Amanda Carpenter: Lessons from the Tea Party Era
The Bulwark Podcast
Deep Dive
Why is Amanda Carpenter concerned about the potential pardons by Trump?
She worries that pardons for January 6th rioters could undermine rule of law and signal to law enforcement that they can act extra-judicially with impunity.
What does Amanda Carpenter suggest as a strategy for Democrats to counter Trump's appointments?
She recommends adopting a Tea Party spirit, using Senate rules to slow down confirmations, demand hearings, and create public pressure to impose political costs.
Why does Amanda Carpenter find the nomination of RFK Jr. for HHS Secretary particularly alarming?
RFK Jr.'s history of anti-vaccination advocacy, including his trip to Samoa that supported anti-vaxxers, raises concerns about his ability to protect public health.
How does Amanda Carpenter view the potential for media coverage of Trump's administration?
She believes the media is not fully prepared to cover the extreme and unconventional nature of Trump's appointments and policies, which could lead to a normalization of his actions.
What is Amanda Carpenter's perspective on the norms and traditions that should be upheld during political opposition?
She argues that while norms should be respected, they should not prevent passionate and loud disagreements, especially when dealing with an administration that disregards norms itself.
- Democrats should be loud and unified in their opposition.
- The opposition needs to impose political costs on Trump's nominations.
- Grinding out the confirmation process can be an effective strategy.
Shownotes Transcript