I'm glad you wrote about the meeting at the WH with Mayor Zohran Mamdani,it didn't feel right to me. DonOld doesn't give praise to just anyone, he's always calculating how he can use a person to his advantage. He's definitely got an agenda her. You're right on point about MTG, thought she's not done yet, she's addicted to the Spotlight and won't stray far from it,in my opinion. Fantastic article this evening, Jack,TGIF and will reStack ASAP 🙏
Your instincts are working exactly the way they should.
That Mamdani meeting wasn’t normal...and you’re right...DonOld doesn’t hand out praise unless he’s testing...grooming...or positioning someone...for later use. With him...every “compliment"... is either a leash...or a down payment.
My read:
He’s either trying to neutralize Mamdani… or weaponize him. Either way...it’s not random...and...it’s not harmless.
And on MTG...I agree with you 100%. She’s not done. People that addicted to the spotlight don’t retire...they just change stages.
The resignation is a move...not an exit. She’ll reappear where the cameras are hotter...and the rules are looser.
Thank you for reading so closely...and for the reStack...that’s the kind of signal boosting that actually moves this work out into the world!
I think you’re spot on in your assessment of the reason for MTG’s resignation. I’m just as interested in the mechanism: was she threatened or paid off?
(By the way...why I thought there'd be no breaking news to write about until Sunday...lol...I have no idea)
Everyone is focused on WHY she resigned...but the real story is always how you get someone like MTG to fold. People with that level of ego and attention addiction...
don’t step off the stage without outside pressure.
Was it a threat?
A payoff?
Career leverage from someone higher up the food chain?
I don’t think we’ll know the exact mechanism...yet...but whatever it was...it came from people who wanted her gone...NOW... not later. And that tells us more about the power struggle...than the resignation itself.
Fwiw, I think this MTG stuff is primarily about the Epstein files. If I'm not mistaken, MTG was the first female to sign the discharge petition. I know that she was front and center with Reps. Khanna and Massie (and the survivors). That was a big kick in the kahunas to trump.
MTG was one of the few repubs from the House that spoke out about the premium tax credits. When she talked about them, she personalized it because her adult children's costs were either doubling or tripling. That didn't win her any brownie points with the House power structure.
So, was she threatened or paid off? I think both. She admitted on the Sunday news shows last weekend that she's receiving death threats, and has been swatted. Maybe the Repub hierarchy in the House and Senate just wanted her gone - one way or another. She knows where the bodies are buried, and has been inching closer to the line of giving the public all that info.
I think she's going to continue working with the survivors of J. Epstein (and their attorneys). It makes sense with her "battered wife" comment. As much of a pitbull as she is when she has her teeth into an issue, I think she'll actually do some great things.
Powerful breakdown, Chris...and I’m with you on the pressure campaign.
When somebody’s been in the room...seen the machinery up close...and then suddenly pivots after taking a swing at the power structure...that’s usually not “organic evolution.” That’s coercion...leverage...or protection.
What I’m watching now...is who she aligns with next...and how public she gets with what she knows. If she keeps leaning into the survivors’ side...and stays anywhere near those disclosures...she stops being a problem for Trump...and becomes a threat to the entire network that benefited from the silence.
Her “battered wife” comment tells you she’s not just politically distancing...she feels personally betrayed. That combination (knowing where bodies are buried + emotional motivation + public platform) is historically when...people flip in a way that actually matters.
If she really goes down that road...things could get loud. Fast. Fingers crossed.
As you pointed out in a previous post, she was definitely on the cusp of a breakaway movement which has now been neutralized. Maybe she was shown an Epstein bed sheet.
Exactly, Frank. She was right on the edge of breaking formation...and building her own power structure...separate from Trump...separate from the establishment...and aligned with a set of issues (Epstein files, premium credits, survivor advocacy) that could have blown the roof off the GOP’s internal hierarchy.
That kind of independent momentum doesn’t get ignored...it gets contained.
Whether the leverage was financial...personal...or security-related...the result is the same: she’s been pulled back into the fold...long enough to keep the machinery intact...and avoid a public split.
What I’m watching now is whether this is a true retreat…
...or a temporary survival tactic...while she figures out how to hit back.
