria gripped Democrats and the media, leading to a series of investigations and impeachment attempts.
The Last Supper: Art, Faith, Sex, and Controversy in the 1980s
The Last Supper: Art, Faith, Sex, and Controversy in the 1980s
Byron is a political journalist. He was a news producer for CNN in the early years, a reporter for The American Spectator, and the White House correspondent for National Review. He’s currently the chief political correspondent for Washington Examiner and a contributor to Fox News. His most recent book is the 2020 bestseller, Obsession: Inside the Washington Establishment’s Never-Ending War on Trump. We chewed over the recent political past and then got on to Trump, where things got stickier but still friendly.
For two clips of our convo — on Clinton Derangement Syndrome in the ‘90s, and Trump bungling his gains on immigration — pop over to our YouTube page.
Other topics: raised in Alabama; his dad a pioneer star in local TV news; the GOP takeover of the South; George Wallace; the Nation of Islam and AIDS; GOP fusionism in the Cold War; Mickey Kaus’ courage; David Brock’s war on the Clintons; Bill’s triangulation and the DLC; Vince Foster; Lewinsky and impeachment; Ken Starr; Iraq and WMD; covering Dubya for National Review; that mag marginalized since Trump; Birtherism and demonizing Obama; McCain and the market crash; Obamacare; the Santorum candidacy; Pat Buchanan; Trump vs Jeb on 9/11; Trump blowing up GOP orthodoxies; Hillary in 2016; Russiagate; pardoning all January 6-ers; Trump’s impeachments and McConnell; open borders under Biden; CHIPS and IRA; Trump hypocrisy on E-Verify; authoritarianism and self-deportation; Tom Homan; Bukele; the Alien Enemies Act; the SCOTUS standoff; judge shopping; DEI; Musk and DOGE; USAID and PEPFAR; Zelensky in the Oval; NATO; Chris Krebs; the tariff war; Trump’s yips; and the looming empty shelves.
Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy (the first 102 are free in their entirety — subscribe to get everything else). Coming up: Claire Lehmann on the woke right, David Graham on Project 2025, Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson on the Biden years, Robert Merry on President McKinley, Sam Tanenhaus on Bill Buckley, Walter Isaacson on Ben Franklin, and Paul Elie on his book The Last Supper: Art, Faith, Sex, and Controversy in the 1980s. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.
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