Podcast Summary: Pivot – Episode on Trump's D.C. Crackdown, Putin Summit, and Cuomo's Mamdani Jabs

Release Date: August 12, 2025

In this compelling episode of Pivot by New York Magazine, hosts Kara Swisher and David Remnick delve deep into the tumultuous political landscape of 2025, unpacking significant events surrounding former President Donald Trump, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the heated New York City mayoral race.

1. Donald Trump's Influence on the Washington Post and "Politics of Fear"

The episode opens with a discussion of David Remnick's recent New Yorker article titled "The Politics of Fear", which scrutinizes Trump's strategic use of intimidation and his impact on American democratic institutions.

• Quote: "I don't think it's inevitable that the project that Donald Trump has set out on... is authoritarian and anti rule of law and all the other things that you discuss on this show quite a lot." (07:48)

Remnick emphasizes Trump's efforts to undermine the Washington Post, highlighting concerns over Bezos' stewardship:

• Quote: "To see this happen to the Post is on Jeff Bezos, and that's a fail." (65:01)

2. Trump-Putin Summit in Alaska

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the unexpected summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska, aiming to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war.

• Quote: "Trump is now calling it a feel out meeting, which sounds kind of creepy." (19:31)

Swisher and Remnick analyze Putin's motives and the potential outcomes of the summit:

• Quote: "It's more than just the preservation of power. It is the resurrection of Russian supremacy..." (19:52)

They express skepticism about the summit's effectiveness, noting Putin's significant losses and the unlikely restoration of Russian dominance.

3. Trump's Crackdown on Washington D.C.

The hosts transition to discussing Trump's declaration to place the Washington D.C. police under federal control, citing exaggerated claims of rampant crime.

• Quote: "Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals..." (31:02)

Swisher and Remnick counter these claims by presenting local perspectives that dispute the severity of the situation:

• Quote: "As a citizen of the District of Columbia, things are not totally out of control here. It's actually a very safe city." (30:38)

They caution against using fear as a political tool, drawing parallels to past authoritarian tactics.

4. Redistricting and Political Maneuvering in Texas and California

The episode explores intense political battles over redistricting, with a focus on Texas and California's strategies to influence electoral outcomes.

• Quote: "Redistricting is something that's congruent with all kinds of political interests." (40:26)

Remnick critiques Trump's push for a new census excluding undocumented immigrants, predicting significant impacts on congressional representation and funding.

5. New York City Mayoral Race: Governor Cuomo vs. Zoran Mamdani

A heated segment covers the New York City mayoral race, spotlighting Governor Andrew Cuomo's aggressive tactics against frontrunner Zoran Mamdani.

• Quote: "Cuomo is now framing the race as a heavyweight bout... Cuomo slammed Mamdani for living in a rent-stabilized apartment, calling him rich." (49:33)

Swisher and Remnick assess Mamdani's appeal among younger voters and diverse communities, contrasting it with Cuomo's portrayal as a privileged insider unable to deliver on his promises.

• Quote: "Mamdani has done quite well on the west side of Manhattan and downtown in Queens." (54:00)

They predict Mamdani's strong prospects in the race, despite Cuomo's longstanding political experience.

6. Additional Insights and Segments

Beyond the primary discussions, the hosts touch upon:

• Epstein Investigation: The enduring scandal's potential to affect Trump's political viability, noting stubborn support within the Republican base.

  • Quote: "47% of Republicans would still vote for Trump even if he was implicated in Epstein's activities." (38:44)

• Civil Society's Role: The critical importance of civil society in resisting authoritarian tendencies, contrasting the robust engagement in the West with its suppression in Russia.

  • Quote: "Civil society has been all but crushed with very, very limited corners of civil society still exist in today's Russia." (18:39)

• Pop Culture References: Light-hearted mentions of South Park and Escape from New York, illustrating the blend of serious politics with cultural commentary.

7. Wins and Fails

In the final segment, Swisher and Remnick reflect on recent successes and setbacks:

• Win: Praise for David Kirkpatrick's New Yorker piece "The Number", which meticulously details Trump's financial gains during his presidency.

  • Quote: "It's a win. It's a tragic win because of what it's telling you." (62:34)

• Fail: Criticism of Jeff Bezos' management of the Washington Post, lamenting his lack of engagement and the consequent instability of the institution.

  • Quote: "To see this happen to the Post is on Jeff Bezos, and that's a fail." (65:01)

Conclusion

This episode of Pivot offers a thorough examination of the current political climate, emphasizing the enduring influence of Donald Trump, the complex dynamics of international relations, and the fierce local elections shaping the future of New York City. Through insightful analysis and sharp commentary, Kara Swisher and David Remnick provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the forces at play in today's world.

For more insights and detailed discussions, subscribe to Pivot on your favorite podcast platform.