Heroism & Trump’s Cowardice (with Jeffrey Goldberg & Joyce Vance)
2Digest
This podcast features an interview with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, about his book on heroism and the cowardice of Donald Trump. Goldberg discusses Trump's behavior towards the military, his fear of death and injury, and the motivations of those who served in his administration. The conversation then shifts to Trump's supporters and the media's approach to covering him. Goldberg explores the reasons why some people continue to support Trump despite his actions and the challenges of reporting on his presidency. He discusses the role of nativism in Trump's appeal and the potential consequences of the Republican Party's embrace of this ideology. Goldberg also examines the motivations of those who worked for Trump, highlighting their hopes for a more responsible presidency and their efforts to mitigate potential problems caused by his actions.
Outlines
The Cowardice of Donald Trump and His Administration
This chapter explores the cowardice of Donald Trump, focusing on his behavior towards the military, his fear of death and injury, and the motivations of those who served in his administration. Goldberg discusses Trump's actions and the potential consequences of his presidency.
Trump's Supporters and the Media's Role
This chapter examines the reasons behind Trump's continued support, exploring the role of nativism, the media's approach to covering him, and the motivations of those who worked for him. Goldberg discusses the challenges of reporting on Trump's presidency and the potential consequences of the Republican Party's embrace of nativism.
Keywords
Heroism
The quality of possessing great courage and noble qualities, often in the face of danger or adversity. It is a concept explored in Jeffrey Goldberg's book, where he examines the actions of individuals who stood up to Trump.
Cowardice
Lack of courage or bravery, often characterized by fear, timidity, and a reluctance to face danger or challenges. Goldberg argues that Trump exhibits cowardice in his actions and statements, particularly regarding his treatment of the military.
Nativism
A political ideology that emphasizes the interests of native-born inhabitants over those of immigrants. Goldberg suggests that the Republican Party's embrace of nativism under Trump may ultimately be detrimental to their long-term success.
Grifter
A person who deceives or exploits others for personal gain, often through fraudulent schemes or manipulation. Goldberg uses this term to describe Trump's ability to appeal to certain segments of the population despite his questionable actions.
Authoritarian Cult Party
A political party that exhibits characteristics of an authoritarian regime, such as a strong leader, a cult of personality, and a suppression of dissent. Goldberg argues that the Republican Party has become an authoritarian cult party under Trump's influence.
Q&A
Why did so many patriotic and intelligent individuals choose to work for Donald Trump, despite his known flaws?
Goldberg believes that many of these individuals hoped that the presidency would sober up Trump and make him more responsible. Additionally, some agreed with his policy outlook, such as withdrawing from NATO. However, they ultimately realized that they needed to be present to mitigate potential problems caused by Trump's actions.
Why didn't those who served in Trump's administration take more decisive action to prevent his potentially harmful actions, especially in the lead-up to January 6th?
Goldberg argues that the Pentagon played a crucial role in protecting the Constitution from civilians, highlighting the unexpected scenario of generals safeguarding the country from a runaway president. He also points out that the extent of Trump's actions and their potential consequences were not fully known at the time.
How do you explain the continued support for Trump among his base, even in the face of his derogatory remarks about the military and other controversial actions?
Goldberg suggests that Trump's supporters may not believe the negative reports about him, or they may simply not care. He also points out that the Republican Party's embrace of nativism and Trump's appeal to certain demographics may contribute to his continued support.
Show Notes
Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance speak with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic magazine, in front of a live audience at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, Texas. Goldberg discusses his new book, On Heroism: McCain, Milley, Mattis, and the Cowardice of Donald Trump, which includes his reporting on Republican leaders and top White House officials who stood up to Trump while he was president, as well as Trump’s controversial statements reportedly calling members of the military “suckers” and “losers.”
In a conversation exclusively for members of CAFE Insider, Goldberg speaks about the media’s approach to covering Trump and the presidential election, and what a second Trump term might look like. To listen to the full interview and get access to all of the exclusive Insider content, become a member at CAFE.com/insider. You can now try the membership for just $1 for one month. CAFE Insiders click HERE to listen.
Stay Tuned in Brief is presented by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Please write to us with your thoughts and questions at letters@cafe.com, or leave a voicemail at 669-247-7338. This episode was recorded live at the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival in downtown Austin. For recaps from this year's recently concluded event and to stay updated on next year's program, visit TribFest.org.
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