Jack, apologies for abruptly changing the subject but what do you make of the incredible shitshow unfolding on the 28 point “peace plan” which now appears to not have originated from US diplomatic efforts but simply a Russian “wish list” packaged as an ultimatum by Trump and cheerleading by Vance and now the State Department and Senators contradicting each other on what the real story is. Here’s the latest: https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-peace-plan-security-confernece-halifax-senators-6041a181cbe0de6498e1043d9a982f4b
IMO MTG resigned because of safety issues and threats against her and her family. You can't even have a slight startle of clarity and remain maga. It's all in or nothing at all. On Mamdani --- T likes to be where the excitement is. Mamdani is a brilliant, charming, political leader and operative. I recall prior to the mayoral election, T saying...no one can beat him. New Yorkers hate T - that gets under his skin. He wants Mamdani to help redeem himself in NYC and who knows whatever else. Looks like T put on his best charming face to host NY in the Oval today.
Really thoughtful take, Leslie...and I agree that the safety threats...and nonstop intimidation campaigns are very real factors.
Nobody gets that close to crossing MAGA orthodoxy...without the full ecosystem applying pressure: security threats...donor pressure...party machinery...and the “we’ll ruin your life” whisper network. It’s always all-in or excommunicated, exactly like you said.
Where I push it a step further is this:
When someone is a potential liability to multiple power centers at once...Trump...House leadership...donors...and the Epstein-adjacent ecosystem...“safety” isn’t just a personal issue...it becomes a strategic tool.
It’s both the threat...AND...the justification.
On Mamdani...I see the same pattern.
Trump gravitates to whoever can restore his relevance...especially in arenas where he feels humiliated (NYC being at the top of that list). Mamdani gives him a chance at legitimacy-by-proximity...and Trump will contort himself into whatever shape he needs...to win that validation.
The question now is:
Does Mamdani think he can use Trump without being used?
Being a student of history, history says people VERY often overestimate their control...right before things go sideways.
I think that T will jump on the 'housing affordability' messaging and attempt, if he hasn't already, to build housing in NYC with the Mayor's blessing. Yes, he's after relevance and he wants to be accepted again in NYC. What a perfect opening for him to be the 'builder'. He'll play the social chameleon card. This would be a perfect way to use him w/o Mamdani being used.
Hoping that Mamdani sees the play and avoids being used. Or can leverage into something good for NY. But it was concerning to see him standing right by trump. Was very uncomfortable to watch. Both are charming and charismatic - I hope only one is evil. And I don’t believe Mamdani is but ugh - a lot of goose bumps after that visual.
I felt that same unease watching it, Tamie...because proximity isn’t neutral in a situation like this. Trump doesn’t stand next to people unless he intends to extract value...legitimacy...or cover. He does not.
And you’re right: charisma on both sides...is exactly what makes that dynamic dangerous.
To your point...the real question isn’t “Is Mamdani good or bad?”
It’s whether he understands the stakes...and refuses to be absorbed into Trump’s narrative machinery.
Because even if his intentions are clean...the ecosystem he just stepped int0... is NOT.
They don’t collaborate...they co-opt.
If he can flip that energy into something meaningful for NY...great.
But if he’s not extremely intentional about boundaries and leverage...that proximity turns into a liability...and fast.
A lot of people have thought they could “use Trump” on their way to something bigger.
I think you’re giving way too much credit to T. Yes, I T’s world view, people are either useful or disdained, but T is a snake and Mamdani is a charmer. T likes to be on the winning side, and is swayed by charming people. They are alike in that they both hold populist opinions, stay on a simple message, and have loyal followers. As for MTG, I think you called it- she’s been threatened, by some powerful people.
I hear you, Sara...and I’m not giving Trump credit so much as recognizing the structure he operates within.
He doesn’t need to be smart...disciplined...or strategic...for the machine around him to weaponize proximity for their own purposes. Half the time he’s just the vessel...not the architect.
You’re right ...that he gravitates toward charisma and “winners”...but that dynamic cuts both ways. Charismatic people close to Trump tend to get used as narrative trophies...even when he’s not consciously doing it.
Mamdani has a real base...real influence...and that’s exactly the kind of person the ecosystem tries to absorb and neutralize.
