Newt Gingrich on What Trump Could Accomplish in a Second Term
Digest
This episode of The Political Scene features a conversation with Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, about his support for Donald Trump's presidency and his views on the upcoming election. Gingrich defends his support for Trump, arguing that he is the best candidate to challenge the "corrupt" establishment and bring about change. He discusses Trump's stance on the war in Ukraine, expressing skepticism about Ukraine's ability to "win" the war and suggesting that a negotiated settlement may be necessary. Gingrich also defends Trump's opposition to the immigration bill passed by the Senate, arguing that it would have limited his ability to change immigration policy if he were re-elected. He discusses his relationship with Trump and how he sees himself reflected in the former president's policies and personality. Gingrich predicts that a second Trump administration would be more "managerial and practical" than his first, with a focus on making things work and achieving concrete results. He discusses Trump's potential economic policies, suggesting that he may focus on tax cuts for senior citizens and the middle class, and that he may continue to use tariffs as a tool for leverage. Gingrich explains why Trump distanced himself from the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, arguing that some of its proposals were politically unsustainable. He discusses Trump's stance on abortion, arguing that he supports returning power to the states on the issue and that the country may eventually reach a consensus on a 15-week limit with exceptions. Gingrich defends Trump's actions leading up to and on January 6th, arguing that he was convinced the election was rigged and that he did everything he could to represent his interests. He argues that Trump's behavior on January 6th is not morally disqualifying, and that he is a better choice for America's future than his opponents. Gingrich defends Trump's decision to take on the national establishment, arguing that he is driven by a desire to fix the country. He discusses Trump's change of heart on the Iraq War, arguing that it is okay for people to change their opinions when facts change. Gingrich discusses Trump's choice of JD Vance as Vice President, describing it as a "risky" choice due to Vance's evolving political views. He argues that Trumpism will survive even if Trump loses the election, as it reflects a growing belief among many people that the old system is rigged against them.
Outlines
Trump's Presidency and the Upcoming Election
This episode features a conversation with Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, about his support for Donald Trump's presidency and his views on the upcoming election, including Trump's policies, his stance on the war in Ukraine, and the future of Trumpism.
The New Yorker's Endorsement of Kamala Harris
The New Yorker has endorsed Kamala Harris for President, citing Donald Trump's unfitness for office and the potential dangers of a second Trump term.
Newt Gingrich's Support for Trump
Gingrich defends his support for Trump, arguing that he is the best candidate to challenge the "corrupt" establishment and bring about change.
Trump's Policies and the Future of Trumpism
Gingrich discusses Trump's stance on the war in Ukraine, his opposition to the immigration bill passed by the Senate, and his potential economic policies. He also discusses Trump's actions leading up to and on January 6th, his decision to take on the national establishment, and his choice of JD Vance as Vice President. He argues that Trumpism will survive even if Trump loses the election, as it reflects a growing belief among many people that the old system is rigged against them.
Keywords
Trumpism
A political ideology and movement associated with former US President Donald Trump, characterized by populism, nationalism, and a rejection of traditional political norms.
Establishment
A group of powerful individuals or institutions that hold significant influence and control over a particular system or society.
Cultural Divide
A significant difference in values, beliefs, and perspectives between different groups within a society, often leading to social and political tensions.
Rigged Election
An election in which the outcome is predetermined or manipulated through unfair practices, such as voter suppression, fraud, or interference.
Populism
A political approach that emphasizes the common person and their concerns, often contrasting them with the perceived elite or establishment.
Nationalism
A strong sense of patriotism and loyalty to one's nation, often accompanied by a belief in its superiority and a desire to promote its interests.
Free Trade
An economic policy that promotes the free flow of goods and services between countries without tariffs or other barriers.
Tariffs
Taxes imposed on imported goods, often used to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
Q&A
What are Newt Gingrich's main reasons for supporting Donald Trump?
Gingrich believes that Trump is the best candidate to challenge the "corrupt" establishment and bring about change. He sees Trump as a populist who is willing to fight for the interests of the common person.
How does Gingrich view the potential dangers of a second Trump term?
Gingrich believes that a second Trump term would be more "managerial and practical" than his first, with a focus on achieving concrete results. He does not see Trump as a threat to national security, but rather as a force for change.
What is Gingrich's stance on the war in Ukraine?
Gingrich is skeptical about Ukraine's ability to "win" the war and suggests that a negotiated settlement may be necessary. He believes that the US should not continue to commit more and more money to a fight without a clear strategy for success.
How does Gingrich defend Trump's actions leading up to and on January 6th?
Gingrich believes that Trump was convinced the election was rigged and that he did everything he could to represent his interests. He does not believe that Trump's actions were morally disqualifying.
What is Gingrich's view on the future of Trumpism?
Gingrich believes that Trumpism will survive even if Trump loses the election, as it reflects a growing belief among many people that the old system is rigged against them. He sees Trumpism as a response to the cultural divide and the perceived failures of the establishment.
Show Notes
Long before Donald Trump got serious about politics, Newt Gingrich saw himself as the revolutionary in Washington, introducing a combative style of politics that helped his party become a dominating force in Congress. Setting the template for Trump, Gingrich described Democrats not as an opposing team with whom to make alliances but as an alien force—a “cultural élite”—out to destroy America. Gingrich has written no fewer than five admiring books about Trump, and he was involved in pushing the lie of the stolen election of 2020. Like many in the Party, he balks at some of Trump’s tactics, but always finds an excuse. “I would probably not have used the language Trump used,” for example in calling Vice-President Kamala Harris “mentally disabled,” Gingrich says. “Partly because I think that it doesn’t further his cause. . . . I would simply say that he is a very intense personality . . . and occasionally he has to explode.” But he sees Trump as seasoned and improved with age, and his potential in a second term far greater. “It’s almost providential: he’s had four years [out of office] to think about what he’s learned . . . and he has a much deeper grasp of what has to be done and how to do it.”
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