I am not of your political persuasion but I am an admirer of your work and your opinions are always right on point. You represent what the true Republican Party was.
What will Mexico, Canada and China do about the tariff threats?
I am betting that all three are going to call Trump's bluff and tariff the US right back and start a trade war. If that happens, I then wonder what MAGA does as it will affect them the most.
Will MAGA push Trump to call it off? I just do not know.
Thank you for introducing me to the Political Wire! I'm a long term follow of yours and a staunch believer in being a believer in the Never Trump movement. I have two comments. 1. I'm very glad to hear that you are spending time and effort in trying to analyze where the "never Trump" movement went wrong. I look to your leadership in this area and continued communication in this important question. 2. I think the question asked about the formation of a third party out of the remnants of the Republican Party is entirely off the mark. The fundamental question is how is the "never Trump" movement, those Republicans voters who believe in America as an ethical country (which I believe is where the center longs to be) and the disparate Democratic Coalition are going to work together to change the Democratic Party to be a force to beat Trumpism (Maga), Trump and the current Republican Congress are going (doing). This is politics and politics is about communication and ideas as well as working for a common goal. Talk of dynasties, power, losing, and degradation of America is not a strategy or an answer. We need a coordinated movement and leadership. Sadly, I'm seeing much of this at this time.
Thank you, Mr. Sykes, for introducing me to the (scary?) idea of the Trump dynasty. Good grief. Whoever is chosen to follow will, no doubt, be a puppet.
The interesting thing is there is nothing in the Constitution for dealing with a President who refuses to leave office. Will the Republicans in the Senate and House obey Trump or play along?
I had to come back for a second comment to this video. The very sobering statement you made Charlie that this will not get course corrected in your lifetime or the interviewer’s. We are the same age and that is so stunningly true. Grimm aspect and constantly looking for light in the distance. Made me smile to see Auggie and Eli.
Blessed with painfully slow internet combined with a painfully slow connection, I hope you'll see fit to provide transcripts. Even a couple of days later would be great.
Good to see you, Charlie. I'm really looking forward to your podcast. I hope your puppies are always strong secondary characters on it!
I've noticed that everyone has mentioned much of the idiocy, craven green and cowardice of certain people/parties. If it's been said, I don't need to say it. I will say that Mark Zucherberg, despite all his best efforts, remains stuffed in that locker from high school. He might be richer – although he won't be if he continues to allow Trump to blackmail him to the tune of $25 million a pop. And yeah, call it was it was bribery and/or blackmail. Just as Trump tried to do the Zelensky.
As I was was listening, making everyone's Tuna melts, I was pondering two things you spoke a bit about. The Republican Party, and a possible third party.
I've wondered how you, or if you, a staunch conservative, can respect any of the Republicans in congress and their total capitulation to one man? Are we to excuse their fear, understanding the cost we'll be paying? I understand it, but I can't excuse them allowing this hijacking of our government. Allowing the obvious grift and greed that drives Trump. Do they think, 'hey, we're a rich country, we can lose a bunch of billions and not be harmed. We can make this right again'?
Or even worse, they're putting us all at risk by not wanting to upset Trump regarding his completely unqualified cabinet candidates. He's also surrounded himself with a group of people with their own agendas, one of which is not the betterment of America. I firmly believe he does not quite understand it all. But he does understand that it will afford him the greatest power we've every awarded a President, so he's okay with whatever. And Republicans by now should know this. So I'm only able to think that they kind of agree with what's going on.
Third party. Somehow I don't think the country is ready to head that way. The only way I see that happening is for the young people to drive this, and then very calculating Dems and Republicans, unhappy with their own parties, would join. The young folks are the ones most disengaged with "democracy" as it exists in America at this time, from what I see. They do not see it's benefit to them. And yes, the Democrats missed that completely. Republicans just lied to them (mostly the younger men).
I don't want to wait for a third party, though. I'm hoping that after what sounds like a cleaning house at the DNC – I hope they show me some direction and commitment to change along with inclusivity of everyone along with some powerful and inspiring new leadership coming. They could recognize the leadership that they already have that they won't allow to speak due to their
very old merit system demands. Don't get me wrong. I understand merit, but I don't understand not recognizing when people are not being listened to. Shumer, Connoly, Durbin... get younger and more in tune to the world as it is! I'm getting older and I want to see the youth more prevalent on their platforms.
