Molly Jong-Fast on the Dark Political Winter of 2020

TL;DR

President Trump discusses the possibility of a military coup, while other concerning events, such as the Martin Shkreli story and Republican support for sedition, are unfolding. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 relief bill raises questions about its effectiveness and targeting.

Transcript

welcome to the bulwark podcast i'm charlie sykes happy monday look it's any consolation the days actually start getting longer after the day today is the is the shortest darkest day of the year so if you're kind of feeling it it it will pass i think it's going to pass i think things will get better right molly jong fast and you feeling better i i m... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 President Trump's potential military coup is an unprecedented and alarming development in American history.
• 😚 The Martin Shkreli story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting too close to a subject and the power of awful individuals to draw people in.
• 🥳 The Republican party's support for sedition and conspiracy theories is further eroding the democratic norms and principles the nation is built upon.
• 🤨 The COVID-19 relief bill raises concerns about its targeting and efficacy in helping those most in need.
• 🥳 Republicans have shown a lack of unified response to Trump's actions, highlighting the divisions within the party.
• 🫵 Social media platforms like Twitter can distort one's view of humanity, and it may be beneficial to spend less time on them.
• 🥹 The Sopranos is a highly acclaimed and engaging show that holds up well, offering a must-watch experience for viewers.

Questions & Answers

Q: Is there a connection between the Shkreli story and the Trump situation?

Both stories highlight the power that horrible individuals have to draw people in and the difficulty of breaking out of the delusion once it has taken hold. The Shkreli story resonates with journalists because they can relate to getting too close to a source, while the Trump situation reflects how people have been conned and are unwilling to accept the truth.

Q: Why is the president considering a military coup?

It is unclear why President Trump is considering a military coup, but it may be due to his fear of losing power and the imminent transfer of power to his political foes. He may also believe that a coup is his only opportunity to retain power and avoid the potential legal consequences he may face once he is no longer president.

Q: What are the concerns about the COVID-19 relief bill?

The concerns about the relief bill stem from its lack of targeting and efficacy. While it provides substantial funding, it does not prioritize those who are most in need. There is also criticism of tax cuts included in the bill that primarily benefit wealthier individuals instead of providing direct support to those who have been most affected by the pandemic.

Q: How are Republicans responding to Trump's actions?

The response from Republicans has been mixed. While some, like Senator Mitt Romney, have been forceful in their condemnation of Trump's behavior, others have remained silent or continued to support him. The lack of a unified response further highlights the divisions within the party.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• President Trump's discussion of a military coup during an Oval Office meeting raises concerns about his desperation to hold onto power.

• The story of journalist turned author entangled with loathsome Martin Shkreli highlights the allure of delusion and the consequences of getting too close to a subject.

• The burgeoning support for sedition within the Republican party, as seen in the arizona Republican party chairwoman's comments, further highlights the dangerous path the nation is on.