Is The GOP 'Happy With Losing'? (with Isaac Arnsdorf) | The Focus Group Podcast

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  • Опубліковано 14 чер 2024
  • One of the Republican Party's biggest long-term problems is that their base is demanding behavior that swing voters won't tolerate, and few things have brought out this gap better than Donald Trump's recent conviction. The Washington Post's Isaac Arnsdorf joins Sarah to discuss what the MAGA base expects out of politicians these days, and how swing voters are reacting.
    Show Notes:
    Isaac Arnsdorf's Book: Finish What We Started: The MAGA Movement’s Ground War to End Democracy www.hachettebookgroup.com/tit...
    Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a live show on June 21 in Denver. Tickets are on sale now at TheBulwark.com/events
    🔥 Get 30 days of Bulwark+ absolutely free: thebulwark.com/freetrial

КОМЕНТАРІ • 680

  • @urkiddingme6254
    @urkiddingme6254 4 дні тому +201

    I'm happy to hear Sarah say the Republican party is not returning to the party they knew any time soon. She was a bit heartbroken over Nikki Haley's defection back to supporting Trump, and I thought she had serious hope someone would rescue this party from dementia. People need to reach the stark conclusion that their party is gone. That requires losing big time. Just losing is not enough. No one is coming to rescue the Republican party.

    • @denisehall4818
      @denisehall4818 4 дні тому

      Nikki Haley made the mistake of her political career when she endorsed Trump.She had a chance to be the leader of a new party that would replace Maga in years to come but she froze.

    • @hw-rg7gn
      @hw-rg7gn 4 дні тому

      There's no coming back from embracing Putin, spreading anti-vaccine conspiracies that led to hundreds of thousands of Covid deaths, spreading rabid xenophobia, seditious acts/OpEds/books/podcasts/Congressional votes.
      There's no coming back from any of this. The best outcome is a center-right party, and a marginalization of MAGA, but we're a decade or generation away.

    • @Badgersj
      @Badgersj 4 дні тому +13

      Which is a great pity, every argument should have at least two sides. Otherwise you just get shouting from behind barricades.

    • @randibgood
      @randibgood 4 дні тому

      ​@@Badgersj
      Shouting at the CULT45 members will never bring any changes or negotiations. They are too far gone. They won't acknowledge facts, evidence, or anything other than the lying narrative that the ex LIAR-IN-CHIEF offers up.

    • @Trying911
      @Trying911 4 дні тому +11

      the party is what it’s been for 60ish years. it’s just become more dovish, protectionist, and less pious.

  • @CHEDDARANDWAFFLES
    @CHEDDARANDWAFFLES 4 дні тому +83

    I love how the maga voters are saying they don’t want to be associated with losers. When Trump lost the popular vote twice already.

    • @terrirafiq9329
      @terrirafiq9329 4 дні тому

      And they apparently don't want anyone who simply "accepts" the results of a democratic election.

    • @markg.7865
      @markg.7865 4 дні тому +18

      He is going lose it for a 3rd time.

    • @IHScoutII
      @IHScoutII 4 дні тому +8

      100%

    • @kevinwasserburger3119
      @kevinwasserburger3119 4 дні тому +13

      That's why they're forced to delude themselves into believing he actually won.

    • @TPaine76
      @TPaine76 4 дні тому +5

      Well that was Ronma McDaniel’s fault (can’t blame Trump for the things he does!)

  • @Bigfield47
    @Bigfield47 4 дні тому +163

    The trouble is that republicans never hear anything like this talk.

    • @Steven-pu8ws
      @Steven-pu8ws 4 дні тому +1

      The Trump base are not exactly deep thinkers. Just keep talking to the swing voters. Moderate Republicans, Independents and swing voters. They will determine the outcome and with them the felonies and the extreme MAGA Christo-fascist stuff will be repellant.

    • @WhyDoTroonsHaveTheSameVoices
      @WhyDoTroonsHaveTheSameVoices 4 дні тому +10

      They cannot understand it even if they heard it

    • @sinisin2000
      @sinisin2000 4 дні тому +16

      Sure they do. Then they'll tell you that they're "doing their own research". Then when all else fails they go "...well...that's not what I believe!"

    • @kmichalene
      @kmichalene 4 дні тому +3

      True true!

    • @elephant_888
      @elephant_888 4 дні тому +10

      @@sinisin2000😂🤦🏽‍♂️💀… Talking to some of those folk can be terrible for a person’s mental health.

  • @GoVoteDemocracy
    @GoVoteDemocracy 4 дні тому +79

    What they’re saying they don’t like is exactly what Trump is.

    • @benroberts2222
      @benroberts2222 4 дні тому

      They can only see it in the imitators because Trump is Dear Leader

    • @delta5297
      @delta5297 4 дні тому +1

      Exactly. These guys are all saying they hate corrupt politicians, and they're supporting the single most corrupt person running for office.

    • @NonniMcMac
      @NonniMcMac 4 дні тому +5

      They don't believe he's as bad as he's made out to be. But I'm 61 y/o and have kept up with reports about him since Ivana accused him of r*ping her in the early 90s. She walked it back days later, but I'm convinced she was threatened by him the way the other women and the 13 y/o were.

