Podcast Summary: The Political Scene | The New Yorker

Episode: Exit Senator McCaskill, Stage Center
Date: December 10, 2018
Host: Susan Glasser
Guest: Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO), with contributions from Dorothy Wickenden
Main Theme: A candid exit interview with Senator Claire McCaskill reflecting on her Senate career, the state of Congress, Trump-era politics, and the future of moderates in U.S. government.

Episode Overview

This episode features a retrospective conversation with outgoing Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri. After her defeat by Republican Josh Hawley in the 2018 midterms, McCaskill sits down with New Yorker’s Susan Glasser and Dorothy Wickenden for a blunt, wide-ranging discussion. The episode weaves together reflections on McCaskill’s career, the changing nature of the Senate, the Trump effect on Congress, party dynamics, policy frustrations, and her hopes for the future of moderates in American politics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Atmosphere in Washington – A Moment of Pause

• The episode is set during a rare moment of calm on Capitol Hill as President George H.W. Bush's casket arrives at the Capitol ([01:55]).
• Reflection on the interregnum between fierce partisanship of the outgoing and incoming Congresses; anticipation of greater confrontations as Democrats gain control of the House ([02:40]).

2. McCaskill’s Career and Defeat

• McCaskill’s background as a centrist Democrat and her history of winning against the odds in red-state Missouri ([04:00]).
• Context of Missouri's shift rightward, Trump’s 19-point 2016 win in the state, and the difficulty for Democrats in Trump country ([04:26]).

3. Senate Life: What She Won’t Miss

• McCaskill laments the “brutal schedule,” constant travel, and lack of control over her time ([05:39]).

  “I used to joke that Southwest was my school bus.”

• She voices frustration about the rise of “gotcha stuff,” and the loss of genuine, substantive legislative functioning ([05:39]).

4. The Dysfunction of Congress

• Bipartisan recognition that Congress increasingly fails at core functions, like basic budget and appropriations ([06:36]).

  “We're now doing a CR [continuing resolution] instead of a budget...it has become the new normal.” ([06:59])

• Legislation is now mostly written by party leaders behind closed doors, bypassing committees ([07:47]).
• The growing detachment and cynicism of the public as Congress becomes less transparent and effective ([07:47]).

5. The ‘Trump Effect’ and the GOP Shift

• McCaskill pushes back on blaming Trump for all dysfunction, saying issues predate him but have been exacerbated ([09:19]).

  “It was plenty bad before he arrived on the scene. That’s one of the reasons he arrived on the scene, by the way.”

• Notes how Republican senators who once collaborated across the aisle have retreated, often closing ranks or avoiding controversy ([09:42]).

6. On Lindsey Graham and Republican Behavior

• McCaskill jokes about the “disappearance” of the old Lindsey Graham ([10:07]):

  “We're worried about Lindsey. It feels like he's gone away and all of us are mourning him.”

• She asserts many Republicans are just “waiting [Trump] out” and are not genuinely converted to his ideology ([11:12]):

  “You should hear the way these guys talk about him behind his back...I would never name any names.”

• Predicts GOP senators may one day regret not standing up more forcefully to Trump, especially on trade and fiscal issues ([11:33]).

7. Mitch McConnell’s Political Calculus

• McCaskill emphasizes that McConnell’s primary motivation is maintaining Senate majority, not party ideology or the presidency ([13:16]).

  “He looks at everything through the lens of how can I stay majority floor leader.”

• McConnell aligns with or distances from Trump solely out of political pragmatism ([13:47]).

8. Democratic Fortunes in Red States

• McCaskill rejects the idea that Democrats are finished in Missouri, pointing to her strong showing and the state’s not-so-distant Democratic leadership ([14:49]).
• Attributes Hawley’s win partly to his discipline, campaign focus, and hot-button issues like Kavanaugh and the migrant caravan ([15:43]).

  “So the Kavanaugh thing helped him, the caravan helped him...a lot of intangibles.”

9. On the ‘Caravan’ and Political Optics

• She doesn’t dispute the existence of the caravan but is blunt about the manufactured crisis at the border ([16:09]):

  “That was made for television bullshit.” ([16:24])

10. Trump’s Campaigning Against Her

• Sees Trump’s focus as a strategic move orchestrated by Mitch McConnell, not personal animosity ([16:57]).

11. Democratic Party Leadership and the Future

• McCaskill backs Schumer as Majority Leader, citing his inclusiveness, but acknowledges the need for new, inspiring voices ([17:57]).

  “It really is about who is coming up that is inspiring. Who are the young voices and faces?”

• She contends the political "center" is not dead, referencing Kyrsten Sinema’s moderate win in Arizona ([19:14]).

12. Optimism Amidst Cynicism

• Despite partisan gridlock, McCaskill expresses hope for new leaders and a resurgence of moderation as the political pendulum swings ([20:13]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Senate Dysfunction and Public Cynicism:

  “The price we're paying is increased cynicism by the American people. And that's not a good thing. I mean, that is something that's very dangerous for this democracy.” — Claire McCaskill ([08:13])

• On Authenticity in Politics:

  “The lack of authenticity, I think, is really problematic for a lot of people around this building... all of you. Pox on all your house.” — Claire McCaskill ([08:48])

• On Trump and Congressional Republicans:

  “It's now his party, period. And I believe there will be a time down the road that some of them will rue the day that they did not speak up more forcefully...” — Claire McCaskill ([11:33])

• On Harry Truman as a Model:

  “If everybody could be more like Harry Truman was...he never used a five dollar word when a nickel word was good enough.” — Claire McCaskill ([20:57])

Important Timestamps

• 01:39–03:15: Scene-setting during George H.W. Bush’s casket arrival; the lull in Washington.
• 05:39: McCaskill on what she won’t miss about the Senate.
• 06:36–07:47: In-depth on dysfunction in Senate procedure and legislation.
• 09:05–10:45: Discussion on the Trump effect and Republican behavior.
• 11:12–11:33: How Republicans talk about Trump privately; warnings for the future.
• 13:16: McConnell’s motivation and relationship with Trump.
• 14:49: Can Democrats compete in “Trump country”?
• 15:43–16:50: Dissecting the issues that swayed the Missouri race, including the migrant caravan.
• 17:57–19:14: Democratic leadership, generational change, and the elusive political center.
• 20:57: McCaskill’s admiration for Harry Truman and commitment to speaking plainly.

Closing Thoughts

Senator Claire McCaskill offers a refreshingly candid and sometimes blunt assessment of American political life as she leaves the Senate. Her interview is a meditation on authenticity, lost opportunities, shifting alliances, and the enduring value of moderation—setting a thoughtful tone for Democrats pondering their future in red states and for all who seek a government that functions for the people.