They also need money, something most don't recognize how much easier it is for Republicans to be funded. Deep pockets, questionable untaxed investment revenue for funding candidates that just ecrues and ecrues in value through interest and the billionaire donations (though that may
be a direct pipeline to a Trump coffer by now?) I spend more money on more candidates this past election cycle than I ever have. I can't afford to give more when Democrats are not unified or actually showing me that they're in tune and ready to fight. And fight well and smart.
All I've got tonight, although it's plenty. I truly appreciate this interview and the interviewee. If I may be personal for a moment, I'll encourage you to not stray too far from your stated goal when you left The Bulwark. Take the time to step away. These first 11 days have shown us that we'll have to block out the noise regularly if we want to live healthy lives. I'm being selfish: I want you to stick around for a long time!
Why don’t we mention that the newspapers, tv stations, radio stations and social media were bought by the Republican supporters. They had the media that the working class not heavily engaged were listening to. We can blame the Democrats but they didn’t have the means to reach people. Add to it that the Democrats are severely hampered by an adherence to truth and facts. The Republicans see that as a weakness.
What would have happened if the Democrats could get uncritical air time and press saying that the MAGA people eat babies, and control the weather?
I think this all of the time! My mother watches Fox News all day every day and we literally have to take the remote away from her. She won't even watch the local Sinclair news because she believes "only Fox tells the truth." So, it's impossible to get facts into her head. She believes the 2020 election was stolen, that Jan 6th was "not so bad and what about Black lives matter?" She also thinks everything is wonderful now after a week of Trump. It is impossible to reach her, and while she needs her 3 Never Trump daughters, she attacks us if we try to tell her something even slightly less than wonderful about him. It's made our final years with her absolutely hellish.
There is literally no way to get basic facts to these people. And the saddest part is that this is a common refrain amongst my cohort about our parents. I deeply worry about those who are younger. My mother was once a normal human being.
At first when you said you were worried about those who were younger I thought you meant today’s young who are growing up in a media that doesn’t include many voices of honest journalism and schools that in schools that are being forced to limit good education (critical thinking, civics, honest history) in the Orwellian effort to stop indoctrination.
That is the real problem as I see it, not that as we age we will become susceptible to lying news because it is entertainment presented by attractive performers.
That's what I meant, broadly. I was thinking about those who at, say, age 22 only believe these fact free or wildly biased sources. When confronted with facts they feel those facts are somehow biased. We somehow now live in a world where everything is seen through a partisan lens. I'm worried and frustrated. We need some immediate intervention to teach understanding how to find real facts in a system that wants exactly the opposite.
When he asked you “who do you think is the worst (cabinet nominee)…?,” all I could think was, “you mean besides ALL OF THEM!!” The Junk Drawer is brimming with unqualified, vile human boot-scrapings, the likes of which America has never seen. And the Senate has abdicated their power utterly to Donny Deuterostome. It’s a disgusting disgrace.
I wish someone would please tell me what regular, ordinary citizens can do to actively “fight back” and thwart their efforts toward the Soviet takeover/handoff.
I always vote. I contributed more money to campaigns than ever before. I attended several marches/rallies (mostly Planned Parenthood), and struck up conversations with strangers Everywhere I went. (My husband and I have been doing that for over a year. We ask if they are registered to vote, and then let the conversation go where it will. We don’t argue with anyone. But for Rump supporters and “regular” Republicans we ask them Why they support him. We ask what issues matter most. And we confront the endless stream of lies with actual Facts that we can show them with a quick Google search.)
So now that the Shitshow is underway, what can I do, and my friends do, individually to slow this train down? Please. I posted a similar question on another article and I’m getting slammed with 👍👍 from people. We all want to know what we can do.
Thanks for all you do Charlie! You are a marvelous public servant.
I am not of your political persuasion but I am an admirer of your work and your opinions are always right on point. You represent what the true Republican Party was.
So ...
What will Mexico, Canada and China do about the tariff threats?
I am betting that all three are going to call Trump's bluff and tariff the US right back and start a trade war. If that happens, I then wonder what MAGA does as it will affect them the most.