    • @danielbliss1988
      @danielbliss1988 3 дні тому

      this is the connection that has to be made in the public mind. All the thousands of contractors and vendors that he's refused to pay for work done or products fulfilled over the years; his telling the public one thing, then going to his billionaire backers and working out something else; and above all the myth that he's on the side of ordinary people when in fact he despises ordinary people and craves approval by the super rich.

  • @peterinbrat
    @peterinbrat 4 дні тому +134

    Fun fact: if your far right movement dresses up in American Flags and other stupid costumes, there's a good chance they don't actually have any ideas.

    • @alayneclancy7545
      @alayneclancy7545 4 дні тому +20

      Are you referring to their maga drag?

    • @Trying911
      @Trying911 4 дні тому +3

      That started WAY before Trump

    • @Michael_Dominic
      @Michael_Dominic 4 дні тому

      "when fascism comes to the USA it will be draped in the flag and carrying a cross"

    • @user-iv2iu2wf4w
      @user-iv2iu2wf4w 4 дні тому

      If they beat the police with american flags, they may be traitors

    • @russellhammond371
      @russellhammond371 4 дні тому

      @@Trying911 Of course, Trump just leans into it as heavily as one can. Hugging flags for a photo op immediately disqualifies people as patriots imo.

  • @KC-sj4cb
    @KC-sj4cb 4 дні тому +83

    This is like a bad breakup. It’s not until after you’re out ,you notice there were always bad signs and big red flags from the beginning.

    • @richardvickrey4786
      @richardvickrey4786 4 дні тому +7

      Brilliant comment. Spot on. 💙

    • @andrewm.grossm.d.8002
      @andrewm.grossm.d.8002 4 дні тому +7

      Agree 1000000% you need to stay blind and deaf while in the toxic relationship as a self preservation mechanism.

    • @jpdemer5
      @jpdemer5 4 дні тому

      To be followed by an even worse mistake on the rebound.

    • @nonewherelistens1906
      @nonewherelistens1906 День тому

      Good analogy.

  • @kosmosyche
    @kosmosyche 4 дні тому +58

    30:54 Someone should explain to the hilarious "Nuremberg trials" guy that the Nuremberg trials were where the nazis faced judgement for their crimes against humanity, not the other way around.

  • @eflat6522
    @eflat6522 4 дні тому +37

    I'm a lifelong Democrat who turned independent and voted for neither Presidential candidate before Trump was elected President. I voted for neither last Presidential. I have never liked Biden, but I am voting for him this time because of Jan 6 and the aftermath.

    • @carolcarson7749
      @carolcarson7749 4 дні тому +11

      I, as an American, thank you

    • @user-iv2iu2wf4w
      @user-iv2iu2wf4w 4 дні тому +8

      Me too

    • @trishnace2253
      @trishnace2253 4 дні тому

      I voted for John McCain because he had served our nation. Hated Hillary, but I voted for her even though she was flippant about needing progressive voters...Bernie was my original choice, I still believe he could have beaten that con artist. I saw the danger of Trump from day 1, he's a lifelong FRAUD and a narcissist. I voted for Biden obviously. Trump is addicted to his emotional support hate rallies and loves to stoke violence. Every accusation from Trump and MAGA is projection and confession... Basically Trump took me from independent to all BLUE all the way.

    • @donnawilson4823
      @donnawilson4823 3 дні тому +3

      Thank you! Spread the word!

    • @ssshar2176
      @ssshar2176 3 дні тому +2

      Thank you

  • @gecho194
    @gecho194 4 дні тому +11

    Living in the age where the margin has all the power is so tiring.

  • @peterford9369
    @peterford9369 4 дні тому +17

    Plus his speech on Jan 6 th weren't peaceful. He was telling them to fight. Giuliani said trial by combat. They all pressed violence, not peaceful protest. It wasn't even subliminal. It was point blank.

  • @MonicaLea
    @MonicaLea 4 дні тому +26

    Are they happy with losing? I mean, it's not like they enjoy governing, or even trying.

  • @JustinFike
    @JustinFike 4 дні тому +91

    I've been saying for years that MAGA isn't interested in winning to govern, they're only interested in securing a platform for grievance outlets. It looks irrational from the outside because people like Gaetz and MTG have different kinds of goals than typical politicians. They're working to establish personality/influencer fiefdoms within secure districts (or states, for senators), and those interests are actually better served by being in the minority so that they don't have any pressure to govern or deliver outcomes.

    • @denisehall4818
      @denisehall4818 4 дні тому +9

      Interesting concept.

    • @Eviltwin531
      @Eviltwin531 4 дні тому +17

      @@denisehall4818 It's been proven as fact, too. During the McCarthy Speaker Vote From Hell, Boebert showed up on Stephanie Ruhle's show on MSNBC (seriously,) and a while later, Ruhle dimed her out and said that during a commercial break, Boebert asked her "How do I get a cushy job like this?" She (and some of the others) are angling to get their own hosting gigs or something similar.

    • @MediaMaverick_
      @MediaMaverick_ 4 дні тому

      Also enabled by ultra wealthy…who don’t care about them except as useful stooges to sustain their sick, hoarding existence.

