Summary of "The New Trump" Episode – The Commentary Magazine Podcast
Release Date: December 17, 2024
Host: John Podhoretz
Guests: Abe Greenwald, Christine Rosen, Seth Mandel, Matthew Continetti
1. Introduction
The episode titled "The New Trump" delves into the evolving political landscape surrounding former President Donald Trump as he navigates his role ahead of the 2024 election. Hosted by John Podhoretz, the discussion includes insights from longtime Commentary Magazine contributors Abe Greenwald, Christine Rosen, Seth Mandel, and Matthew Continetti.
2. Evolution of Trump's Demeanor
Mark Mandel introduces the concept of the "Trump Moon," highlighting a notable shift in public and political attitudes toward Trump. He notes, "[...] the change in attitude toward Trump is more significant than any change on his part" (05:57). This shift is attributed to:
- Reduced Internal Republican Resistance: Traditional Republican figures opposing Trump, such as Jeff Flake and Liz Cheney, have exited the party, diminishing internal opposition.
- Approachable Engagement: Trump’s current approachability, including open conversations with business communities and media, contrasts his previously combative stance.
Matthew Continetti reflects on Trump's enduring personality, emphasizing that while his manner may have softened, his core characteristics remain unchanged: "Trump is Trump. You can't expect him not to be himself." (00:48).
3. Substance of Trump's Press Conference
The panel examines Trump's recent press conference, noting a blend of policy confidence and a less antagonistic demeanor compared to his past engagements.
- Policy Confidence: Trump displayed assertiveness on various issues, such as drone activity and international relations, showcasing a level of self-assuredness: "[...] his comfort with it was striking." (05:57).
- Handling of Vaccine Mandates: Discussed Trump’s nuanced stance on vaccine mandates, balancing libertarian views with public health necessities.
Christine Rosen observes that Trump's ability to conduct a "normal presidential press conference" was underappreciated previously due to media resistance: "It's a normal presidential press conference, which is an irony because Trump has been held up as this highly abnormal politician." (09:05).
4. Media Interactions and Press Relations
The conversation highlights the contrast between Trump's proactive media engagement and the Biden administration’s limited press interactions.
- Accessibility: Trump's willingness to engage directly with the press is lauded as unprecedented: "One of the most accessible politicians in American history." (10:25).
- Media Challenges: The panel critiques Democratic figures like Kamala Harris for their limited press presence, juxtaposing it with Trump's extensive media interactions.
Matthew Continetti recounts an anecdote where journalist Stephanie Rule attempted to interview Trump directly, only to be rebuffed: "She called him, he picked up and she asked for an interview. He told her to F off." (11:58).
5. Legal Challenges Facing Trump
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the ongoing legal battles Trump faces, particularly the case overseen by Judge Mershand.
- Immunity Ruling: The panel criticizes Judge Mershand's decision to deny Trump presidential immunity, arguing it undermines executive functionality: "The presidency is a federal office. And yes, we do have a federal system, and there are 50 state laws..." (35:19).
- Public Perception: Christine Rosen asserts that public opinion has shifted to view prosecutions like Trump's as politically motivated: "There is a mood about... the political prosecution of Trump..." (39:44).
John Podhoretz emphasizes the perceived absurdity of the ruling, questioning its foundation and highlighting Trump's indifference to potential felony status: "He is completely comfortable talking about any and every issue under the sun." (37:42).
6. White House Hanukkah Party and Biden’s Statements
The episode critiques President Biden's remarks at the White House Hanukkah Party, particularly his claim of securing the release of hostages.
- Inaccurate Claims: John Podhoretz expresses frustration over Biden’s overstated role in hostage negotiations: "I believe the release of the hostages is about 80. That was almost a year... He had nothing to do with it." (40:07).
- Representation of American Jewry: The panel dissects Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove's statement claiming to speak for all American Jews, arguing it inaccurately portrays a unified community stance: "We do not speak with one voice and one heart about anything." (40:09).
John Podhoretz specifically criticizes Cosgrove for overstepping, stating, "It's wrong and it's factually untrue that American Jewry with one heart loves and will miss Joe Biden." (40:09).
7. Foreign Policy and International Reactions
Trump's foreign policy statements and their reception are analyzed, including his interactions with foreign leaders and his stance on critical international issues.
- Diplomatic Invitations: Trump extends unprecedented invitations to foreign leaders for his inauguration, receiving RSVPs from figures like Argentina's President Javier Milei: "He has received one RSVP. Yes. And that is from one of my favorite world leaders, Argentina's President Javier Milei." (23:25).
- Comments on Leaders: Trump's unorthodox praises for adversaries, such as describing Xi Jinping as "an amazing person" (26:37), showcase his unique diplomatic approach.
Abe Greenwald points out the irony in Trump's engagement style compared to traditional presidential aloofness, underscoring his accessibility on the global stage: "We have been starved of the normal give and take between a president and the press corps." (09:05).
8. Conclusion
The episode wraps up with reflections on Trump's strategic positioning ahead of the 2024 elections, his handling of legal pressures, and the broader implications for American politics.
- Resilience and Adaptation: The panel acknowledges Trump's ability to adapt his approach in response to changing political dynamics, maintaining his relevance and influence.
- Critique of Democratic Leadership: Persistent criticism is leveled against Democratic figures for their inadequate media engagement and perceived disconnect from the electorate’s sentiments.
John Podhoretz concludes by emphasizing the ongoing political tensions and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming inauguration: "If Trump does not fully get his way before January 20, will see the return of the hostages back to Israel..." (35:53).
Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps
- John Podhoretz: "Trump is Trump. You can't expect him not to be himself." (00:48)
- Seth Mandel: "If you approach him with open arms or flattery, you can go a lot farther than if you approach him with raised fists and insults." (03:02)
- Christine Rosen: "We have been starved of the normal give and take between a president and the press corps." (09:05)
- Matthew Continetti: "If you have his phone number, he'll answer the phone." (12:19)
- John Podhoretz: "We deserve to hear. We need to talk to him. We need to hear what he has to say." (16:38)
- Christine Rosen: "Donald Trump just blew the doors off everything." (14:48)
- Abe Greenwald: "We've forgotten what outraged us four years ago." (12:52)
- John Podhoretz: "If you trained a camera on me 24 hours a day, I would talk into that camera." (17:34)
- Seth Mandel: "Trump is common sense, right? But that's actually a pretty good political pathway for him to follow into his second term." (22:49)
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from "The New Trump" episode, offering readers a detailed overview without needing to listen to the full podcast.