Podcast Summary: "David French: It’s Time to Admit America Has Changed"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Opinions
- Host/Author: The New York Times Opinion
- Description: One voice, one opinion, in 10 minutes or less.
- Episode: David French: It’s Time to Admit America Has Changed
- Release Date: November 6, 2024
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Opinions, Patrick Healy, Deputy Editor of Opinion at The New York Times, engages in a profound conversation with David French, a respected columnist known for his conservative viewpoints. Recorded on the night of the 2024 presidential election, the discussion delves into the surprising favorability of Donald Trump within the Republican Party and the broader implications for American politics.
Election Insights and Trump's Dominance
Patrick Healy opens the dialogue by addressing the election results, noting that Donald Trump appears favored to win the presidency, a sentiment unlikely to change even if Kamala Harris manages to eke out a victory. Healy states:
"Donald Trump is favored to win. And even if Kamala Harris does eke it out, this election is far from a repudiation of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. It looks instead like a lot of Americans think Trump is the best available answer to their worries and their hunger for change."
[01:03]
David French responds with a sense of inevitability, expressing no surprise at the outcome:
"I am not remotely surprised right now, Patrick, by anything that I'm seeing. Not one thing, not one state, not one city, not one precinct."
[01:56]
French elaborates on Trump's unwavering hold over the Republican Party, emphasizing that Trump's influence remained strong even after tumultuous events like January 6th and the 2022 midterm elections:
"Trump's hold on the Republican Party never really slipped... We just can't understand American politics until you realize what a vast chunk of the country is just unpersuadable, unobtainable to the other side."
[02:15]
Voter Priorities: Economy and Immigration vs. Democracy and Abortion
Healy and French explore the differing priorities among voters. French highlights the key issues from exit polls—for Trump voters, immigration and the economy were paramount, while Harris voters focused on democracy and abortion:
"The big four issues were the economy, democracy, immigration and abortion... two different sets of voters that ended up with pretty different priorities."
[05:56]
This contrast underscores the deepening polarization, with each side holding fundamentally different concerns and values.
The Changing American Political Landscape
Healy reflects on the historical context, noting that Trump's resurgence defies previous patterns where defeated candidates faded from political relevance:
"Donald Trump barely won in 2016. He lost in 2020... but looks like he's back. How does that happen? And does it say something about America being different than the country that I grew up in?"
[07:19]
French responds succinctly:
"America is different. America is different."
[07:55]
He emphasizes that unlike past presidents who became persona non grata with opposing parties after losing elections, Trump has maintained his base by refusing to concede defeat, thereby sustaining his influence:
"He did something different... He said, 'I didn't lose.' So right there, he's not going to admit to being a loser."
[08:00]
Concerns About Trump's Potential Presidency
The conversation shifts to the anxieties surrounding a Trump presidency, particularly regarding the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power. Healy voices the fears many Americans hold:
"America has never been here before. It looks like a convicted felon is about to take the presidency... people don't know what the next four years are gonna be like."
[09:00]
French outlines a framework for navigating this uncertain future, focusing on two main principles: protecting the vulnerable and speaking the truth:
"Protect the vulnerable and speak the truth. Protect the vulnerable populations, protect vulnerable people... combat large scale lying and defamation."
[10:43]
He underscores the importance of defending those at risk of political reprisals and combating misinformation, advocating for a collective effort to uphold justice and truth in American society.
Looking Forward: Hope and Vigilance
Despite the bleak outlook, French maintains a cautiously optimistic perspective, drawing inspiration from historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr.:
"The arc of history is long, but it bends towards justice. I remain relatively optimistic in that direction."
[12:00]
He calls for unity among those opposed to Trump, urging them to set aside differences and work together to safeguard democratic principles:
"At some point we're going to have to sort of continue to put aside many of the differences that have divided sort of the different elements of the anti-Trump coalition."
[13:00]
Conclusion
Patrick Healy and David French conclude their insightful discussion by acknowledging the unprecedented nature of the current political climate. French reiterates the necessity of vigilance and proactive measures to protect democratic integrity and vulnerable communities in the face of potential upheaval.
"Defend the vulnerable, speak the truth... there's gonna be a lot of work to do. I don't think anyone should feel like the American experiment is over."
[12:30]
This episode serves as a critical reflection on the evolving dynamics of American politics, the enduring influence of Donald Trump, and the pathways forward to ensure the resilience of democratic values.
Notable Quotes:
-
David French:
"America is different. America is different."
[07:55] -
David French:
"Protect the vulnerable and speak the truth."
[10:43] -
David French:
"The arc of history is long, but it bends towards justice."
[12:00]
Additional Information: This episode excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and other non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussion between Patrick Healy and David French.