    • @delta5297
      @delta5297 4 дні тому

      And despite this, Trump still stands a very good chance of winning.

    • @jgray2718
      @jgray2718 4 дні тому +3

      I could not possibly agree any more. They basically want to be Fox News pundits, and given how easy and rewarding that job appears to be, I can see why.

  • @alicepotter8165
    @alicepotter8165 4 дні тому +25

    What I hear is "He doesn't really mean it. " I am more concerned about those who will be in the cabinet. People lie Stephen Miller and Kash Patel.

    • @gcro9206texanforever
      @gcro9206texanforever 4 дні тому +8

      The most loyal to Trump, irrespective of their qualifications for the job. Will be in Trump’s administration. Most will not pass confirmation, so Trump will ignore that requirement.

    • @richardvickrey4786
      @richardvickrey4786 4 дні тому +7

      The thought of either FAUX Dracula (Stephen Miller) or Cash Patel getting anywhere near our Seat of Government scares the s*** out of me! 💙

  • @shawnfahy2420
    @shawnfahy2420 4 дні тому +17

    The "red Solo cup" aspect is spot on. I think there is a subset of people for whom Trump’s rhetoric and threats to the "other" stimulates the pleasure centers of their brains. For whatever reason, negativity gives them pleasure. The inability to objectively consider all the evidence that the 2020 election was NOT stolen, including the confessions from some of the ring leaders that it was a lie is very disturbing.

  • @richardthompson7216
    @richardthompson7216 4 дні тому +21

    Losing isn't their goal, obstruction and not allowing anything to get done is. Anything they can do to make government appear incompetent and dysfunctional has been their talking point since Reagan!

    • @modgodel
      @modgodel 3 дні тому

      It's a lose win sit for them, really hard to fight against

    • @TheLAGopher
      @TheLAGopher 3 дні тому

      That situation actually works best for them with a divided government where they can claim a pox on both houses.Unified GOP controlled
      government tends to wake up the country to much because the GOP has to own everything. Ideally the GOP would be happy with the White House
      where they can rule with executive orders,and controlling the US Senate so they can appoint Federal judges to legislate from the bench.
      The Democrats can control the House and get blamed for blocking the worst of GOP laws and running divisive investigations.

    • @nonewherelistens1906
      @nonewherelistens1906 День тому

      Very true.

  • @tedmarley4341
    @tedmarley4341 4 дні тому +124

    People vote vote 🔵💙🇺🇲!!
    Biden -Harris 🔵🇺🇲😎

  • @robinhood20253
    @robinhood20253 4 дні тому +44

    More praise for Reagan, yeah he sucked. The only statement Lauren bobert and Marjorie Tyler green are making is I'm a moron

    • @garyquinn5724
      @garyquinn5724 4 дні тому

      The Bulwarks universal hero worship of the evil Ronny Raygun administration is disgusting and it seems to be a requirement. They don't want to admit that the party of bad ideas became the party of bad people about 60 years ago. They worship the hero of their youth, because they weren't old enough to understand that the maga grift has been around since the 60s.

    • @katenoke1571
      @katenoke1571 4 дні тому +9

      100% accurate

    • @randibgood
      @randibgood 4 дні тому

      That one guy at the beginning was talking about the squad just wanting clicks and popularity was so far off. It's the ones you mentioned and their fellow CULT45 members that are after that. None have ever brought any legitimate policy forward. All they offer is hate, division, and control.

    • @Everywhere2
      @Everywhere2 4 дні тому +1

      I believe Margy and Lala spell it "moran."

  • @JeffsintheDesert
    @JeffsintheDesert 4 дні тому +14

    Doesn’t make me feel good about how delusional some people are in this country.

  • @JR-pr8jb
    @JR-pr8jb 4 дні тому +54

    Incredibly insightful: Sarah's take on Trump's "I don't care about you" remark. His MAGA audience wasn't offended at all, but loved him all the more. We literal-minded libs are out of our depth when it comes to understanding MAGA/

    • @OldSchoolSk8ermatt
      @OldSchoolSk8ermatt 4 дні тому +11

      We assume they are rational and using logic, but it’s just ignorant person vibes

    • @OldSchoolSk8ermatt
      @OldSchoolSk8ermatt 4 дні тому +14

      The rallies are a great place for people with no friends to feel like they have friends. That’s why they will never leave him

    • @Trying911
      @Trying911 4 дні тому +3

      Trump’s connection to his supporters borders on the subliminal

    • @OldSchoolSk8ermatt
      @OldSchoolSk8ermatt 4 дні тому +5

      @@Trying911 I mean… are they even capable of conscious thought? Lately I have my doubts

    • @hippodinoreserve6090
      @hippodinoreserve6090 4 дні тому +7

      @@OldSchoolSk8ermattIt’s a cult, but it’s also a community.

  • @socje7399
    @socje7399 4 дні тому +12

    Sarah, I love to watch how you listen to some of these MAGA folks speak from a place of delusion (my words, not your words). You don’t laugh. You don’t make fun. You honor that this is truly their perception; that while you may vehemently disagree, it’s essential that we HEAR them and seriously listen to what they’re saying. Thank you. Your example helps me do the same.

