I was unable to log into your discussion with Margaret Sullivan
Hello, I am a paid "prime" subscriber. I signed up for the talk with Steve Schmidt and Margaret Sullivan. I received no information on how to log into the podcast and was very disappointed. Although I do not use Facebook I would have hoped to have been provided a link to yesterday evening's discussion.
What scenario do you see as displacing Trump as the nominee?
After talking to several family members who are committed MAGA there appears to be nothing that will change their minds. They are unconcerned about his future power grab plans, his authoritarian impulses or indictments and possible convictions. They believe he is going to destroy the whole corrupt system. Facts mean nothing to these folks. If they come out to support Trump in the primaries I don't see a scenario where he is not the nominee. Your thoughts?
Future leaders
I'm an aging boomer (70) and am very concerned about the aging of many of the leaders, especially on the Dem side right now. I have been disappointed by Biden's lack of awareness and thus not showing the country a new group of young, moderate leaders are being prepared to take over and keep the country between the rails It just seems there are plenty of young, crazy repubs., and dems have all the oldsters walking around making no sense sometimes and fervently holding positions that should have been passed to a younger leaders 2 cycles ago. Your thoughts on this?
Electoral College
The Electoral College has been a major obstacle to American Democracy, and almost led to the end of our Constitutional Republic on Jan. 6, 2021. It still may in 2024. Do you see this anti-democratic mistake by the Founders being abolished or circumvented within the next 10 years—or ever?
Why no new conservative party?
Hi Steve. I’ve become blue in the face (no pun intended) asking others why sensible conservatives like Liz Cheney haven’t bailed on the now insane Republican party and formed a new conservative party. I have yet to receive a satisfactory explanation. It seems to me that there are millions of Never Trumpers who can’t bring themselves to vote for Biden either because he’s too liberal for them. Therefore, they feel have no real choice in the upcoming election and may just stay home, leaving the decision up to the most partisan of voters. An “old-school Republican” candidate would certainly draw mostly from the Trump vote, not Biden's, thereby ensuring Trump is not elected. Steve, I respect you as the most savvy politico there is, so please give me your take on this. Thanks!
Melania
What anti Trump ad is going to sway any voter now? You are with him or not at this point. I feel we need to remind Melania she will be a part of history that she probably doesn’t want to be a part of. No doubt she will be praising her husband when he is the nominee and probably convincing a few voters. If she stays totally out of the picture the less likely our democracy falls in my opinion. Am I wrong?
President Biden
Hi Steve! Joe Biden was, arguably, the most centrist candidate the dems could've run in '20. On top of that, not to sound superficial but, he's an old white man that is a practicing Catholic, from coal country, with a gorgeous (to me) blonde haired, blue eyed wife. Yet, with all of this, maga and their allies have painted him as some kind of hyper-liberal leftist...and I'm not even talking about MTG's unforced error, comparing him to FDR and LBJ. What would they do with a President Sanders or Warren? Do they know they're lying and just trying to muddy the water? President Biden is the best POTUS of my lifetime. I'm 54.
Can you explain the Republican party's rank hypocrisy?
As Trump spells out his plans for his fascist grab of power if he returns to office, why are the majority Republicans silent knowing full well that if Biden suggested such a power grab they would vigorously denounce him as a dictator?
Why is the far right ahead of us?
The fake elector scheme revealed a previously unrecognized (as far as I know) vulnerability in our political system. The Republicans were clever to try to exploit it, but patriots saw it for what it was and said no. Why are the far right strategists always ahead of us by a couple steps?
Subscriptions
Good morning. I just subscribed to the upgraded podcast but was really torn between upgrading that subscription or the newsletter. I can't afford the Lifetime membership right now. Will you ever have another combination upgrade for both platforms? Thank you for your wisdom, insight, time, and effort.
The Listening Public's Amazing Reaction to Your Interview with David Pakman
Just a brief comment to share with you regarding the effusive and 100% positive reaction to your interview with David Pakman. There did not appear a single negative let alone a neutral comment. After reading through 150 comments, I was shocked, but not surprised. I, like so many others, eagerly look forward to your appearances. Mr. Schmidt, you are in a league by yourself. I have never known a better-liked and respected commentator -- Republican or Democrat (except Bob Strauss, perhaps). Thank you for your many contributions to American political discourse.
Minnesota, land of progressive policy
Compare and contrast Minnesota and her amazing legislative session to other Midwest states suffering from rights being stripped of their citizens? I am a Minnesotan, and issues I have for decades advocated for (abortion rights, reasonable gun safety, strong education funding, adult recreational cannabis, and the list goes on… infrastructure, climate, water safety ….) have seen good legislation pass and become law this session (DFL majority trifecta and a mandate from voters to make policy of course) Thanks Steve, for your continued voice in the wilderness of disinformation. I love the history you provide and the perspective that gives me for the current day. Marti Priest Hopkins, MN