DiscoverThe Rest Is Politics309. Trump's Secret Weapon
309. Trump's Secret Weapon

309. Trump's Secret Weapon

Update: 2024-08-305
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This podcast episode delves into the 2020 US presidential election, examining key aspects of the campaign and potential outcomes. The discussion begins with a recap of the Democratic National Convention, highlighting the quality of the speakers and the excitement surrounding Kamala Harris' candidacy. The conversation then shifts to the importance of swing states, particularly Georgia, and analyzes the significance of Harris' ability to position herself as the change candidate. The episode further explores the importance of field offices in getting out the vote, highlighting the disparity between Harris' extensive field operation and Trump's significantly smaller presence. The discussion then turns to debate prep, emphasizing the importance of Harris taking an offensive approach against Trump. The episode concludes with an analysis of the ongoing controversy surrounding Brian Kemp's loyalty to Trump, particularly in light of the recent changes to Georgia's election certification rules. The podcast explores the potential impact of these changes on the election's fairness and the reasons behind Kemp's continued support for Trump despite the latter's attacks on him.

Outlines

00:00:14
The 2020 US Presidential Election: A Deep Dive

This episode analyzes the 2020 US presidential election, focusing on the Democratic National Convention, swing states, and the potential impact of Trump's campaign strategies. The discussion begins with a recap of the Democratic National Convention, highlighting the quality of the speakers and the excitement surrounding Kamala Harris' candidacy. The conversation then shifts to the importance of swing states, particularly Georgia, and analyzes the significance of Harris' ability to position herself as the change candidate.

00:03:10
Swing States and Georgia's Importance

The conversation shifts to swing states, with a particular focus on Georgia. Scaramucci highlights the importance of Georgia as a swing state and discusses the recent Fox News poll, which shows Harris doing better in sunbelt states like Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia. He also analyzes the significance of Harris' ability to position herself as the change candidate, despite being part of the current administration.

00:03:33
Field Operations and the Importance of Field Offices

Scaramucci and Kaye discuss the importance of field offices in getting out the vote, highlighting the disparity between Harris' extensive field operation in Georgia and Trump's significantly smaller presence. They also analyze the potential consequences of Trump's dismantling of his 2016 field operation, suggesting that it could be a major factor in the election's outcome.

00:03:42
Debate Prep and the Importance of Offense

The discussion turns to debate prep, with Scaramucci emphasizing the importance of Harris taking an offensive approach against Trump. He provides examples of how she can effectively counter Trump's attacks and highlights the significance of her ability to present herself as the change candidate.

00:40:37
Brian Kemp's Loyalty to Trump and the Certification Changes in Georgia

Scaramucci and Kaye discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding Brian Kemp's loyalty to Trump, particularly in light of the recent changes to Georgia's election certification rules. They analyze the potential impact of these changes on the election's fairness and explore the reasons behind Kemp's continued support for Trump despite the latter's attacks on him.

Keywords

Change Candidate


A candidate who emphasizes their ability to bring about significant change or reform, often appealing to voters who are dissatisfied with the status quo.

Field Operation


The on-the-ground campaign infrastructure responsible for organizing volunteers, canvassing, and getting out the vote.

Swing State


A state where the outcome of an election is uncertain and could potentially swing to either candidate, making it crucial for both campaigns to focus their efforts.

Off-Message


When a politician or public figure deviates from their pre-determined message or talking points, often leading to unintended consequences or negative media attention.

Georgia


A key swing state in the 2020 US presidential election, with a significant impact on the overall outcome.

Debate Prep


The process of preparing for a political debate, including strategizing on key issues, developing arguments, and practicing responses to potential attacks.

Election Certification


The process of verifying and confirming the results of an election, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the vote count.

Brian Kemp


The Republican governor of Georgia, whose loyalty to Trump has been a subject of controversy in the 2020 election.

Q&A

  • What are the key takeaways from the Fox News poll regarding Kamala Harris' candidacy?

    The Fox News poll shows Harris doing better in sunbelt states like Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia, where Biden had been slipping behind. It also suggests that she has successfully positioned herself as the change candidate, despite being part of the current administration.

  • How does the disparity in field operations between Harris and Trump potentially impact the election?

    Scaramucci argues that Trump's dismantling of his 2016 field operation could be a major factor in the election's outcome, particularly in states like Georgia where Harris has a significantly larger presence. He suggests that Trump's lack of a robust field operation could hinder his ability to get out the vote effectively.

  • What are some key strategies for Harris' debate prep, according to Scaramucci?

    Scaramucci advises Harris to take an offensive approach against Trump, countering his attacks with strength and highlighting her experience and policy positions. He also suggests that she should emphasize her ability to bring about change and highlight Trump's tendency to go off-message.

  • Why does Brian Kemp continue to support Trump despite the latter's attacks on him?

    Scaramucci suggests that Kemp's continued support for Trump is driven by political ambition and a belief that he needs to align himself with the party's current leader. He also highlights the pressure that Kemp faces from Trump's base and the potential consequences of opposing him.

  • What is the significance of the changes to Georgia's election certification rules?

    The changes to Georgia's election certification rules, which make certification not mandatory, have raised concerns about the election's fairness. Critics argue that these changes could create opportunities for manipulation and undermine public trust in the electoral process.

  • How does Trump's tendency to go off-message potentially affect his campaign?

    Scaramucci argues that Trump's tendency to go off-message, despite his campaign's efforts to keep him focused on key issues, could undermine his efforts to win over undecided voters. He suggests that Trump's unpredictable behavior and tendency to make inflammatory statements could alienate moderate voters.

  • What is the significance of Harris' ability to position herself as the change candidate?

    In a change election, where voters are dissatisfied with the status quo, Harris' ability to present herself as the change candidate could be a significant advantage. This positioning could appeal to voters who are seeking a fresh perspective and a departure from the current political landscape.

  • What is the potential impact of Trump's focus on contesting the vote after it's happened?

    Scaramucci suggests that Trump's focus on contesting the vote after it's happened, rather than on getting out the vote, could backfire and undermine public trust in the election's outcome. He argues that this strategy could create an environment of uncertainty and distrust, potentially leading to legal challenges and protests.

  • What is the significance of Trump's recent attacks on Brian Kemp?

    Trump's attacks on Kemp, a popular Republican governor of Georgia, could alienate moderate voters and potentially harm his chances of winning the state. Scaramucci suggests that Trump's tendency to alienate potential allies could be a major factor in the election's outcome.

Show Notes

Who has returned as Donald Trump's secret weapon? What's happening in Georgia? Is Kamala Harris making a mistake over the upcoming presidential debate?


Join Anthony & Katty as they answer all these questions and more on today's episode of The Rest Is Politics US.


Instagram:

@RestPoliticsUS

Twitter:

@RestPoliticsUS

Email:

TRIPUS@goalhanger.com



Editor: Nicole Maslen

Video Editor: Teo Ayodeji-Ansell

Social Producer: Jess Kidson

Producer: Fiona Douglas

Producer: Nicole Maslen

Senior Producer: Dom Johnson

Head of Content: Tom Whiter

Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

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309. Trump's Secret Weapon

309. Trump's Secret Weapon

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