    • @TPaine76
      @TPaine76 4 дні тому +2

      I used to think all the Christian talk about “hating the sin but loving the sinner” was complete BS. How can you possibly live someone who is doing something to destroy your country? And yet, in some ways, that’s exactly what Sarah does.
      If she didn’t think these voters (even the ones with really abhorrent views) as inherently worthy of dignity, freedom and the opportunity to pursue happiness, then she wouldn’t spend so much time and effort listening to them and trying to find reasonable ways to change their minds.
      Sarah Longwell is Grace personified.

    • @miguelvelez7221
      @miguelvelez7221 3 дні тому

      All offense, no due respect, but no.... Just no. These citizens have been catered to for too long to my mind. From the GOP agendas to media always going off to bum Eff no where to interview the same kind of provincial yokels who parrot the same Conservative talking points they regurgitate every cycle, we "hear" from these people all too often.
      Maybe the problem is they haven't been opposed ENOUGH? Maybe they need folks to stop coddling them? For what is the Trump machine done but coddle these know nothings?
      Wake up... You don't negotiate with a Fascist movement. And American Conservatism has turned Fascist.

    • @guitrr
      @guitrr 2 дні тому

      There got to be a lot of tongue biting

  • @debrasmith4675
    @debrasmith4675 4 дні тому +11

    The most valuable service that Sara provides again is in allowing the differing voices to be heard.
    So long as we can simply dismiss others as ‘crazy’ solutions will be difficult to find.
    Is it possible that some Republicans truly believe that MAGA is so extreme that the only way to extinguish it is for it to lose big? Like smothering a grease fire, back burning as a forest fire approaches or turning off the computer to thwart a hack?

  • @rjScubaSki
    @rjScubaSki 4 дні тому +29

    How on Earth can Trump possibly appeal to working class blacks and latinos? Can they really be so blind that they don’t know they are on the target list?

    • @annakingry9157
      @annakingry9157 4 дні тому +1

      People who follow Trump don't think; they emote. The poor are looking for a Messiah who swears, commits crimes, is venal in every way, and lies to them entertainingly. The rich have never had such a great grift as with Trump.

    • @saturday1066
      @saturday1066 4 дні тому +1

      fwir, some male PoC respond to his hyper toxic masculinity message.
      they ignore the racism, and stay for the misogyny.
      (also, don't underestimate racism in PoC. white people write "PoC" but blacks, hispanics, asians *_DO NOT_* identify with each other.)

    • @770WT
      @770WT 4 дні тому +3

      It's about his notorious personality versus Whispering Biden. Enough people can't comprehend public policy talk so they go with personality.

    • @zackamania6534
      @zackamania6534 4 дні тому

      It’s overblown BS

    • @rjScubaSki
      @rjScubaSki 4 дні тому

      @@zackamania6534 It does seem incredibly unlikely

  • @urkiddingme6254
    @urkiddingme6254 4 дні тому +9

    Great discussion. And Sarah, you're one of the best interviewers - very interactive and stimulating but without dominating the conversation. You bring out the best in your guests.

  • @laurabealmear9293
    @laurabealmear9293 4 дні тому +56

    No it doesn’t, they have NO POLICY PLATFORM, just hate

    • @saturday1066
      @saturday1066 4 дні тому

      that is - apparently - enough for 70million people.
      70million people LIKE dirty air/water, LIKE higher effective taxes, LIKE cripplying healthcare costs ... because they LIKE punching down (pick your "other" group to punch)

  • @TPaine76
    @TPaine76 4 дні тому +10

    Hadn’t heard much about Issac Arnsdorf before this but he is a spectacular guest! He has great insights about voters’ complicated motivations and never once speaks of them in a denigrating way. Would be cool to have him return for possible future episodes!

  • @minderbean
    @minderbean 4 дні тому +17

    This podcast makes me wonder if I have a psychological issue with enjoying pain. This is a painful podcast, yet I love it. Maybe it’s just Sarah's personality that keeps me coming back for more, cuz the voters are bonkers. 🤪

    • @randibgood
      @randibgood 4 дні тому +8

      I am weirdly fascinated by the alternative facts universe most of the focus group participants dwell in. Though, very often, I want to reach through and shake them REALLY HARD to see if they can realize they are in CULT45 and have been CONNED for the last decade.

    • @Everywhere2
      @Everywhere2 4 дні тому +2

      Sarah conveys insights I'd find too painful to acquire in person.

    • @user-st7qh2bn3j
      @user-st7qh2bn3j 4 дні тому +4

      You can’t fight the enemy without knowing the enemy. And it’s not wise to underestimate the opposition.

  • @harryagrotis326
    @harryagrotis326 4 дні тому +19

    I actually agree with that statement 100%. How else could they keep on playing the victim keep complaining and keep on grifting?????

  • @andreiiliepopescu6393
    @andreiiliepopescu6393 4 дні тому +37

    I love this podcast. Very enlightening about US politics.

  • @jameslewis8227
    @jameslewis8227 4 дні тому +6

    It’s remarkable to hear so many Trump supporters in these focus groups express so much confidence in their own abjectly and objectively misinformed or ignorant points of view.

