Trump’s gains among working-class voters of all races—according to exit polls, he won the majority of Latino men at 55 percent—represent the ongoing realignment of the Republican Party. What was once Reagan’s party of free trade, low taxes, and limited government seems to be shifting toward a multiracial working-class party that celebrates economic protectionism and credibly courts unions.
But what will this shift mean for the future of the party. . . and American politics?
Trump’s cabinet appointments so far don’t paint a clear picture. His nominee for secretary of state, Florida senator Marco Rubio, has some clear neoconservative instincts. But Trump also tapped as director of national intelligence former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who has thundered against the “neocon” influence on her new party.
So what is this new Republican Party? Is it still the party of Reagan? Is it still even a party of conservatism?
Here to discuss it all today are Sarah Isgur, Matthew Continetti, and Josh Hammer.
Sarah Isgur is a columnist for The Dispatch. She clerked for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and served as Justice Department spokeswoman during the first Trump administration. Matthew Continetti is a columnist at Commentary, founding editor of The Free Beacon, and author of a new book: The Right: The Hundred-Year War for American Conservatism. And Josh Hammer is senior editor at large at Newsweek and host of The Josh Hammer Show.
Today, they join Michael Moynihan to discuss Trump’s appointments, the significance of J.D. Vance, the roots of MAGA and where the movement fits into the history of the Republican Party, and the uncertain future of the American right.
And if you liked what you heard from Honestly, the best way to support us is to go to TheFP.com and become a Free Press subscriber today.
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Sarah is correct on the main takeaways from this election:
1) this was not a mandate for sweeping change. It was a rejection of incumbents like in every other western country.
2) people voted for normalcy and competency above all else.
3) that’s it. Don’t overreach.
I thought the podcast good, except for Sarah.
She seemed to be lecturing us all (which was out of touch with everyone else) and when she said (regarding Matt Gaetz), "You know, he's obviously been accused of doing illegal drugs with underage prostitutes..." I was truly sorry Michael did not call her on this. There is no such thing as underage prostitutes--it's sex trafficking or abuse. There's no agency. It's not the same as "doing drugs" or having paid sex with an adult. Yes, it's allegations but the dismissive wording undercut, to me, whatever Sarah's point/s might have been.