Podcast Summary: The Daily - "Ring-Kissing, Lawsuits and a Looming Shutdown"
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Hosts: Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise
Guests: Maggie Haberman (Senior Political Correspondent), Katie Edmondson (Congressional Reporter), Andrew Ross Sorkin (Financial Columnist and Founder of DealBook)

1. Introduction to the Government Shutdown Crisis

Timestamp: 00:36 - 01:10

Michael Barbaro opens the episode by addressing the critical issue of a potential government shutdown. He highlights former President Donald Trump's opposition to the funding bill aimed at averting the shutdown, setting the stage for a deep dive into the political maneuvers leading to this crisis.

• Michael Barbaro: “Donald Trump is now officially against passing the funding bill that would avoid a government shutdown.” (00:36)
• Michael Barbaro: “Today, ABC News agreed to give $15 million to Donald Trump's president.” (01:10)

2. Unprecedented Influence of Elon Musk and Corporate Titans

Timestamp: 02:29 - 10:28

The discussion delves into the unexpected involvement of Elon Musk and other corporate CEOs in the congressional funding bill negotiations. Maggie Haberman explains how Musk's intervention on social media, particularly his tweet opposing the bill, significantly impacted its viability.

• Maggie Haberman: “He took to Twitter, or I should say X, and said, this bill should not pass full stop.” (04:07)
• Maggie Haberman: “This was sort of that first demonstration of his quote, unquote, power in a true political sense.” (09:08)

Andrew Ross Sorkin elaborates on the implications of corporate leaders seeking favor with Trump, highlighting the broader trend of "ring-kissing" where CEOs from major companies like TikTok, Google, Apple, and Netflix engage directly with Trump to influence policy.

3. Dynamics Within the Republican Party and Trump's Strategy

Timestamp: 05:06 - 15:00

Katie Edmondson and Maggie Haberman analyze the internal fractures within the Republican Party. Speaker Mike Johnson's attempts to negotiate a funding bill are thwarted by opposition from both Trump and influential figures like Elon Musk. The inclusion of additional provisions, such as disaster aid and benefits for congressional salaries, exacerbates tensions.

• Maggie Haberman: “There was what they call pork in this bill. And Elon Musk said, no mas, we're not doing this.” (04:27)
• Katie Edmondson: “Donald Trump is very dramatically taking the lead and gave a bunch of interviews...” (05:55)

Kerry Washington provides historical context, noting that previous spending fights were typically resolved smoothly, unlike the current scenario where the bill's failure to pass appears sudden and influenced by external pressures from high-profile individuals.

4. The Role of Social Media and Public Perception

Timestamp: 10:48 - 18:25

The conversation shifts to the impact of social media and public statements on political processes. Maggie Haberman discusses Elon Musk's ability to galvanize public opinion and sway legislative outcomes through platforms like Twitter (now X).

• Maggie Haberman: “He's able to take that. And the power of being able to galvanize this entire community behind him, I think changes the dynamic.” (09:08)

Michael Barbaro raises concerns about the influence of billionaires on politics, questioning whether this trend empowers "whimsical billionaires" to dictate policy.

• Michael Barbaro: “Are we now witnessing the risk of empowering whimsical billionaires in the way that Trump is starting to do so?” (08:51)

5. ABC News' Defamation Lawsuit Settlement

Timestamp: 23:33 - 27:46

A significant portion of the discussion centers on ABC News' decision to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump. Maggie Haberman provides insight into the complexities behind this move, explaining the potential legal and reputational risks involved.

• Maggie Haberman: “They saw depositions that were going to have to get into the public that might have had unattractive facts.” (23:33)
• Maggie Haberman: “They would have to appeal the case to the Supreme Court... undermining what's called New York Times vs. Sullivan.” (26:47)

The settlement is portrayed as a strategic victory for Trump, emphasizing his growing influence over major media organizations. Michael Barbaro underscores the significance of this event, highlighting it as a rare concession by a major news outlet to a political figure.

