Tangle Podcast Summary: PREVIEW - The Friday Edition: Your Questions, Answered

Host: Isaac Saul
Release Date: March 14, 2025

Introduction

In this special episode of the Tangle podcast, host Isaac Saul delves into a reader mailbag, addressing a variety of listener-submitted questions that span the current political landscape. This edition aims to provide comprehensive answers, offering diverse perspectives without pushing a partisan agenda. Below is a structured summary of the key discussions, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Project 2025 and the Trump Administration

Question from John, Rockville, Maryland ([04:15])

John inquires whether President Trump's actions align with Project 2025, questioning the strategic planning behind the current administration's swift initiatives.

Isaac Saul's Response:

Isaac reflects on his previous analysis of Project 2025, highlighting three main points:

• Scope and Radical Proposals: Project 2025 was envisioned as an extensive plan to overhaul the government, encompassing several fringe conservative ideas.
• Selective Adoption by Trump: While Trump adopted certain elements, such as appointing Russell Vaught to the Office of Management and Budget ([06:30]), he abandoned others, notably regarding abortion policies and the use of the Insurrection Act.
• Distinction Between Personal Agenda and Project 2025: Isaac emphasizes that while Trump has connections to Project 2025’s architects, his administration's actions do not entirely mirror the plan, indicating a selective integration of its components.

Notable Quote:

"Trump's Agenda and Project 2025 were not the same, and they still aren't the same."
— Isaac Saul, [09:45]

2. Comparing Trump to Authoritarian Leaders

Question from Jacob, Boston, Massachusetts ([12:00])

Jacob references Isaac’s piece "Seeing Ghosts" and asks about identifying authentic threats to American democracy, comparing potential future leaders to historical authoritarian figures like Hitler or leaders involved in the Tiananmen Square massacre.

Isaac Saul's Response:

Isaac discusses the resilience of American democratic institutions, citing a recent federal court ruling that ordered Trump to reinstate thousands of federal workers as evidence of systemic checks against authoritarianism. He outlines five genuine danger signs of authoritarianism, including:

1. Political Prosecutions Without Evidence
   Example: "The DOJ or FBI actually attempts to prosecute or imprison Joe Biden or prominent Democratic leaders without material evidence."
   — [15:30]

2. Militarized Response to Peaceful Protests
   Example: Deployment of military force against peaceful demonstrators.

3. Restrictions on Free Speech
   Example: Banning newsrooms from critical reporting of the White House.
   — [17:10]

4. Erosion of Free and Fair Elections
   Example: Implementing electoral reforms that hinder democratic participation beyond partisan gerrymandering or voter ID laws.

5. Elimination of Meaningful Political Opposition
   Example: Democrats compromising entirely to support MAGA agendas, leading to a lack of genuine opposition similar to authoritarian regimes.
   — [19:50]

Isaac concludes that while the current system shows strength, vigilance is necessary to safeguard democracy.

Notable Quote:

"It's possible that one of my most conservative or conservative coded views... is a general reverence for our Founding Fathers and a continued wonder at how much their theories of government have continued to apply to our modern era in a way that preserves democracy."
— Isaac Saul, [16:25]

3. Cryptocurrency: Ponzi Scheme or Legitimate Investment?

Question from an Anonymous Reader, Laguna Niguel, California ([22:10])

The listener challenges Isaac's views on Trump establishing cryptocurrency reserves by asserting that cryptocurrency resembles a Ponzi scheme, questioning the viability and legitimacy of such investments.

Isaac Saul's Response:

Isaac addresses the misconception by differentiating between legitimate cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum versus meme coins that rely solely on new investors' influx. He explains the foundational purpose of cryptocurrency:

• Blockchain Technology: Designed as a decentralized ledger for secure, tamper-proof transactions.
  — [23:05]

• Misalignment with Original Intent: While intended for diverse applications beyond mere asset trading, many cryptocurrencies have not fulfilled these promises, leading to perceptions akin to Ponzi schemes.

Notable Quote:

"Crypto was built on a digital ledger system known as the blockchain... The idea was that this ledger was indelible which would allow it to be used for all kinds of things... That has not come to pass and instead cryptocurrencies have just been bought and sold like assets."
— Isaac Saul, [23:50]

4. Pathways to Citizenship for Long-Term Undocumented Immigrants

Question from Laura, Arlington, Washington ([25:00])

Laura questions why long-term undocumented immigrants, who have established lives in the U.S., haven’t pursued citizenship, and whether there are immigration tracks available for them.

