Podcast Summary: "Kirsten Gillibrand: Donald Trump’s 'Kryptonite'?"
Podcast: The Political Scene | The New Yorker
Host: David Remnick
Guest: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Date: May 6, 2019
Duration: ~15 minutes (main content)
Episode Overview
In this episode, David Remnick interviews Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democratic presidential candidate in the 2020 race. The conversation delves into Gillibrand’s policy positions, her approach to the political challenges of the Trump era, her stance on impeachment, her record on bipartisan legislation, her leadership in the #MeToo movement, and her argument for why she would be a uniquely effective opponent against Donald Trump.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Handling of the Mueller Report and Attorney General Barr
Timestamp: 03:15 – 04:32
- Gillibrand criticizes Attorney General Barr’s handling of the Mueller Report, arguing that Barr “intentionally misled the public” regarding the report’s conclusions and should resign.
- “The way Attorney General Barr has handled himself...I think he himself acted inappropriately and I actually don't see how he can lead the department. And I believe he should resign.” (Gillibrand, 04:13)
- She asserts that Barr issued a misleading summary, reframed the report publicly, and delivered an overly redacted report.
- Gillibrand emphasizes the need for transparency and congressional hearings so the American people can fully understand the Mueller Report’s findings.
2. The Case for Impeachment
Timestamp: 04:39 – 06:13
- Gillibrand supports a process-driven approach to impeachment, not rushing to a judgment without public understanding:
- “I'm not against impeachment. I just believe there should be a process.” (Gillibrand, 04:39)
- She reflects that while Washington is focused on the Mueller Report, most Americans are more concerned with political corruption and special interests controlling policy.
- Highlights her push for publicly funded elections to address deep-rooted corruption beyond just Trump.
3. Connecting with Obama–Trump Voters
Timestamp: 06:13 – 07:53
- Gillibrand discusses her success in winning back Trump-leaning counties in New York by listening to voters’ concerns and holding town halls:
- “I just won back 18 counties in New York that Trump won. I won it back by going to all 62 counties and doing 18 town halls. I didn't spend money on television. I just listened and actually responded.” (Gillibrand, 06:32)
- Voters prioritize healthcare, education, and underemployment.
- She advocates for job training and apprenticeship programs tailored to regional economies through community colleges.
4. Bipartisanship in the Senate
Timestamp: 07:53 – 09:23
- Despite Senate gridlock, especially under Mitch McConnell, Gillibrand claims success in passing 18 bills last Congress by finding common ground with Republicans:
- “Getting a Republican member of Congress to help you with rural broadband isn't that hard. That's something that helps lots of states that have rural areas.” (Gillibrand, 08:07)
- Points to success with “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal and the 9/11 Health Bill as examples of building broad, principled coalitions.
5. The #MeToo Movement, Joe Biden, and Women in Politics
Timestamp: 09:23 – 12:38
- Gillibrand became a national figure through her leadership on sexual assault and harassment.
- On Al Franken, she reiterates her call for his resignation and notes enduring criticism from some Democrats.
- Asked about Joe Biden, she says his past behavior is not disqualifying but must be addressed directly:
- “I don't think it's disqualifying, but it's certainly something he's going to have to talk about. Women are going to want to ask him how he feels about this, and that's his job.” (Gillibrand, 09:54)
- She admits not being satisfied with Biden’s explanations thus far (10:26).
- Gillibrand offers a broad perspective on the women’s movement, crediting it as a force remaking Democratic politics and making activism on a range of issues (from #MeToo to Black Lives Matter) more central than ever:
- “If you don't understand what's actually happening and you are dismissing the voices and the views and the values of women, you will not catch fire in this election and you will not be our nominee.” (Gillibrand, 11:23)
6. Taking on Donald Trump Directly
Timestamp: 12:38 – 14:49
- Remnick asks how Gillibrand would handle Trump’s aggressive debate style.
- Gillibrand says Trump’s “Achilles heel is a mother with young children” championing issues families care about. She frames herself as Trump’s “kryptonite,” a woman who stands her ground:
- “I think his kryptonite is a woman who stands up for what she believes in and doesn't back down. I don't believe he will be effective against me because I will dismiss him in the way I would anybody who is acting like a child would...” (Gillibrand, 13:36)
- She contrasts engaging constructively with voters’ real concerns—and refusing to brawl with Trump on his terms:
- “You don't punch a bully in the face. It actually doesn't work. You know, if you want to get in a fight with a pig and you want to get into the mud with a pig, the pig has fun and you get dirty and no one looks good.” (Gillibrand, 14:40)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Attorney General Barr: “I don't think you can have an Attorney General who has purposely misled Congress.” (Gillibrand, 04:14)
- On Political Reform: “The problem is bigger than just the allegations against President Trump for obstruction of justice. The problem is deep seated. It's been in place for a very long time. And we need transparency and accountability that takes on the entire political infrastructure.” (Gillibrand, 05:12)
- On Debate with Trump: “If he starts to name call or he starts to glower over me in a debate, I will say, please go back to your place. Your spot is over there. It's my turn to talk now. And you will wait your turn, because that's how I would handle an irreverent child who is being a bully.” (Gillibrand, 13:54)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 03:15: Gillibrand’s response to Barr and the Mueller Report
- 04:39: View on impeachment process
- 06:13: Connecting with Obama–Trump voters
- 07:53: Bipartisanship and legislative success
- 09:23: The #MeToo movement, Al Franken, and Joe Biden
- 12:38: How to debate and defeat Donald Trump
Tone and Style
Senator Gillibrand’s tone is assertive yet measured—critical when addressing Trump and Barr, pragmatic when discussing bipartisanship and legislative strategy, and passionate when talking about women’s activism and grassroots engagement. She uses personal anecdotes and direct language to make the case for her leadership style and candidacy.
Conclusion
This compact yet wide-ranging interview presents Senator Gillibrand’s rationale for her presidential run: a steadfast focus on structural reforms, a readiness to confront entrenched interests, a history of bipartisan legislative accomplishment, and a belief that her resilience and advocacy—especially as a woman—make her a singularly effective challenger to President Trump. The episode is essential listening for those interested in the Democratic primary field, electoral strategy, and the intersection of gender, politics, and power in America.