Will MAGA push Trump to call it off? I just do not know.
Thank you for introducing me to the Political Wire! I'm a long term follow of yours and a staunch believer in being a believer in the Never Trump movement. I have two comments. 1. I'm very glad to hear that you are spending time and effort in trying to analyze where the "never Trump" movement went wrong. I look to your leadership in this area and continued communication in this important question. 2. I think the question asked about the formation of a third party out of the remnants of the Republican Party is entirely off the mark. The fundamental question is how is the "never Trump" movement, those Republicans voters who believe in America as an ethical country (which I believe is where the center longs to be) and the disparate Democratic Coalition are going to work together to change the Democratic Party to be a force to beat Trumpism (Maga), Trump and the current Republican Congress are going (doing). This is politics and politics is about communication and ideas as well as working for a common goal. Talk of dynasties, power, losing, and degradation of America is not a strategy or an answer. We need a coordinated movement and leadership. Sadly, I'm seeing much of this at this time.
Thank you, Mr. Sykes, for introducing me to the (scary?) idea of the Trump dynasty. Good grief. Whoever is chosen to follow will, no doubt, be a puppet.
The interesting thing is there is nothing in the Constitution for dealing with a President who refuses to leave office. Will the Republicans in the Senate and House obey Trump or play along?
Talk about a Constitutional crisis.
Thank you Charlie great conversation to listen to
Yay! You're back! What'll the pod be called?
The first 11 days have already been a disaster, and it’s only going to get worse. Definitely listening in”thanks for keeping us informed and engaged!
I had to come back for a second comment to this video. The very sobering statement you made Charlie that this will not get course corrected in your lifetime or the interviewer’s. We are the same age and that is so stunningly true. Grimm aspect and constantly looking for light in the distance. Made me smile to see Auggie and Eli.
Blessed with painfully slow internet combined with a painfully slow connection, I hope you'll see fit to provide transcripts. Even a couple of days later would be great.
And cameos by those two good boys, Auggie and Eli! No barking, either. What good loves they are.
Will Americans ever be able to break the chain - remove the stain - salvage morals, ethics and civility? I'm begining to think we're too broken.
That was great! Looking forward to your conversations again.
Good to see you, Charlie. I'm really looking forward to your podcast. I hope your puppies are always strong secondary characters on it!
I've noticed that everyone has mentioned much of the idiocy, craven green and cowardice of certain people/parties. If it's been said, I don't need to say it. I will say that Mark Zucherberg, despite all his best efforts, remains stuffed in that locker from high school. He might be richer – although he won't be if he continues to allow Trump to blackmail him to the tune of $25 million a pop. And yeah, call it was it was bribery and/or blackmail. Just as Trump tried to do the Zelensky.
As I was was listening, making everyone's Tuna melts, I was pondering two things you spoke a bit about. The Republican Party, and a possible third party.
I've wondered how you, or if you, a staunch conservative, can respect any of the Republicans in congress and their total capitulation to one man? Are we to excuse their fear, understanding the cost we'll be paying? I understand it, but I can't excuse them allowing this hijacking of our government. Allowing the obvious grift and greed that drives Trump. Do they think, 'hey, we're a rich country, we can lose a bunch of billions and not be harmed. We can make this right again'?
Or even worse, they're putting us all at risk by not wanting to upset Trump regarding his completely unqualified cabinet candidates. He's also surrounded himself with a group of people with their own agendas, one of which is not the betterment of America. I firmly believe he does not quite understand it all. But he does understand that it will afford him the greatest power we've every awarded a President, so he's okay with whatever. And Republicans by now should know this. So I'm only able to think that they kind of agree with what's going on.
Third party. Somehow I don't think the country is ready to head that way. The only way I see that happening is for the young people to drive this, and then very calculating Dems and Republicans, unhappy with their own parties, would join. The young folks are the ones most disengaged with "democracy" as it exists in America at this time, from what I see. They do not see it's benefit to them. And yes, the Democrats missed that completely. Republicans just lied to them (mostly the younger men).