    • @andrewmastin4312
      @andrewmastin4312 4 дні тому +1

      It’s the Dunning-Kruger Effect personified. The more wrong they are, the more confidently they believe that they’re right.

  • @nancychandler3673
    @nancychandler3673 4 дні тому +27

    Trump just lost the swing votes in Milwaukee and the suburbs. Vote 💙

    • @James-hd4ms
      @James-hd4ms 4 дні тому +7

      Milwaukee is very nice, btw.

    • @oleladywho
      @oleladywho 4 дні тому +8

      🤞🤞🤞 I hope he keeps spewing his word salad meanness in a lot more States !!!

    • @Trying911
      @Trying911 4 дні тому +1

      if only the polls were better for Biden in Michigan

    • @nancychandler3673
      @nancychandler3673 4 дні тому +4

      As of May 2024, Biden is leading in the Michigan polls.

    • @Northcountry1926
      @Northcountry1926 4 дні тому +3

      And he SHOULD Lose !

  • @squerry
    @squerry 4 дні тому +11

    I knew these Trump voters were over the top, but listening to their actual voices, I am gobsmacked by how delusional they are.

    • @guitrr
      @guitrr 2 дні тому

      Their stupidity is mind blowing. Scary to think they walk among us

  • @alayneclancy7545
    @alayneclancy7545 4 дні тому +27

    A lot of thruth is said in jest. Trump is not joking.

    • @joanfregapane8683
      @joanfregapane8683 4 дні тому +3

      Exactly! He did seem to be joking but DT has no sense of humor.

    • @RawMilkLover
      @RawMilkLover 4 дні тому +2

      He does not even try to make it sound like a joke. I don't think his followers can hear it any other way. This is how they justify their support of him.

    • @trishnace2253
      @trishnace2253 4 дні тому +1

      Yep I call it joking/not joking

  • @Tony-dk1bp
    @Tony-dk1bp 4 дні тому +23

    It is incredible to listen to these people. It is impossible to conclude they are rational.

  • @elaineisabelle427
    @elaineisabelle427 4 дні тому +17

    Thank you Sarah and Issac, great show.

  • @JohnDowson100
    @JohnDowson100 4 дні тому +26

    What I find amusing is how the Bulkward ppl, especially Tim Miller and Sarah Longwell who are LGBT+, always look nostalgically at Regan like some sort of Saint.. hemm.. guys... Regan was the beginning of that downward spiral for the GOP you bemoan so much.. and he was a monster 😅, he was not your friend.

    • @randibgood
      @randibgood 4 дні тому +12

      Absolutely! Just ask Ronnie, Reagan's gay son. Reagan was so destructive to this country, as a whole. The trickle down that was actually a firehouse to the top, and caused the vast wealth disparity we have now. His war on education has paid off well for the republiCON party, I have to admit. He is largely responsible for much of the homelessness we have now.

    • @JohnDowson100
      @JohnDowson100 4 дні тому +6

      ​@randibgood Not to mention the "Look pretty and do as little as possible" to the HIV task force.. and yet Tim and Sarah speak adoringly of his administration. Deluded fools or jaded cynics?

    • @James-hd4ms
      @James-hd4ms 4 дні тому +2

      @@JohnDowson100Republican fools

  • @happygrandma2732
    @happygrandma2732 4 дні тому +16

    Drumph's magas scare me more than he does.

  • @andreaperry938
    @andreaperry938 4 дні тому +8

    I'm sure it's hard to leave a cult but these people are dangerous. It's all the lying.

  • @cpa2132
    @cpa2132 4 дні тому +16

    it's to the point that I just hate hearing trump fans talking

    • @gentleken7864
      @gentleken7864 3 дні тому

      I know. They're still on with 'the election was stolen' or 'the Biden crime family' or 'trump would drain the swamp' or 'inflation is high because of Biden'. All these wrong-headed talking points are from Fox and awful media like that. Talking points that are easily proven wrong. I don't think it can be overstated just how much lasting damage electing trump as president in 2016 has done for America both nationally and globally. And he's still knocking around, given all the awful provable stuff he's done.

  • @boondoggle4820
    @boondoggle4820 4 дні тому +11

    The frustrating thing is that some of these MAGA folks won’t actually defend their positions, like the candidate in North Carolina. Their voters just see some overall opposition to political correctness which they support, but if you pin them down on the actual positions they’ll just deny it or say that the person who said it doesn’t really mean it but is just opposing wokeness or whatever.

    • @nicklazzaro5055
      @nicklazzaro5055 3 дні тому +1

      agreed... not a real platform at all and just used to disguise hate for others who are not like them.

  • @rochcarothers-ts3jx
    @rochcarothers-ts3jx 4 дні тому +17

    MAGA Conservative is UNSUSTAINABLE,#2,Trump is a DIVERSION-- not well replaceable,#3,still tough times :(

  • @RayKosby
    @RayKosby 4 дні тому +7

    I would like to know why that voter thought Michael Flynn got burned. Why is he a victim?

  • @vmaxwell
    @vmaxwell 4 дні тому +18

    Come on Sarah. Trump does not seem moderate, ever!

