The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway Episode: Raging Moderates: What’s Trump’s Endgame in Ukraine? Release Date: February 18, 2025
In this compelling episode of Raging Moderates, hosts Jessica Tarlov and Tim Miller delve deep into the intricate dynamics of Donald Trump’s strategy in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, the evolving landscape of the Republican Party, and the broader implications for American foreign and domestic policies.
1. Trump's Strategy in Ukraine
The episode opens with a discussion on Trump’s recent activities aimed at brokering a peace deal in Ukraine. Tim Miller highlights Trump’s significant outreach efforts, including a "highly productive call" with Vladimir Putin (05:34) and the proposal of a future meeting between the two leaders. This diplomatic maneuver comes on the heels of Russia’s release of American teacher Mark Fogel, whom Trump lauds as a "sign of good faith" (06:10).
Tim Miller:
"The hostage trade or whatever you want to call it... Mark Fogel, very happy. Fogel's back. That's great news." (07:20)
Miller further expands on the implications of Fogel’s release, tying it to broader issues of crypto corruption and how cryptocurrencies have been a tool for evading sanctions, emphasizing that the true impact of these dealings might overshadow more visible controversies like the "Trump coin" (08:15).
2. Democrats’ Messaging Failures
Jessica Tarlov critiques the Democratic Party’s inability to effectively communicate the importance of supporting Ukraine. She argues that despite efforts by figures like Mitch McConnell, the core Democratic messaging about maintaining a democratic world order has “fallen on completely deaf ears” (16:03).
Jessica Tarlov:
"It feels like we have made the case. This is Democrats and Republicans... cannot see the second-order effects if we end up abandoning Ukraine." (16:03)
Miller concurs, attributing the communication breakdown to a general skepticism and hostility towards overseas engagements, drawing parallels to the Iraq debacle. He suggests that while better messaging could have helped, the underlying public sentiment was already unfavorable (17:05).
3. Shifts in the Republican Party Dynamics
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the transformation within the Republican Party under Trump’s influence. Tim Miller asserts that the traditional Republican values have been overshadowed by Trump’s “America First” agenda, leading to a party largely defined by his personality and policies.
Tim Miller:
"Trump has massively changed the makeup of the Republican Party. As a result, it will be in his image for at least until the next realignment, for probably a quarter century or something." (56:44)
Jessica adds that this shift has marginalized anti-Trump Republicans, leaving little room for dissent within the party. She points out the lack of prominent voices opposing Trump’s agenda, highlighting figures like Mitch McConnell as exceptions rather than the rule (56:44).
4. Europe’s Role Post US Isolation
The hosts discuss the potential realignment of European defense strategies in the wake of what they perceive as the U.S.’s dwindling influence. Tim Miller references a poignant quote from a Ukrainian journalist, Anna Murlakina, emphasizing the importance of allies like the United States in maintaining democratic values.
Anna Murlakina Quote:
"When countries like the United States cease to be pillars, there is nothing to hope for." (15:45)
He speculates that Europe might take on a more autonomous role in defense, potentially leading to long-term negative ramifications for U.S. influence globally (14:20).
5. Media Relations: Trump vs. Biden
A critical comparison is made between Trump’s relentless media presence and Biden’s more subdued approach. Miller praises Trump’s understanding of modern media dynamics, noting his extensive press conferences as a model others could learn from, whereas Biden’s absence has been detrimental to his public image.
Tim Miller:
"Trump gives off crazy energy, not old energy... he's given more press conferences than anybody." (21:27)
Jessica Tarlov:
"Do you think there's anything you could say, just be everywhere all the time, even if they don't like you in their feed." (22:34)
6. The American Press and the Oval Office Ban
The episode covers the contentious decision by the Trump administration to ban an Associated Press (AP) reporter from the Oval Office for not adhering to preferred terminology, specifically referring to the "Gulf of America" instead of the "Gulf of Mexico." Jessica Tarlov criticizes this move as a blatant disregard for the First Amendment and a sign of the administration's broader anti-media stance.
Jessica Tarlov:
"This feels like we're running like the Wild West. We don't know what the First Amendment means, and we don't care." (25:02)
Tim Miller echoes her sentiments, emphasizing the asymmetric treatment of media outlets and questioning the longevity and effectiveness of such policies.
7. DOJ Resignations and Corruption Cases
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the internal turmoil within the Department of Justice (DOJ), highlighted by the resignation of key prosecutors who opposed the administration's aggressive actions, particularly in corruption cases involving Mayor Eric Adams. Miller and Tarlov express concern over the diminishing respect for the rule of law and the increasing weaponization of legal institutions for political gain.
Tim Miller:
"It is pretty clear that we're supporting the countries that are in conflict with what the American values have been." (40:19)
8. Immigration and Sanctuary Cities
The conversation shifts to domestic policy, specifically immigration and sanctuary cities. Both hosts critique the Democratic approach to sanctuary policies, arguing that they have become excessively lenient, leading to complications in law enforcement and public safety.
Jessica Tarlov:
"People do not want dreamers to be deported... but sanctuary cities policies have gotten way out of control." (47:19)
Miller suggests that Democrats should focus on humanitarian aspects of immigration rather than getting bogged down in debates over deporting undocumented individuals who have committed violent crimes.
9. Future of Anti-Trump Republicans
In the concluding segments, Jessica and Tim contemplate the future of anti-Trump Republicans. Tim Miller remains pessimistic, stating that there is “no future” for anti-Trump factions within the party as it continues to mold itself in Trump’s image. He mentions that resistance within the party is minimal, with only a handful of voices like Mitch McConnell attempting to oppose Trump’s dominance.
Tim Miller:
"There’s no future. There's no present. The Republican voters want Trump or something like it." (56:44)
Jessica acknowledges the challenges but emphasizes the need for more moderate and independent voices to emerge, although she recognizes the significant obstacles they face.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with a sobering assessment of the current political climate. Jessica Tarlov and Tim Miller underscore the critical need for leadership that prioritizes democratic values and strategic international alliances over partisan loyalties and populist agendas. They call for a reinvigoration of moderate voices within both major parties to navigate the complexities of modern governance and global conflicts effectively.
Notable Quotes:
-
Tim Miller [07:20]:
"Mark Fogel, very happy. Fogel's back. That's great news." -
Jessica Tarlov [16:03]:
"It feels like we have made the case... can't see the second-order effects if we end up abandoning Ukraine." -
Tim Miller [56:44]:
"Trump has massively changed the makeup of the Republican Party. As a result, it will be in his image for at least until the next realignment, for probably a quarter century or something." -
Anna Murlakina [15:45]:
"When countries like the United States cease to be pillars, there is nothing to hope for." -
Tim Miller [21:27]:
"Trump gives off crazy energy, not old energy... he's given more press conferences than anybody." -
Jessica Tarlov [25:02]:
"This feels like we're running like the Wild West. We don't know what the First Amendment means, and we don't care." -
Tim Miller [40:19]:
"It is pretty clear that we're supporting the countries that are in conflict with what the American values have been."
This episode of The Prof G Pod offers a nuanced examination of the current political realignments, emphasizing the critical juncture at which American politics finds itself. Listeners gain insights into the challenges faced by moderates, the strategic missteps of both parties, and the profound implications for the United States’ role on the global stage.