Podcast Summary: The Opinions – “Elon Musk’s Revenge Campaign”

Release Date: July 12, 2025
Host: The New York Times Opinion
Episode Title: Elon Musk’s Revenge Campaign
Participants: Michelle Cottle (Host), David French (Guest)

Introduction

In the July 12, 2025 episode of The Opinions by The New York Times Opinion, host Michelle Cottle engages in a compelling discussion with opinion columnist David French regarding Elon Musk’s recent announcement to launch a new national political party, aptly named the America Party. This episode delves into the historical challenges of third-party movements in the United States, evaluates the viability of Musk’s venture, and explores the broader implications for American politics.

Elon Musk’s Ambitious Bid for a Third Party

Michelle Cottle opens the conversation by highlighting Elon Musk's announcement to establish the America Party, noting Musk's significant financial influence as the nation's biggest known political donor last year. She questions the feasibility of Musk's endeavor, especially given the historical underperformance of third parties in the U.S.

Michelle Cottle (01:03):
"Musk has more money than God was the nation's biggest known political donor last year. I want to talk about why even with that, it's so hard to get a third party off the ground."

Historical Challenges of Third Parties in American Politics

David French shares his personal experience mounting a third-party campaign in 2016, shedding light on the systemic obstacles that hinder such efforts. He recounts Bill Kristol's unsuccessful attempts to recruit Mitt Romney and others, ultimately leading to his own brief consideration of a third-party run.

David French (02:23):
"When actual living human beings step up and say, hey, we've got an idea. We could do that. Then it starts to fracture almost instantaneously."

French underscores the disconnect between theoretical demand for a third party and the practical difficulties in consolidating a cohesive platform and leadership.

Evaluating the Viability of Musk’s America Party

The discussion pivots to assessing whether the current political climate presents a unique opportunity for a third party. French argues that while there is a segment of the population—termed the "exhausted majority"—that is dissatisfied with the two major parties, translating this discontent into a functional third party is fraught with challenges.

David French (08:16):
"The exhausted majority actually spans across the political spectrum... but they don't agree with each other, say, on tax rates or healthcare policy."

Michelle Cottle (06:46):
"It's not like Musk has some grand vision for the country... he wants to have a lever in which to make everybody's life unpleasant."

Musk’s polarized public persona is seen as a significant impediment, alienating both ends of the political spectrum and undermining the potential unity needed for a successful third-party movement.

The Role of Charismatic Leadership and the Risks of Demagoguery

A critical part of the conversation addresses the reliance of third parties—and existing major parties—on charismatic leaders, which can lead to demagoguery and fragile institutional foundations. French draws parallels to Donald Trump's influence on the Republican Party, exemplifying how personality-driven politics can cause long-term instability.

David French (17:23):
"If you build a movement centered around populist pugilism within your coalition, get ready, you're not going to be able to control that thing."

He warns that such movements often dissolve once the central figure departs, leaving behind a fragmented and ineffectual party structure.

Third Parties: Beyond the Spoiler Role

Despite historical setbacks, French acknowledges that third parties can play more substantive roles beyond merely acting as spoilers. He cites Ross Perot’s 1992 Reform Party, which, while ultimately short-lived, successfully influenced national discourse on issues like the deficit and government spending.

David French (22:27):
"With a major charismatic national figure, is it possible? I would say yeah."

This suggests that with the right leadership and strategic focus, third parties can exert meaningful influence on national policy debates.

Strategic Advice for Elon Musk’s Political Endeavor

Concluding the discussion, David French offers pragmatic advice to Elon Musk, emphasizing the importance of strategic focus and incremental progress over grandiose national ambitions.

David French (24:25):
"Start small, think target, be smart, and target a race or two or three, a Senate race or two or three."

He recommends that Musk focus on specific races to build momentum and credibility, rather than attempting an immediate sweeping national campaign which may lack sustainable support.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a blend of skepticism and cautious optimism. While recognizing the persistent demand for alternatives to the entrenched two-party system, French remains doubtful about the immediate success of Musk’s America Party due to the inherent structural and personal challenges. Nonetheless, he posits that the underlying demand for political alternatives ensures that the conversation around third parties will remain relevant.

David French (25:42):
"Over the long haul, supply tends to meet demand, and there is demand for alternatives in American politics."

Michelle Cottle (26:24):
"We're going to get you hooked up."

The discussion leaves listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in third-party politics in the United States, framed through the lens of Musk’s latest political venture.

Notable Quotes:

• Michelle Cottle (06:46):
  "It's not like Musk has some grand vision for the country... he wants to have a lever in which to make everybody's life unpleasant."

• David French (17:23):
  "If you build a movement centered around populist pugilism within your coalition, get ready, you're not going to be able to control that thing."

• David French (24:25):
  "Start small, think target, be smart, and target a race or two or three, a Senate race or two or three."

This detailed exploration offers listeners an insightful analysis of the potential and pitfalls of introducing a new third party into the already polarized American political landscape, enriched with expert opinions and strategic perspectives.