    • @Trying911
      @Trying911 4 дні тому +2

      he codes secular on social issues despite rolling over for the Christian Right. In foreign policy he comes off extreme while his policies actually drag the GOP to the dovish center (compared to Bush Jr.).

    • @Everywhere2
      @Everywhere2 4 дні тому +5

      She's saying he sits between two groups, the extremists he meant to attract and the more extreme extremists he now has to attract. The more extreme extremists view him as moderate.

  • @janiemunson9729
    @janiemunson9729 4 дні тому +5

    What Isaac has done is to shed light on the fact that this MAGA is not going away, despite what happens to Trump. What is terrifying is that these voters do not understand that Trump’s hidden agenda is autocracy, and the MAGA voters are just as vulnerable as the rest of us.

    • @msvulcanspock
      @msvulcanspock 4 дні тому +1

      This is a really important insight. If we build on this understanding then we will be able to engage and work together.
      They are terribly vulnerable to Trump's amygdala hijacks of fight, flight, freeze or fawn. Biologically your pre frontal cortex closes down. It means that you can not think.
      A sad reality is that 60% of Americans are reading and writing at a 6th Grade level level meaning they never developed from concrete thinking to abstract thinking. They have not been taught critical thinking.

  • @jessticulatewildly
    @jessticulatewildly 4 дні тому +6

    "...the gremlins he created when he threw water on the Republican party." 🤣🤣🤣

  • @charliesimar7541
    @charliesimar7541 4 дні тому +18

    15:06 - sounds like a mob looking for a boss, or a rabble seeking a rouser.

  • @howardhamaker2708
    @howardhamaker2708 4 дні тому +16

    Sarah Longwell the "MAGA Whisperer"

    • @msvulcanspock
      @msvulcanspock 4 дні тому +1

      Sarah Longwell is totally brilliant! ❤❤❤

  • @dlcs1406
    @dlcs1406 4 дні тому +4

    Ignorance is not bliss, it's dangerous!

  • @Dragonwing5036
    @Dragonwing5036 4 дні тому +6

    These pods make me so sad for our future. Some of my fellow Americans aren’t friends with the truth.
    Who is the petulant child here? And morals?

  • @stevegore9723
    @stevegore9723 4 дні тому +6

    I'm not sure why Trump keeps getting referred to as a Republican. Does anyone remember that interview clip from years back where Trump was asked that if he ran from President, which party would he run for? His reply was the Republicans because they were stupid (or something like that). I think the guy is apolitical. He has no values beyond, "What's in it for me?" so he could easily align with any political/economic ideology as long as it benefits him

    • @Trying911
      @Trying911 День тому

      while political parties had become more ideological, their nature is to just gobble up as many votes as they can. Trump is a Republican b/c he ran for and won the Republican nomination for President.

  • @maryinsanfrancisco
    @maryinsanfrancisco 4 дні тому +7

    I'm sorry, but I can't take people who think Trump is an innocent victim seriously. I also can't take people who swallowed the Big Lie seriously. I can feel bad for them but I have grown weary of willful ignorance. IDK, maybe it's not willful. That makes me feel even worse for them but it does nothing to ease my exasperation. And hey, living in a Democratic society means you will have to compromise sometimes. Compromise sucks and I have grown weary of it myself but that's how it works when you have a diverse society.

    • @msvulcanspock
      @msvulcanspock 4 дні тому

      They are projecting their despair on to Trump. He is exploiting them.
      60% of Americans are reading and writing at a 6th Grade level this means that they haven't progressed from concrete to abstract thinking. They do not know who Murdoch is or what he is doing and owns.
      Fox uses amygdala hijacks, this means that they engage in fight, flight, freeze or fawn. That means that biologically they are not capable of thinking whilst in those states.

  • @deerobins9086
    @deerobins9086 4 дні тому +2

    Great programme today. Please keep fighting for America and democracy. A follower from the UK. 💙💙💙

  • @jimcusack433
    @jimcusack433 4 дні тому +5

    Brilliant - Simon Rosenberg said a few weeks ago Trump would make more mistakes and he did re. Milwaukee

  • @drewdallas808
    @drewdallas808 4 дні тому +9

    You create gremlins by feeding a mogwai after midnight. Water just multiplies either mogwai or gremlins 🙃

    • @Trying911
      @Trying911 4 дні тому +3

      where’s Gremlins 3: Gremlins on Air Force One ?

    • @Trying911
      @Trying911 День тому +1

      maybe he was saying the GOP was already filled w gremlins, and the water caused them to multiply

  • @elephant_888
    @elephant_888 4 дні тому +5

    I really love the deep and intelligent perspectives and the ability to hear other people’s voices and thought processes [ in a distilled form ]. Thank you for having these important conversations. 🇺🇸

  • @carneades4409
    @carneades4409 4 дні тому +6

    Thanks, Sarah, the focus group podcast is my favorite thing that you do. It's just really interesting to hear from all the wide variety of groups that you talk to.

  • @pafie3425
    @pafie3425 4 дні тому +4

    There’s one main thing we didn’t have in 2020. We actually have a human being in the White House that won’t hesitate to bring in the national guard.

