Podcast Summary: The Daily – "Inside Trump World as the Next Chapter Begins"

Date: November 8, 2024
Hosts: Michael Barbaro, Jonathan Swan, Maggie Haberman
Title: Inside Trump World as the Next Chapter Begins
Source: The New York Times' "The Daily"

1. Final Days of the Trump Campaign

Internal Confidence vs. Public Perception

In the closing weeks of the Trump campaign, there was a stark contrast between the outwardly tumultuous campaign rallies and the inner confidence fueled by internal polling. Jonathan Swan explains that despite Donald Trump's unpredictable and often self-sabotaging public appearances, the campaign's chief pollster, Tony Fabrizio, consistently projected a victory based on private data. This created a bifurcated atmosphere where the team was rationally optimistic yet internally anxious about the accuracy of their data.

Jonathan Swan [02:21]: "The candidate was out there doing and saying things that would sink any normal candidate."

Maggie Haberman on Campaign Anxiety

Maggie Haberman highlights the peak of this anxiety during a Pennsylvania rally where Trump delivered a rambling and combative speech, expressing regrets about leaving the White House in 2020 and making unsettling comments about the media.

Maggie Haberman [03:55]: "He has been the purest version of himself publicly in the last few months of this race."

2. Election Night and Trump’s Victory

Transition from Uncertainty to Confidence

Election night unfolded with initial concerns over high Democratic turnout in key areas like Philadelphia and Detroit. Trump’s team grappled with reports of potential fraud, leading to public claims on Truth Social about irregularities. However, by mid-evening, as returns from pivotal states like Texas and Virginia indicated Kamala Harris's underperformance, the campaign's confidence surged.

Jonathan Swan [06:38]: "By about 9:30, the Trump campaign was feeling very, very confident of victory."

Trump’s Realization of Victory at Mar-a-Lago

Surrounded by advisers, family, and prominent figures like Elon Musk, Trump spent election night at Mar-a-Lago in an increasingly jubilant mood. The campaign team sensed an impending victory even before official announcements, leading to a celebratory atmosphere marked by confidence and a sense of having overcome significant opposition.

Jonathan Swan [10:17]: "There is a confidence and a swagger, and we can basically do what we want vibe right now."

3. Global Reactions to Trump’s Win

Positive Endorsements from International Leaders

Trump received numerous congratulatory messages from global leaders, notably from Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, who hailed Trump’s victory as "one of history's greatest comebacks."

Bibi Netanyahu’s Tweet [11:12]: "This is one of history's greatest comebacks." (Accompanied by a picture of Netanyahu with Trump)

Uniformity in Congratulatory Messaging

Jonathan Swan observes that many of these messages seemed standardized, mirroring the uniform praise seen in interactions with other prominent figures like Volodymyr Zelensky and Jeff Bezos.

Jonathan Swan [12:28]: "These are like, Mr. Trump, you are amazing. Your victory is so big. The biggest, the greatest, the most historic."

4. Planning for a Second Administration

Key Appointments and Transition Planning

Transition preparations, though minimal, focused on crucial roles such as Attorney General, Secretary of Defense, and CIA Director. Maggie Haberman notes Trump's reluctance to engage deeply in cabinet selections until after election confirmation, driven by superstition and a belief that discussing transition prematurely could bring bad luck.

Maggie Haberman [15:25]: "He is superstitious and he was like this in 2016 as well."

Notable Candidates: John Ratcliffe and Kash Patel

Jonathan Swan highlights John Ratcliffe, former Director of National Intelligence, as a significant figure likely to hold a prominent role, potentially as Attorney General or heading an intelligence agency. Kash Patel, viewed as highly loyal and unopposed, is another key figure poised for influence within the administration.

Jonathan Swan [17:36]: "There are people like Kash Patel who served in his first term, and Trump wanted to make him the deputy CIA director at the end."

5. Potential Policy Conflicts and Tensions

Ideological vs. Business Interests

The administration is expected to navigate tensions between Trump’s populist, nativist agenda and the pragmatic interests of business leaders who may favor more moderate policies. Issues like immigration are prime examples where these conflicts could surface, with hardline deportation policies clashing with corporate demands for skilled labor.

Maggie Haberman [20:29]: "There are policies that corporate America favors on immigration, such as a specific type of work visa for people to come work at their companies."

Strategic Policy Adjustments

Trump’s history of modifying positions based on influential voices within his orbit, such as tech leaders like Tim Cook, suggests a possibility of tempered policies to balance ideological commitments with economic practicality.

Jonathan Swan [21:26]: "It's very hard to predict. What Trump has said on the campaign trail is he's going to do the biggest deportation operation in American history."

6. Retribution and Use of the Department of Justice

Targeting Media and Political Opponents

Post-election, Trump is anticipated to leverage the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue retributive actions against media organizations and political adversaries. Maggie Haberman points out ongoing lawsuits against CBS and ABC News as initial steps in this direction.

Maggie Haberman [24:16]: "He's already beginning to try to go after legally news organizations."

Potential Structural Changes to DOJ Operations

Jonathan Swan reveals discussions within Trump’s circle about overhauling the security clearance process to bypass traditional federal checks, potentially allowing individuals with questionable backgrounds easier access to sensitive government positions.

Jonathan Swan [27:05]: "They effectively want to do away with the security clearance process, or at least the FBI's involvement in it."

7. Handling of Legal Cases Against Trump

Overturning Indictments and Legal Obstacles

With Trump's victory, there is an expectation that ongoing legal cases against him will be dismissed. Maggie Haberman references an Office of Legal Counsel memo asserting that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted, which could lead to the withdrawal of indictments.

Maggie Haberman [29:50]: "We don't know. But those cases are not going to continue."

Implications for Future Legal Proceedings

The New York case, where Trump faces a scheduled sentencing on November 26th, is unlikely to proceed to actual sentencing due to these legal protections. This extends to other indictments, effectively shielding Trump from imminent legal repercussions.

Jonathan Swan [32:35]: "He has all but defeated any form of accountability."

8. Transition to Administration and Key Appointments

Appointment of Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff

In the immediate aftermath of the election, Trump appointed Susie Wiles, a longtime Republican operative and key campaign manager, as the first member of his administration, marking her as the first woman to hold the position of White House Chief of Staff.

Michael Barbaro [33:42]: "Trump named the first member of his administration, appointing Susie Wiles as his White House Chief of staff."

Conclusion

The episode provides an in-depth exploration of Donald Trump's strategic positioning and the internal dynamics of his campaign and forthcoming administration. From the juxtaposition of public spectacle and private confidence to the anticipated tensions between ideological fervor and business pragmatism, Trump’s path to a second term appears marked by both unwavering support within his circle and potential challenges in governing. The handling of legal battles and the consolidation of power within the DOJ further illustrate a landscape where Trump is poised to assert significant influence, potentially reshaping the political and legal frameworks of the United States.

Notable Quotes:

• Jonathan Swan [02:21]: "The candidate was out there doing and saying things that would sink any normal candidate."
• Maggie Haberman [03:55]: "He has been the purest version of himself publicly in the last few months of this race."
• Maggie Haberman [20:29]: "There are policies that corporate America favors on immigration, such as a specific type of work visa for people to come work at their companies."
• Jonathan Swan [17:36]: "There are people like Kash Patel who served in his first term, and Trump wanted to make him the deputy CIA director at the end."
• Maggie Haberman [24:16]: "He's already beginning to try to go after legally news organizations."
• Jonathan Swan [32:35]: "He has all but defeated any form of accountability."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights from "Inside Trump World as the Next Chapter Begins," providing a clear and detailed overview for those who have not listened to the episode.