• Michael Barbaro: “This has to be seen as a victory for Donald Trump.” (27:52)

6. Corporate America's Genuflection to Trump

Timestamp: 15:29 - 21:23

Andrew Ross Sorkin and Maggie Haberman explore the phenomenon of corporate leaders seeking favor with Trump, a trend they describe as unprecedented. The hosts discuss how CEOs from top companies are visiting Mar-a-Lago to establish relationships with Trump, viewing it as a pragmatic move to influence future policy decisions.

• Maggie Haberman: “Most of corporate America going into this election was not a supporter of President Trump... they think of Trump as somebody who likes the relationship.” (16:27)
• Maggie Haberman: “Tim Cook clearly created a relationship with Trump and as a result, stayed out of the crosshairs.” (20:35)

This "ring-kissing" is analyzed as both a strategy for immediate political gain and a long-term investment in maintaining influence over policy, especially concerning issues like tariffs and international trade.

7. The Potential Impact of a Shutdown on Trump's Political Standing

Timestamp: 12:59 - 22:16

The guests assess whether a government shutdown could bolster Trump's political standing by presenting him as a champion of smaller government, aligning with his campaign promises. However, they also express skepticism about the public's tolerance for the resulting hardships.

• Maggie Haberman: “If we follow through these policies, there will be temporary hardship.” (13:25)
• Kerry Washington: “Having government services, TSA over the holidays furloughed? I don't really think that was the pledge.” (12:59)

Katie Edmondson highlights the mathematical complexities within the Republican Party, pondering whether any faction might break away to support or oppose the shutdown, considering both ideological stances and political pragmatism.

8. Conclusion: Empowering Trump Amidst Political Turmoil

Timestamp: 27:46 - 31:21

In wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the early developments of Trump's potential second term. They acknowledge his significant influence over various sectors, including politics, media, and corporate America, while also noting the substantial challenges he faces in translating this power into effective governance.

• Michael Barbaro: “This is starting to feel like an exceptionally empowering stretch of time for Donald Trump.” (28:43)
• Kerry Washington: “There is going to be a lot of building that actually has to happen... if he wants to pass one or two even major tax bills.” (30:22)

The guests agree that while Trump currently holds considerable sway, the true test will be his ability to constructively lead and build consensus within a fractured political landscape.

9. Key Takeaways

• Unprecedented Influence: Elon Musk and major corporate CEOs have exerted significant influence over congressional proceedings, signaling a shift in how policy negotiations may unfold in the future.

• Trump's Growing Power: Donald Trump's ability to sway both political figures and corporate leaders ahead of his potential second term showcases his enduring political clout.

• Media Relations: The settlement of the defamation lawsuit by ABC News marks a pivotal moment in media-political dynamics, raising questions about journalistic integrity and press freedom.

• Government Shutdown Risks: The looming government shutdown underscores deep divisions within the Republican Party and highlights the complexities of navigating fiscal policy amidst external pressures.

• Public Perception and Hardship: While a shutdown could reinforce Trump's image as a smaller government advocate, the associated hardships present significant risks to his public approval.

Notable Quotes with Attribution

• Michael Barbaro: “Donald Trump is now officially against passing the funding bill that would avoid a government shutdown.” (00:36)

• Maggie Haberman: “He took to Twitter, or I should say X, and said, this bill should not pass full stop.” (04:07)

• Maggie Haberman: “Most of corporate America going into this election was not a supporter of President Trump... they think of Trump as somebody who likes the relationship.” (16:27)

• Kerry Washington: “Having government services, TSA over the holidays furloughed? I don't really think that was the pledge.” (12:59)

• Michael Barbaro: “This has to be seen as a victory for Donald Trump.” (27:52)

• Maggie Haberman: “If we follow through these policies, there will be temporary hardship.” (13:25)

Conclusion

This episode of The Daily provides an in-depth analysis of the political maneuvers surrounding a potential government shutdown, highlighting the intricate interplay between former President Donald Trump, influential corporate leaders, and major media organizations. Through expert insights and detailed discussions, the episode sheds light on the evolving dynamics of power within American politics and the broader implications for governance and public policy.