    • @tflg3257
      @tflg3257 3 дні тому

      @pafie3425
      Cadaver Joe.

  • @nanad4755
    @nanad4755 4 дні тому +7

    I would love to see a Trump-Biden debate but I don't think it will happen.

  • @CatieGorga
    @CatieGorga 4 дні тому +7

    37:00 re: lonliness...I am lonely, too. Doesn't make me want to vote for a facsist, a rapist, and a criminal.

  • @maurachapman4179
    @maurachapman4179 4 дні тому +5

    Greg Abbotts cruelty is only outmatched by Hitlers ground game.

  • @buntyjoy1800
    @buntyjoy1800 4 дні тому +5

    “The left are like petulant children” 😂😂😂 She’s seen Trump right?

    • @andrewmastin4312
      @andrewmastin4312 4 дні тому +1

      She hasn’t truly seen him. She’s only seen him through the filter of what she desperately wants to believe about him.

  • @madisonjefferson9
    @madisonjefferson9 4 дні тому +5

    23:49 it’s like once you finally break up with that toxic boyfriend or girlfriend you look back at all the red flags that you ignored in the beginning, and you’re like wow I should’ve never dated this person.

  • @MonicaLea
    @MonicaLea 4 дні тому +10

    48:29 A lot of us aren't just worried, we are freaking terrified! I am a queer woman and an election worker, I know exactly which people would love to see me up against the wall.

  • @bluesdjben
    @bluesdjben 4 дні тому +4

    It's weird to think that I actually probably would be a swing voter if the Republican Party ever goes back to running reasonable candidates. I have enough things I like and dislike about both parties that it comes down to which candidate is more reasonable and does either candidate have a disqualifying position on one of the handful of issues I care most about. I've just never felt like a swing voter because before 2016 I was solidly in the Republican camp, and since 2016 I've been solidly in the never Trump camp. 2016 was the only year where I felt like a swing voter because I ended up abstaining since I didn't like either candidate and I was in a deep blue state where I knew my vote wouldn't affect the outcome (if I'd lived in a swing state I would have voted for Clinton.)

  • @elaineisabelle427
    @elaineisabelle427 4 дні тому +5

    You can't have hatred without the redhat.

  • @travcat756
    @travcat756 4 дні тому +9

    Selling my own soul wouldn't buy me a cup of coffee

  • @hotrod3383
    @hotrod3383 4 дні тому +4

    Don't believe the black thing...We hate that crap he put out about us. Not cool that he thinks that about us... But... That's who he is... We know who he is.

  • @twilfits
    @twilfits 4 дні тому +4

    Thank you. And now I'm more depressed. Truth hurts.

  • @richardvickrey4786
    @richardvickrey4786 4 дні тому +4

    This is SUCH a smart episode! The Bulwark does great work. And forgive me for fawning, but Sarah, you are my dream date! Don't worry. Like you, I'm GAY. 💙

  • @onlykarlhenning
    @onlykarlhenning 4 дні тому +6

    Good show!

  • @freemanmanfree5719
    @freemanmanfree5719 3 дні тому +1

    "Admitting you're wrong is so hard..."
    True for some, easy to admit for others.
    It's a learned behavior. I was taught to recognize and acknowledge errors and learn from them.i don't have to lie to prove a point or support my positions.

    • @urkiddingme6254
      @urkiddingme6254 3 дні тому

      Agree. It's easier after you realize the sky doesn't fall, and you just go forward. Maybe make new friends who also learned from their mistakes.

  • @RayKosby
    @RayKosby 4 дні тому +3

    The voter who said he thinks "they'll" give Trump a lighter sentence to prevent a riot doesn't understand there is no capitulation that will make the voters who would riot satisfied other than giving them control. If we get out of this with our country in tact, it best be without bending the law to satisfy the Trump supporters.

  • @user-ge3qz2md1t
    @user-ge3qz2md1t 4 дні тому +1

    I am a Canadian who loves your show and the way you use the focus groups to enlighten your viewers/listeners. Fascinating to have insight into how the Maga people rationalize their opinions and beliefs. Definitely a Cult.

  • @elainedaprano9130
    @elainedaprano9130 4 дні тому +6

    Wow. Those people are HATERS

  • @PaulBatch
    @PaulBatch 4 дні тому +3

    Great episode

    • @EnglishAbundance
      @EnglishAbundance 4 дні тому

      Such a good episode! So informative and thought provoking. A classic.

  • @EricSmith-wt2qu
    @EricSmith-wt2qu 4 дні тому +2

    Electing Trump would mean electing all of Trump's plan not just the part some voters agree with.

  • @robinriebsomer4607
    @robinriebsomer4607 4 дні тому +3

    It never ceases to amaze me how younger generations insert the word "like" a lot in their conversations. People used to stop doing that after they left their adolescence "it also like" etc. I wonder if Toast Masters has started addressing this. Otherwise I love how y'all are encouraging Republicans to not vote for the MAGA insanity. Have you talked about 2025 yet? If not, please do!!!

    • @AM-fs1je
      @AM-fs1je 2 дні тому

      Omg, now I'm counting the "like"s.

