Podcast Summary: Susan Glasser Discusses "Why Aren’t We in The Streets?"
Podcast Details:
- Title: To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes
- Host: Charlie Sykes
- Guest: Susan Glasser, Staff Writer at The New Yorker, Host of the Political Scene podcast, and co-author of The Divider.
- Episode Title: Susan Glasser: Why Aren’t We in The Streets?
- Release Date: March 4, 2025
Introduction: Shifting Historical Tectonics
Charlie Sykes opens the discussion by acknowledging the tumultuous nature of recent events, likening them to "tectonic plates of history shifting" (00:00). He introduces Susan Glasser, highlighting her extensive experience in covering Washington politics and co-authoring The Divider, which examines the Trump presidency. The episode aims to unpack the rapid and dramatic changes occurring in American politics, particularly under President Donald Trump’s actions toward Ukraine and Russia.
Trump’s Pivot Away from Ukraine: A Geopolitical Shift
Susan Glasser delves into the significant shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump, particularly the abrupt pivot away from supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. She explains that Trump’s actions signify not just a withdrawal from active support but a broader geopolitical realignment favoring Russia (02:27). Glasser references the Oval Office confrontation where Trump and J.D. Vance pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, intended to finalize a deal on Ukraine’s natural resources. Instead, the meeting devolved into personal attacks on Zelenskyy, revealing Trump’s longstanding animosity toward him (04:49).
Notable Quote:
"Zelensky defends the interests of his country in a polite way. Donald Trump and J.D. Vance attack him in personal terms."
— Susan Glasser, 07:05
Media Assault and Institutional Erosion
The conversation shifts to the aggressive dismantling of independent media by the Trump administration. Glasser underscores the alarming speed at which the White House has moved to defang the press, including the banning of the Associated Press from covering events and allowing Russian state media access (50:18). She draws parallels to authoritarian regimes, noting that targeting independent media is a classic move to consolidate power and control information.
Notable Quote:
"Donald Trump isn't trying to come up with a pretext here. He explicitly said... it is a clear cut case of punishing a news organization for exercising their First Amendment rights."
— Susan Glasser, 52:35
Political Polarization and Democratic Inaction
Glasser addresses the deep political polarization in the United States, observing that many Democratic strategists and leaders appear apathetic or disengaged in the face of Trump’s aggressive policies. She criticizes figures like James Carville, who advocated for Democrats to "roll over and do nothing," arguing that such sentiments neglect the broader interests of American civil society and democracy (33:10). Glasser contends that Democratic Party priorities have diverged from the nation's well-being, exacerbating the crisis.
Notable Quote:
"The interests of the elected political class of the Democratic Party are not the same things as the interests of civil society in America, as the interests of America itself."
— Susan Glasser, 37:51
European Responses and NATO's Fragility
The discussion explores Europe’s potential reactions to the U.S. withdrawal of support for Ukraine. Glasser expresses concern over Europe’s ability to fill the gap left by the United States, highlighting the structural and political challenges European nations face in increasing defense spending and maintaining NATO solidarity (20:56). She warns that Trump’s persistent demands for NATO allies to spend 5% of their GDP on defense, far above the current 3.5% by the U.S., could destabilize the alliance.
Notable Quote:
"Donald Trump has laid a ticking time bomb for NATO... pulling out of NATO is the next turn of the wheel here."
— Susan Glasser, 22:54
The Role of Protests and Civil Society
Charlie Sykes raises the critical question posed in Glasser’s column: "Why aren’t we in the streets?" He notes the lack of widespread protests in response to Trump’s actions, contrasting it with the robust public demonstrations typically seen in European democracies. Glasser responds by highlighting the risks associated with mass protests under Trump’s administration, including the potential for invoking the Insurrection Act to use military force against demonstrators (43:04).
Notable Quote:
"The time is now to act to save American institutions... before they are dismantled."
— Susan Glasser, 40:43
Impact on American Democracy and Future Prospects
Glasser emphasizes the existential threat posed by Trump’s dismantling of democratic institutions. She warns that the alterations to the press pool and the undermining of independent media are indicators of a broader authoritarian trend. Drawing on historical parallels from countries like Russia and Iran, she stresses the urgency for American citizens and leaders to recognize and combat these threats to preserve democratic norms (49:03).
Notable Quote:
"Donald Trump is taking concrete and destabilizing actions to change America's alliance structure and support Russia's revisionist geopolitical vision."
— Susan Glasser, 18:02
Conclusion: The Imperative of Defending Democracy
The episode concludes with a somber reflection on the current state of American democracy. Glasser urges for clarity and decisive action to protect institutions from being eroded by authoritarian tendencies. She underscores the importance of resisting partisan cynicism and prioritizing the health of the nation’s democratic framework over short-term political gains.
Final Notable Quote:
"Donald Trump flouts the law, flouts judicial rulings, tells Congress... I'm going to destroy it anyways because I have unlimited powers. That's the crisis that we're in right now."
— Susan Glasser, 43:04
Key Takeaways:
- Geopolitical Shift: The Trump administration’s sudden pivot away from supporting Ukraine signals a major realignment favoring Russia.
- Media Suppression: Aggressive dismantling of independent media outlets is a classic authoritarian strategy to consolidate power.
- Political Apathy: Democratic leaders’ reluctance to mobilize against Trump’s policies endangers American democracy.
- European Dynamics: Europe's ability to compensate for U.S. withdrawal from Ukraine is uncertain, potentially weakening NATO.
- Civil Society’s Role: The lack of mass protests is partly due to the risks posed by possible military intervention under Trump’s rule.
- Democracy Under Threat: Immediate and decisive action is necessary to defend democratic institutions from authoritarian erosion.
Suggestions for Listeners: For a deeper understanding of these issues, listeners are encouraged to read Susan Glasser’s weekly newsletter and explore her work at The New Yorker. Staying informed through independent and reputable media sources is crucial in navigating these challenging times.