In this special pre-mid terms Lowdown podcast, Nick Cohen talks to legendary Never Trump commentator and podcaster Charle Sykes about corrupt U.S. president Donald Trump and his greedy, grifting family and its potential impact on the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. Charlie and Nick discuss how Trump’s financial scandals had become blatant and easily understandable to the public, contrasting this with more complex political corruption in Europe. Charlie observes how U.S. voters appear to be increasingly sensitive to this corruption as their own economic circumstances worsened, and he highlights a recent Fox News poll showing corruption as a top voter concern. Charlie argues that Trump had co-opted the Department of Justice, benefited from broad Supreme Court immunity, and used extensive pardon power to protect loyalists, creating a lawless environment. Nick and Charlie discuss the possibility of a Democratic victory in the midterms as a critical check on Trump’s power, while also acknowledging the risks of a weakened president and the potential for him to challenge election results. Their chat also touches on the role of wealthy donors like Elon Musk, the perceived failure of media and institutions to hold Trump accountable, and the internal dynamics of the Republican and Democratic parties.
Charlie Sykes @SykesCharlie is a leading highly respected United States conservative political commentator who was formerly editor-in-chief and founder of the highly influential website The Bulwark. Charlie has been a leading Never Trump Conservative since Trump stood for the presidency in 2015. Charlie's Substack - To the contrary is a must read, and his regular podcast - also called To the contrary - a must listen. He has also been a columnist and author for the progressive channel MSNBC.
Nick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond.
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