  • @TheMeganbibler
    @TheMeganbibler 3 дні тому +1

    I seriously can’t with the base voters. They’re not great humans.

  • @jerihasenohrl3950
    @jerihasenohrl3950 4 дні тому +4

    ❤ Loved this Podcast

  • @johnwilliams9244
    @johnwilliams9244 3 дні тому

    Thank you for this conversation.

  • @idaslapter5987
    @idaslapter5987 4 дні тому +2

    Thanks again for scaring the crap out of me.

  • @Everywhere2
    @Everywhere2 4 дні тому +2

    Very, very insightful. (And I miss Charlie, too. Hi, Charlie!)

  • @nonewherelistens1906
    @nonewherelistens1906 День тому

    Really good program. Lots of insight into the Trump and Moderate Republican voter mindsets.

  • @pauladufour7594
    @pauladufour7594 4 дні тому +1

    Sarah your question about the polls I think was answered by a conversation on the podcast White Flag between Joe Walsh and Mike Madrid, discussing Madrid's new book, "The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority is Transforming Democracy." Madrid is focused on the demographic transformation and men. Towards the end of the podcast Madrid brings it all home and explains the polls in a way that makes sense to me.

  • @gleebranham5091
    @gleebranham5091 4 дні тому +2

    Amazing... of all the crazy, ignorant, insanity these ppl reach for to justify themselves... not one ever came close to the possibility that not THE ENTIRE WORLD was simply against them. No thought of them being wrong.

  • @jamesNKYI3806
    @jamesNKYI3806 4 дні тому +3

    Trump was and still is manufactured by corporate media. I was sickened when every news network, MSNBC, CNN, Fox news broadcasted Trump's rallies throughout 2016 campaign. He recieved free advertisements 24/7. To the media it is not about the truth, its about ratings and money.

    • @andrewmastin4312
      @andrewmastin4312 4 дні тому

      A large number of voters saw and still see Trump as the person he was portrayed as on “The Apprentice.” That carefully-crafted persona was a complete fiction created by the producers of the show and promoted by NBC.

  • @drawnhere
    @drawnhere 2 дні тому

    The point was made about Trump using humor to inoculate people against his obvious danger to the country. God forbid the mainstream media ever mentioned this. Thank God for shows like yours. Keep up the great work guys.

  • @user-pd5qz2vt2c
    @user-pd5qz2vt2c 4 дні тому +2

    The republican party is like a dog that has a nice shiny coat of fur, but whenever you touch it, the fleas jump out and bite you.

  • @peacebewithyou4838
    @peacebewithyou4838 4 дні тому +2

    I think the republicans have left the Reagan party and prefer the new party. If you want to make a difference you need to speak to republicans. If you can convince the Reagan republicans to vote for their families best interest, then the democrats will win.

  • @cherylgibson7038
    @cherylgibson7038 4 дні тому

    Very interesting conversation. I appreciate interesting conversations. Thank you for sharing it!

  • @ssaylor
    @ssaylor 4 дні тому +2

    So I have more of a process question. Is there follow-up with these group members to understand what they mean? I guess I don't understand their worldview and I don't get what they mean when they say "I just think we need a whole new structure", like, describe the structure you're picturing and how you think we get there. "Reagan Republican era ...It doesn't seem as one-minded, right minded." How do mean right-minded? What are the policies and governing temperament that Trump brings to the table that you see as Reagan Republincanesque?

  • @carolcarson7749
    @carolcarson7749 4 дні тому +4

    KARMA, KARMA, KARMA FOR TRUMP. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

    • @Trying911
      @Trying911 4 дні тому

      Trump IS karma for the GOP embracing christian nationalism for 40+ years to get their wars and tax cuts

  • @IMeMineWho
    @IMeMineWho 4 дні тому +2

    Nope. Sarah is wrong. They get the doubleentrendre about not caring for them. They are just too afraid of leaving their tribe. Adam Kinzinger was right about that 1.

  • @terryarmstrong8598
    @terryarmstrong8598 4 дні тому +3

    It was only a matter of moments before one of the MAGAs brought up Greg Abbott as a good guy. Ugh.

  • @Everywhere2
    @Everywhere2 4 дні тому +2

    Trump as the "velociraptor who learned to use doorknobs" is as insightful as it is funny. Funny-sad. Funny-scary.

  • @elaineisabelle427
    @elaineisabelle427 4 дні тому +3

    Sarah, plz stop giving them pointers. We can't let these vile group win.

  • @liviadix1433
    @liviadix1433 4 дні тому +3

    I find it difficult to listen to. You all seem to have forgotten that he tried to overthrow the government .
    I cannot get over that.

  • @nancybeckett2136
    @nancybeckett2136 3 дні тому

    Great conversation/information 💙💙💙

  • @OldSchoolSk8ermatt
    @OldSchoolSk8ermatt 4 дні тому +2

    When you say “what are made thinking?”
    You have always made a mistake by using the word “think”

  • @chrystya
    @chrystya 4 дні тому

    Love the focus group explanations

  • @revfulbright
    @revfulbright 4 дні тому +3

    Saturday morning terror time! Sarah, I'm bunkering with you if Trump wins...😅