The Morning Meeting – Episode Summary

Podcast: The Morning Meeting
Host: Mark Halperin (2WAY)
Co-Hosts/Guests: Jaime Moore, Kristen Davison
Date: December 10, 2025
Episode Title: Trump Goes on Offensive Against Democrats on "Affordability," as Kamala and Newsom Jockey for 2028

Episode Overview

Today's Morning Meeting dives deep into President Trump's recent rally in Pennsylvania, where he attempted to relaunch his economic messaging by focusing on "affordability"—though with his trademark colorful style and deviation from the script. The panel examines the Democratic response, especially the moves of Governor Shapiro and other rising Dems, as well as 2028 maneuvering by Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom. Later, the hosts analyze the ongoing Fed chair selection, health care battles on the Hill, recent election results like the Democratic win in Miami, and the unfolding Russia-Ukraine peace efforts. Notably, the episode is rich in tactical campaign talk, media analysis, and forward-looking speculation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Pennsylvania Rally: "Affordability" Reframed

• Main Event: President Trump's 90+ minute speech in Pennsylvania, officially billed as a tour kickoff on “affordability.”
• Media Reception:
  • Most reports highlighted Trump mocking the idea of an “affordability crisis,” calling it a "hoax," and blending the economic theme with tangents on immigration and gripes about the media (“fake news”).
  • Coverage focused little on any policy specifics and more on spectacle/controversial remarks.
• Panel Analysis:
  • Mark Halperin: Observed that even with “affordability” as the stated topic, Trump couldn’t avoid “weaves” (off-topic rants). Noted the absence of a focused, specific economic message and that even the crowd appeared restless.
    • “He didn’t offer anything new. There were no things saying, here's how we're going to go forward and address it.” [16:00]
  • Kristen Davison: Emphasized that Trump speeches operate as performance, not policy events, and that headlines—even critical ones—drive the campaign’s visibility.
    • “I think they are a rallying event... a performance. It's not necessarily a policy rollout.” [16:31]
  • Jaime Moore: Saw it as a missed opportunity for substance; criticized Trump for failing to outline clear steps on affordability after campaigning on that very issue.
    • “We have the right as American people to hold this president accountable to what he said. He campaigned on cost.” [18:00]

Notable Quote

• “They tell me not to say hoax, but I'm still going to say it.” — Mark Halperin, re-enacting Trump's defiance about message discipline [13:54]

2. Democratic Response: Bracketing & Counter-Messaging

• Governor Shapiro and Pennsylvania Dems: Leveraged the visit for effective bracketing, with press events and sharp rebuttals before and after Trump's rally, focusing on real economic pain and portraying Trump as out of touch.

  • “It was a great day for bracketing for the Democrats of Pennsylvania.” — Jaime Moore [15:29]

• Sub-Theme: Shapiro, Beshear, and Shapiro’s focus on local politics seen as positioning for higher office.

3. Fed Chair Succession and Economic Policy

• “A lot of focus in the financial press...” [21:50] — On Trump’s indecision about the next Fed chair.
• Consensus: Whether it’s Kevin Hassett, Kevin Warsh, or another, panel expects little real impact unless broader economic levers change.
• “I don't agree with the process by which the president got here but...it's provocative.” — Jaime Moore [22:05]

4. Capitol Hill: Health Care and Legislative Fights

• Obamacare Subsidies: Looming expiration with no compromise in sight; politically risky for both parties.
• Republican & Democratic Tensions:
  • Kristen Davison: Republicans cannot just block subsidies without consequence; must address healthcare cost and fraud.
    • “There's a leak in the basement and no one is fixing it.” [24:14]
  • Jaime Moore: Urged real bipartisan negotiation, led by Senate moderates like Bill Cassidy, to reach practical compromise.
    • “At the end of the day we have to compromise. ...We can't be for waste, fraud and abuse.” [26:45]

5. Recent Election Results & Party Strategy

• Special Elections (e.g., Miami Mayor): Democratic wins in traditionally challenging locales signal Republican turnout issues.
  • Kristen Davison: Recognizes deep concern in the GOP about turnout and ground game.
    • “We need to fully embrace that this election is one half turnout, one half persuasion. We have to do both.” [30:22]
  • Jaime Moore: Credits Democratic organization, especially under Nikki Fried in Florida, but also notes candidate recruitment challenges remain.
    • “Candidate recruitment perspective, it’s difficult to ...get their families eviscerated just for the sake of ‘saving democracy.’” [34:02]