I don't want to wait for a third party, though. I'm hoping that after what sounds like a cleaning house at the DNC – I hope they show me some direction and commitment to change along with inclusivity of everyone along with some powerful and inspiring new leadership coming. They could recognize the leadership that they already have that they won't allow to speak due to their
very old merit system demands. Don't get me wrong. I understand merit, but I don't understand not recognizing when people are not being listened to. Shumer, Connoly, Durbin... get younger and more in tune to the world as it is! I'm getting older and I want to see the youth more prevalent on their platforms.
They also need money, something most don't recognize how much easier it is for Republicans to be funded. Deep pockets, questionable untaxed investment revenue for funding candidates that just ecrues and ecrues in value through interest and the billionaire donations (though that may
be a direct pipeline to a Trump coffer by now?) I spend more money on more candidates this past election cycle than I ever have. I can't afford to give more when Democrats are not unified or actually showing me that they're in tune and ready to fight. And fight well and smart.
All I've got tonight, although it's plenty. I truly appreciate this interview and the interviewee. If I may be personal for a moment, I'll encourage you to not stray too far from your stated goal when you left The Bulwark. Take the time to step away. These first 11 days have shown us that we'll have to block out the noise regularly if we want to live healthy lives. I'm being selfish: I want you to stick around for a long time!
Smooches to the pooches from Idaho!!
How far is too far? Can we come back from all of this?
Why don’t we mention that the newspapers, tv stations, radio stations and social media were bought by the Republican supporters. They had the media that the working class not heavily engaged were listening to. We can blame the Democrats but they didn’t have the means to reach people. Add to it that the Democrats are severely hampered by an adherence to truth and facts. The Republicans see that as a weakness.
What would have happened if the Democrats could get uncritical air time and press saying that the MAGA people eat babies, and control the weather?
I think this all of the time! My mother watches Fox News all day every day and we literally have to take the remote away from her. She won't even watch the local Sinclair news because she believes "only Fox tells the truth." So, it's impossible to get facts into her head. She believes the 2020 election was stolen, that Jan 6th was "not so bad and what about Black lives matter?" She also thinks everything is wonderful now after a week of Trump. It is impossible to reach her, and while she needs her 3 Never Trump daughters, she attacks us if we try to tell her something even slightly less than wonderful about him. It's made our final years with her absolutely hellish.
There is literally no way to get basic facts to these people. And the saddest part is that this is a common refrain amongst my cohort about our parents. I deeply worry about those who are younger. My mother was once a normal human being.
At first when you said you were worried about those who were younger I thought you meant today’s young who are growing up in a media that doesn’t include many voices of honest journalism and schools that in schools that are being forced to limit good education (critical thinking, civics, honest history) in the Orwellian effort to stop indoctrination.
That is the real problem as I see it, not that as we age we will become susceptible to lying news because it is entertainment presented by attractive performers.
That's what I meant, broadly. I was thinking about those who at, say, age 22 only believe these fact free or wildly biased sources. When confronted with facts they feel those facts are somehow biased. We somehow now live in a world where everything is seen through a partisan lens. I'm worried and frustrated. We need some immediate intervention to teach understanding how to find real facts in a system that wants exactly the opposite.
When he asked you “who do you think is the worst (cabinet nominee)…?,” all I could think was, “you mean besides ALL OF THEM!!” The Junk Drawer is brimming with unqualified, vile human boot-scrapings, the likes of which America has never seen. And the Senate has abdicated their power utterly to Donny Deuterostome. It’s a disgusting disgrace.
I wish someone would please tell me what regular, ordinary citizens can do to actively “fight back” and thwart their efforts toward the Soviet takeover/handoff.
I always vote. I contributed more money to campaigns than ever before. I attended several marches/rallies (mostly Planned Parenthood), and struck up conversations with strangers Everywhere I went. (My husband and I have been doing that for over a year. We ask if they are registered to vote, and then let the conversation go where it will. We don’t argue with anyone. But for Rump supporters and “regular” Republicans we ask them Why they support him. We ask what issues matter most. And we confront the endless stream of lies with actual Facts that we can show them with a quick Google search.)
So now that the Shitshow is underway, what can I do, and my friends do, individually to slow this train down? Please. I posted a similar question on another article and I’m getting slammed with 👍👍 from people. We all want to know what we can do.
Thanks for all you do Charlie! You are a marvelous public servant.