I Watched the Republican Convention. The Democrats Can Still Win.
Digest
The episode begins with Ezra Klein introducing the show and setting the context for the discussion, focusing on the Republican National Convention and its potential implications for the upcoming Democratic primaries. Claire Gordon, the showrunner, asks Ezra about his observations on the Republican Convention and how Trump's message has evolved since 2020. Ezra highlights the shift in Trump's persona, emphasizing his showmanship and entertainment value, and how he's embraced a sense of divine intervention and persecution. The conversation then shifts to JD Vance, Trump's running mate, and his apparent conversion to Trumpism. Ezra argues that Vance's transformation is not simply political opportunism but a genuine shift in his worldview, driven by a growing hatred of Trump's enemies and a sense of cultural persecution. Ezra explores the ideology of national conservatism, which Vance embodies, and how it differs from traditional Republicanism. He highlights the emphasis on national identity, a more confined vision of America, and a growing anti-immigrant sentiment. The discussion focuses on the prominence of immigration as a central theme in the Republican Party and how it has become a defining identity for the party. Ezra acknowledges the influence of national conservatism on this shift. Ezra discusses the internal conflicts within the Republican Party, particularly regarding foreign policy and the role of the United States in the world. He highlights the growing isolationist sentiment within the party, exemplified by Trump and Vance, and its potential impact on the party's future. The conversation turns to the Democratic nominee and the uncertainty surrounding Biden's future. Ezra shares insights from his reporting, suggesting that Biden is facing increasing pressure to step aside and that Kamala Harris is emerging as a potential successor. Ezra analyzes the Democrats' challenges in the upcoming election, highlighting the need for a clear and compelling message to counter the Republicans' emotional appeal on immigration. He argues that the Democrats have a strong message but need to articulate it effectively. The episode concludes with Ezra emphasizing the importance of a strong Democratic ticket and message to counter the Republicans' perceived strength. He believes that the Democrats have the potential to win but need to overcome their current weaknesses.
Outlines
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Republican National Convention and its Implications
The episode begins with Ezra Klein introducing the show and setting the context for the discussion, focusing on the Republican National Convention and its potential implications for the upcoming Democratic primaries.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Trump's Evolving Message and the Rise of National Conservatism
Ezra discusses Trump's evolving message, highlighting his embrace of showmanship and a sense of divine intervention and persecution. He then explores the ideology of national conservatism, embodied by JD Vance, and its impact on the Republican Party.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Internal Conflicts and the Future of the Republican Party
Ezra analyzes the internal conflicts within the Republican Party, particularly regarding foreign policy and the role of the United States in the world. He highlights the growing isolationist sentiment within the party and its potential impact on the party's future.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Democratic Nominee and the Challenges Ahead
The conversation turns to the Democratic nominee and the uncertainty surrounding Biden's future. Ezra shares insights from his reporting, suggesting that Biden is facing increasing pressure to step aside and that Kamala Harris is emerging as a potential successor.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Democrats' Need for a Strong Message
Ezra analyzes the Democrats' challenges in the upcoming election, highlighting the need for a clear and compelling message to counter the Republicans' emotional appeal on immigration. He argues that the Democrats have a strong message but need to articulate it effectively.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Conclusion and the Importance of a Strong Democratic Ticket
The episode concludes with Ezra emphasizing the importance of a strong Democratic ticket and message to counter the Republicans' perceived strength. He believes that the Democrats have the potential to win but need to overcome their current weaknesses.
Keywords
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. He is a controversial figure known for his populist and nationalist rhetoric, his business dealings, and his reality television career.
Republican National Convention
The Republican National Convention is a quadrennial event held by the Republican Party to formally nominate its presidential and vice presidential candidates. It is a major event in American politics, attracting significant media attention and public interest.
JD Vance
J.D. Vance is an American author, venture capitalist, and politician who served as the junior United States Senator from Ohio from 2023 to present. He is known for his book "Hillbilly Elegy," which explores the social and economic challenges faced by working-class white Americans in Appalachia.
National Conservatism
National conservatism is a political ideology that emphasizes national identity, cultural preservation, and a more limited role for immigration. It is often associated with a focus on traditional values and a rejection of globalism.
Immigration
Immigration is the movement of people from one country to another, often for economic or political reasons. It is a complex issue with significant social, economic, and political implications.
Joe Biden
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who served as the 46th president of the United States from 2021 to present. He previously served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama.
Kamala Harris
Kamala Devi Harris is an American politician who serves as the 49th and current vice president of the United States. She previously served as the junior United States Senator from California from 2017 to 2021.
Q&A
How has Donald Trump's message evolved since the 2020 election?
Trump has embraced a more showman-like persona, emphasizing entertainment and spectacle. He has also adopted a sense of divine intervention and persecution, claiming that he is on a mission from God and that his enemies are trying to silence him.
What is national conservatism, and how does it differ from traditional Republicanism?
National conservatism emphasizes national identity, cultural preservation, and a more limited role for immigration. It is often associated with a focus on traditional values and a rejection of globalism. It differs from traditional Republicanism by placing a greater emphasis on national identity and cultural cohesion.
What are the key challenges facing the Democratic Party in the upcoming election?
The Democrats need to develop a clear and compelling message to counter the Republicans' emotional appeal on immigration. They also need to address the uncertainty surrounding Biden's future and find a strong candidate who can appeal to a broader electorate.
What are the potential implications of the Republican National Convention for the upcoming election?
The convention highlighted the growing influence of national conservatism within the Republican Party and the party's focus on immigration. It also revealed internal conflicts within the party, particularly regarding foreign policy. The convention's overall message and the selection of JD Vance as Trump's running mate could have significant implications for the election.
Show Notes
This year’s Republican National Convention was Donald Trump’s third as the party’s nominee, but it was the first that felt like a full expression of a G.O.P. that has fully fallen in line with Trumpism. And the mood was jubilant. Speakers even made efforts to reach out to unions, Black voters and immigrants — imagining a big-tent Republican Party that could be far more formidable at the ballot box.
But if the Democrats were running a strong candidate right now, no Democrat would look at that convention with fear.
In this conversation, moderated by the show’s senior editor, Claire Gordon, we dissect the themes and undercurrents of the convention and what they might signal about a Republican Party in the midst of change. We discuss how the party is messaging about race, immigration and populism; what JD Vance believes and represents for the party; what all this means for a Democratic Party that is divided about President Biden’s candidacy; and more.
Mentioned:
“Bernie Sanders Wants Joe Biden to Stay in the Race” by Isaac Chotiner
Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com.
You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.
This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced by Elias Isquith. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris, with Mary Marge Locker, Jack McCordick and Kristin Lin. Our senior engineer is Jeff Geld, with additional mixing by Aman Sahota. Our senior editor is Claire Gordon. The show’s production team also includes Annie Galvin and Rollin Hu. Original music by Isaac Jones. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.
* correction ... the mainstream media loves Trump , they're making lots of money .... they adore him, they won't say it out loud on their shows but they do !!