6. 2028 Jockeying: Kamala Harris vs. Gavin Newsom

• Kamala Harris gives a NYT interview signaling potential candidacy.
• Gavin Newsom releases a highly produced memoir book trailer, pushing a more personal, vulnerable narrative.
• Panel Analysis:
  • Jaime Moore: Sees Newsom as highly strategic but acknowledges Harris’s head start with the Democratic base.
    • “Kamala can say she's already gotten 75 million voters. That’s a big advantage.” [46:52]
  • Kristen Davison: Suggests Harris could attack Newsom for being “out of touch” given his privileged background.

Notable Moments

• “If they both run, it’s going to be a titanic battle for donors and strategists because they share a ton of advisors.” — Mark Halperin [46:14]
• Panel pokes fun at the “slickness” of Newsom’s memoir preview [43:24].

7. Ukraine-Russia Peace Prospects

• Cited David Ignatius’s latest “must-read” column outlining new contours for a possible Ukraine peace deal.
  • Kristen Davison: Skeptical about a near-term deal, referencing low public and elite attention.
  • Mark Halperin: Slightly more bullish after reading insights from Ignatius.
    • “After reading David’s column ...I can see the possibility of a deal. ...It's a rising possibility.” [39:33]

8. Other Political and Legislative Tidbits

• Sen. Wicker & Defense Oversight: Panel expects him to “slow-walk” responses on defense secretary controversies—waiting out the pre-holiday news cycle [41:07].

9. Listener Q&A Highlights

Voter Concerns on Economy ([49:11]; [58:15])

• Listeners Bob & Mr. Pop:
  • Ask if Dems overplaying affordability risk a Reagan-like 1984 backlash if economy improves.
  • Share optimism as small business owners (e.g., doggy daycare doing better this holiday).
• Panel Response:
  • Jaime: Cautions not to “over-index” on cost messaging, notes many economic levers are outside direct government control but acknowledges issue dominance through next year.
  • Kristen: Stresses “populist anger” at inequality will likely persist even if macro numbers improve.

Why Not Run for Office? ([53:48])

• Both Jaime and Kristen are regularly encouraged to run but prefer behind-the-scenes or consulting roles: too much “bullcrap” in politics, prefer helping others, value family/privacy.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “He could talk owls down from the trees.” — Mark Halperin on Newsom’s charm [05:13]
• “If Democrats say we have to ignore the fraud... non starter.” — Kristen Davison [24:47]
• “This election is one half turnout, one half persuasion.” — Kristen Davison [30:22]
• “It's just not worth it... There's so much bullcrap in the middle.” — Jaime Moore on running for office [54:57]
• “Kamala can say she's already gotten 75 million American voters.” — Jaime Moore [46:52]

Important Timestamps

• [02:01] Introduction and rundown of panelists
• [09:24] Transition to President Trump’s speech and main economic theme
• [13:06] Coverage of Governor Beshear and Democratic bracketing
• [16:31] Discussion about Trump’s lack of policy specifics
• [18:00] Jaime Moore on missed messaging opportunity
• [24:14] Health care gridlock and party risks
• [29:31] Erik Erickson’s take on Republican turnout woes
• [34:02] On the difficulty of candidate recruitment after Democratic wins
• [43:24] Newsom’s memoir trailer analysis
• [46:52] Harris vs. Newsom donor battle
• [49:11] Listener question: economic messaging risk
• [53:48] Listener asks: Why don’t the panelists run for office?
• [58:15] Business owner optimism and economic outlook

Conclusion

This episode offers a dynamic, candid roundtable on the day’s top political narratives, especially Trump’s economic messaging reboot and the Democratic counter, all set against the backdrop of potential 2028 matchups. The panel provides sharp critiques on campaign tactics, legislative strategy (and gridlock), and emerging 2024/2028 campaign storylines. Listener questions draw out further insights on economic perceptions and the realities of running for office in today’s climate. The tone is frank, fast-paced, and often laced with humor and insider knowledge, making it an engaging listen for anyone seeking context beyond the political headlines.