Isaac Saul's Response:

Isaac outlines the significant barriers these immigrants face:

• Eligibility Constraints: Most undocumented immigrants do not qualify under specific green card categories due to lack of permanent US relatives, economic provisions, or other criteria.
  — [26:15]

• Three and Ten-Year Bars: Immigrants who leave the U.S. to apply for a green card face re-entry bans of three years if they have been unlawfully present for less than a year, or ten years if longer. This creates a "catch-22" situation, leaving millions in legal limbo.
  — [27:05]

Isaac emphasizes that the lack of clear legal pathways is not due to a lack of desire to naturalize but rather institutional obstacles.

Notable Quote:

"Even those who do qualify under one of the listed categories must comply with a statute known as the three and ten year bars... it's a catch 22."
— Isaac Saul, [26:45]

5. Trump and the Potential for a Recession

Question from Isaiah, Mechanicsville, Virginia ([28:00])

Isaiah seeks clarification on Isaac's claim that Trump and his supporters might want a recession, referencing a vague Twitter post.

Isaac Saul's Response:

Isaac clarifies his stance:

• Not Desiring a Recession, But Justifying One: He posits that Trump supporters may not want a recession outright but are prepared to rationalize it as a means to achieve policy goals, such as lowering interest rates and reducing inflation through Trump's preferred trade policies involving tariffs.

• Economic Strategies: Isaac theorizes that Trump may view a recession as a tool to dismantle government support systems deemed inflated, thereby initiating economic restructuring aligned with his agenda.
  — [29:30]

Notable Quote:

"If he can blame the conditions that he inherited from Biden, which he is already doing, then I think the answer is yes."
— Isaac Saul, [29:05]

6. Fact-Checking Claims About Trump's Electoral Mandate and Approval Ratings

Question from Tori, Los Gatos, California ([31:00])

Tori challenges previous claims made by Tangle regarding Trump winning a majority of votes, having a positive approval rating, and possessing a mandate on crime and immigration.

Managing Editor Ari Weitzman's Response:

Ari addresses the inaccuracies:

• Plurality vs. Majority: Acknowledges the error in conflating Trump’s plurality victory with a majority, admitting the oversight on their part.
  — [32:10]

• Approval Ratings Misconception: Clarifies that a "positive" approval rating means more approval than disapproval, not necessarily exceeding 50%. However, recent polls from Pew Research Center and Gallup show Trump’s approval ratings are net negative.
  — [33:00]

• Mandate on Crime and Immigration: Points out that while they had specific claims about Trump's mandate in these areas, the legitimacy of such mandates is subjective. Despite the corrected statistics, Ari maintains that many Trump supporters believe he is fulfilling his campaign promises.
  — [34:45]

Notable Quote:

"We never want to put a word wrong in anything we publish. This isn't to make excuses, and it isn't to minimize this pushback."
— Ari Weitzman, [32:50]

7. Effective Communication with Opposing Views

Question from Mary, Vermont ([36:00])

Mary seeks advice on engaging in conversations with individuals who are verbally dominant and dismissive of differing opinions, using President Trump's interaction with Zelensky as an example.

Isaac Saul's Response:

Isaac offers strategies for constructive dialogue:

1. Ask Questions: Employ genuine curiosity to encourage reflection and reduce confrontation.
   Example: "Why do you think that?" or "Wouldn't that contradict your earlier point?"
   — [36:30]

2. Pace the Conversation: Allow discussions to end on uncertain terms, planting seeds of doubt without forcing conclusions, fostering respect and ongoing dialogue.
   — [37:15]

3. Evaluate the Worth: Recognize when a conversation may not be productive and choose to maintain surface-level interactions to preserve relationships without deep engagement.

Notable Quote:

"If you're going to end a conversation by asking them to really consider a different point of view, you've got to be willing to do the same."
— Isaac Saul, [38:20]

Conclusion

This episode of Tangle provides listeners with in-depth responses to pressing political questions, emphasizing critical analysis and balanced perspectives. By addressing topics ranging from the intricacies of Project 2025 to the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants, Isaac Saul and his team offer valuable insights aimed at fostering informed political discourse.

For those seeking to engage further, Tangle encourages subscriptions to their newsletter and premium podcast services, promising additional content and exclusive discussions.

Notable Moments:

• Project 2025 Alignment: [09:45]
• Resilience of American Democracy: [16:25]
• Cryptocurrency Clarification: [23:50]
• Immigration Barriers Explained: [26:45]
• Trump's Economic Strategies: [29:05]
• Acknowledgment of Fact-Checking Errors: [32:50]
• Communication Strategies with Opposing Views: [38:20]

For more detailed discussions and exclusive content, visit readtangle.com.