Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democratic Senator renowned for her advocacy on healthcare and economic justice, discusses her re-election success in a swing state. She analyzes what went wrong for Democrats in 2024 and strategizes for the upcoming midterms. The conversation also touches on the significance of bipartisan cooperation in Congress and challenges surrounding Trump’s cabinet picks. Additionally, issues like FBI Director Wray’s impending resignation and a controversial defense spending bill are examined, showcasing the intersecting political dynamics at play.
Senator Tammy Baldwin emphasizes the necessity of building strong relationships and listening to constituents to navigate future elections effectively.
Democrats aim to collaborate with moderate Republicans for the thorough vetting of cabinet nominees, focusing on shared values and bipartisan strategies.
Deep dives
Democratic Strategy Post-Election
In the aftermath of the 2024 elections, Democrats are grappling with significant questions about their future strategies and the reasons behind their losses. Key discussions center around whether the party veered too far to the center or the left, and the influence of various factors such as inflation, misogyny, and social media on the election outcomes. Senator Tammy Baldwin, who won her Senate race in a Trump-won state, emphasizes the importance of building relationships and deeply listening to constituents across the state. Her successful approach indicates that connecting with voters directly can help Democratic candidates navigate challenging elections in the future.
Navigating Trump’s Cabinet Appointments
As the new Republican majority prepares to take office, concerns about Donald Trump's unconventional cabinet nominees arise. Senator Baldwin highlights the Democratic strategy of ensuring thorough vetting of these appointments, including background checks and qualifications that align with Democratic values. She acknowledges the need for cooperation with moderate Republicans who share reservations about particular nominees, especially those who may undermine essential services or contribute to harmful policies. This bipartisan effort reveals a potential avenue for Democrats to push back against specific nominations, while remaining focused on the priorities that impact their constituents.
Message of Resilience Amidst Anxiety
Given the anxieties surrounding Trump’s return to the White House, Senator Baldwin advises a focus on self-care and electoral involvement in the next four years. She emphasizes the vital importance of engagement in midterm elections, where even a slight shift in voter sentiment can lead to significant changes in political power. Highlighting Trump's broken promises to working-class voters, Baldwin urges Democrats to clearly articulate their stance as advocates for the working population. This strategy involves achieving tangible wins and reinforcing the narrative that the party is committed to safeguarding the interests of everyday Americans.
We are just 39 days away from President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. But Democrats are still trying to figure out what went wrong in 2024, and how to fix it before 2026. Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin breaks down why she thinks she won re-election in a swing state, in which Trump also won, and how Democrats are approaching the president-elect's cabinet picks.
Later in the show, Politico senior defense correspondent Conner O'Brien explains what's actually in the big defense bill House lawmakers passed Wednesday.
And in headlines: FBI Director Christopher Wray says he will resign when President Joe Biden leaves office in January, Grocery store chain Albertsons called off its merger with fellow mega grocer Kroger, and a federal judge in Texas put a stop to the sale of Alex Jones's Infowars to the Onion.