In this podcast, Jonah Goldberg discusses a range of interesting topics including presidential immunity, Rand Paul's political career, the impact of Trump on the Republican Party, and the false analogies of dog breeding and human races.
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Quick takeaways
Former President Donald Trump's claim of complete immunity for presidents is both unconstitutional and dangerous, as it undermines the principle of accountability.
Senator Rand Paul's refusal to condemn Trump's assertion of immunity raises concerns about his commitment to limited government and constitutional principles.
The concern over Trump's statements is not whether he would actually become a dictator, but rather the potential damage he could inflict on institutions and democratic norms by attempting to do so.
Deep dives
Trump's Claims of Presidential Immunity
In a recent post on his social media platform, former President Donald Trump claimed that all presidents should have complete and total immunity from any crimes. He argued that without immunity, it would be impossible for a president to function properly. However, this argument is flatly unconstitutional, as the Constitution explicitly allows for the charging and trying of a president for crimes once they are impeached. Trump's statement is both disingenuous and dangerous, as it disregards the principle of accountability for the actions of a president.
Misguided Defense by Rand Paul
Senator Rand Paul was asked about Trump's claims of immunity and responded by saying that it is a specific legal argument and he doesn't know enough to comment. This response is disappointing coming from someone who claims to champion limited government and constitutional principles. It is concerning that Paul and other Republicans are unwilling to condemn Trump's dangerous assertion of immunity, especially considering the potential implications for our democracy and the rule of law. This selective defense of Trump undermines the credibility of those who claim to prioritize constitutional norms.
The Danger of Trying to Minimize Trump's Statements
There is a tendency among some anti-Trump pundits to downplay the significance of his statements by arguing that he would not succeed at becoming a dictator or that his claims should not be taken seriously. However, this line of thinking misses the point. The concern is not whether Trump would actually succeed in becoming a dictator, but rather the damage he could inflict on our institutions and democratic norms by attempting to do so. The fact that he made such statements during his first administration and continues to make them should be alarming, regardless of the likelihood of their success.
The Republican Party's Misguided Strategy
The Republican Party's decision to potentially renominate Trump for the 2024 presidential election is incredibly foolish. Trump has proven to be a net drag on Republican prospects in past elections and has cost the party more voters than it has gained. The voters he attracts are often unreliable and don't show up for midterm elections. Furthermore, his divisive rhetoric and actions turn off a significant number of potential GOP voters. It is unlikely that Trump will win back the majority of voters who voted against him in 2020, making his nomination a risky move for the party.
The Democrats' Calculated Move
There is an argument emerging that suggests the Democrats want Trump to be the Republican nominee in 2024, as they believe he would be easier to defeat. While such a strategy might make sense for electoral calculations, it contradicts the Democrats' narrative that Trump poses an existential threat to democracy. Choosing to support Trump as a nominee despite viewing him as a dangerous figure only for strategic gain is a questionable approach. It is crucial to prioritize patriotic values over short-term electoral considerations and to foster healthy competition between parties rather than pushing the opposition towards extremism.
Jonah is in a suspiciously pleasant mood coming off The Dispatch's live event in New Hampshire but regular disclaimers of tiredness still apply. Before replaying the Ruminant's greatest hits, he criticizes Rand Paul's ironic response to Donald Trump's claim of presidential immunity, explains how 2024 might begin to look like 2016, and kvetches about the anti-Trump crowd's catastrophization. Stick around for some ruminations on doggy eugenics.