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DeepSummary
John Heilemann hosts Republican strategists Stuart Stevens and Tim Miller to discuss the Republican National Convention and Donald Trump's near-assassination attempt. They analyze Trump's subdued entrance at the convention, his selection of J.D. Vance as running mate, and whether he can present a more unifying persona.
Stevens believes Trump cannot fundamentally change, while Miller thinks Biden struggles to contrast himself effectively against Trump. They disagree on whether Democrats should replace Biden as the nominee due to his performance issues.
The conversation covers topics like Trump's branding, Biden's path to victory, party loyalty dynamics, and the impact of recent events on the candidates' perceived strengths and weaknesses in the presidential race.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Stevens believes Trump cannot fundamentally change his persona or behavior despite his near-assassination experience.
- Miller argues Biden struggles to effectively contrast himself against Trump and questions if Democrats should replace him.
- They disagree on whether Biden is on a viable path to victory against Trump.
- Trump's selection of J.D. Vance as running mate is seen by some as polarizing and inconsistent with a unifying tone.
- Recent events like the failed assassination attempt are seen as reinforcing existing narratives about the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate.
- There are divisions over whether Democrats should seek an alternative to Biden even at this late stage due to his performance issues.
- Concerns are raised about Biden's ability to prevent further damaging moments like his Atlanta debate performance.
Top Episodes Quotes
“I don't plan on having another force on that level.“ by Joe Biden
― Biden's response when asked about preventing another poor debate performance, highlighting concerns about his ability to be an effective candidate.“Donald Trump's not going to change. He can have different moods, he can have different moments, but Donald Trump's not going to change.“ by Stuart Stevens
― Stevens asserting his view that Trump will not significantly modify his persona or behavior despite recent events.“You know what I think any interview, I think any interview that a Trump, anyone in Trump's order gives has one audience. Well, that's Donald Trump.“ by Stuart Stevens
― Stevens suggesting Trump's aides merely pander to Trump himself rather than offering sincere analysis.
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Episode Information
Impolitic with John Heilemann
Audacy | Puck
7/16/24
John is joined by two veteran G.O.P. operatives turned #NeverTrump stalwarts—Mitt Romney's 2012 chief strategist, Stuart Stevens, and The Bulwark's Tim Miller—to discuss the opening night of the Republican National Convention and the extraordinary weekend that preceded it, when an assassin’s bullet nearly claimed Donald Trump’s life. Tim and Stuart assess Trump’s subdued entrance and rapturous reception in the convention hall, his choice of J.D. Vance as his running mate, and the possibility he might emerge as a less incendiary, more unifying figure (which they deem close to nil). And they offer dramatically divergent points of view on whether Democrats should dump or double down on Joe Biden.
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