cover of episode Marc Caputo and Dan Goldman: Trump v. the United States

Marc Caputo and Dan Goldman: Trump v. the United States

2024/11/20
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The Bulwark Podcast

Key Insights

Why does Trump's approach to staffing his campaign seem chaotic?

Trump's staffing approach is chaotic because he operates on his whims, picking people he wants, when he wants, and how he wants, with little regard for conventional order or planning.

What role did Susie Wiles play in Trump's campaign organization?

Susie Wiles served as the chief of staff and managed to keep the campaign operational despite Trump's unpredictable nature, focusing on what she could control while accepting his fundamental unpredictability.

Why did the Democrats struggle in the recent elections according to Dan Goldman?

Democrats struggled because they allowed Republicans to dominate the conversation on culture war issues, distracting from the Democrats' policy focus on economic issues that resonate more directly with the electorate.

What does Dan Goldman suggest the Democrats should focus on to win future elections?

Goldman suggests Democrats should focus on addressing economic issues head-on, promoting policies that directly benefit the majority of Americans, and not allowing Republicans to distract with culture war topics.

Chapters

The discussion focuses on the chaotic nature of Trump's staffing picks, with particular attention to Susie Wiles and Marco's appointments, and the broader implications of Trump's staffing decisions.
  • Susie Wiles is appointed as the chief of staff, known for keeping things running smoothly despite Trump's unpredictability.
  • Trump's staffing decisions are described as chaotic and whimsical, with no clear method or order.

Shownotes Transcript

The incompetent and compromised nominees Trump has assembled at record pace show how little regard he has for the essential functions our government provides. He wants to harness its power for his own ends, in a way that could put Americans and our national security at risk—but he can only do this if Congress is complicit. Meanwhile, the roundly-hated Matt Gaetz is providing cover for the sex abuse allegations against the other nominees, and the House majority margin may be razor thin. 

Rep. Dan Goldman and Marc Caputo join Tim Miller.