So yes...Mamdani might charm him.
But the machine will still try to frame that proximity...as validation...and that’s where the danger lies.
On MTG, totally agree:
Threats are often both the stick...AND... the silence-enforcement mechanism.
It’s not just about getting her to fold...it’s about making sure she doesn’t talk.
The real tell will be whether she fades into irrelevance…
...or resurfaces later ...with a different power center behind her.
My head is spinning, AND throbbing. So much to absorb and contemplate. I’ll cope by going to sleep and hopefully have no nightmares about the deepening crisis here in Jamaica where dispossessed people are starting to appear ad zombies and an outbreak of leptosperosis was announced today. God help us all
Audrey...that sounds overwhelming on multiple levels...and honestly...it makes sense that all of this is hitting at once. When you’re watching political instability here...and seeing real-world fallout where you are...the mind tries to connect every threat into one...giant... looming crisis. Totally human response.
Get some rest.
Your brain doesn’t need to solve every global problem at 2am.
Remember:
None of this is hopeless...and none of it is happening in isolation. What you’re seeing in Jamaica...economic displacement...public health failure...people falling through the cracks...is often exactly what power structures exploit...to tighten control. Naming it is part of staying oriented...not defeated.
I’m glad you’re here...and thinking deeply about all of this.
We need people who can hold multiple realities at once...and still give a damn.
When you sleep, Audrey...sleep well...no zombies...no outbreaks...no nightmares. Just rock solid...rest.
Ommg beloved Jack! I read yesterday, “The earthly man is a mortal god.” You prove that we all can rise to illumined heights. Thank you. Bless you. We are winning this!! #HoldFast
We'll see, is she still going to read names in the Epstein files on the floor of the house? If she does it's a clean and complete break, if she doesn't it will tell whether the threats were successful...
I’m betting that Mamdani was well prepared for his meeting with Trump. He conceded nothing and kept strictly on message. He used his quick-witted charm to outmaneuver Trump, who is always dazzled by stars and loves a long shot winner.
Will Trump still gaze at Mamdani as fondly tomorrow? Probably not. Stephen Miller will buttonhole Trump and turn him back against Mamdani first thing in the morning.
But Mamdani more than held his own. So far, I’d say the score is Mamdani 1, MAGA 0.
I'm with you on MTG's exit. I want to push a little on Mamdani, though.
Watching the video clips I saw of Mamdani and Trump in the Oval were...mind blowing to be sure. But I'm not convinced Trump was fully in control of himself or calculating in all the ways you laid out. Certainly your analysis would be 100% true for a different Trump...one not so cognitively and emotionally depleted. But this Trump has been emotionally battered by his party's "betrayal" on the Epstein files, by his recent polling, by his voters' rejection of his extremism, etc, and people are writing about narcissistic collapse.
Over on Meidas+, Ron Filipkowski wrote that "Trump has always recognized and fawned over star power," and I think there's something to that observation.
But what I observed was the optics of their press interview and the things Mamdani said.
First the optics. This was not a press interview in the Oval, with Trump and Mamdani sitting in front of the fireplace. There were no other administration officials in view of the cameras (that I saw anyway). There was no JD Vance sitting on the sidelines for potshots. And when the two men were in frame, Trump had invited Mamdani to stand next to him behind his desk. He didn't keep Mamdani seated on the other side of the desk as he did when the press entered the room to document his meeting with Schumer and Jeffries. Trump remained seated. Mamdani towered over him. It's a power dynamic I haven't seen aside from Elon Musk. And while Trump always seemed begrudgingly to be seated next to Elon, I didn't sense that reservation from Trump. Fawning seemed to be the right word for Filipkowski to land upon.
So why, I asked myself. And here's what I noticed about what Mamdani said. He pointed out that 1 in 10 of Trump's voters voted for him. That would land as flattery to Trump. He would perceive Mamdani as more aligned than Mamdani is. But Mamdani ingratiated himself while also saying, "I took them."
I noticed when Ari Melber interviewed Mamdani and asked him a series of rapid-fire questions, that Mamdani stays remarkably on message, all the while looking unflappable. And I think he did that with Trump, too. I think he's smart enough to graciously say, "Here's where we agree," and steely enough to hold firm on what separates them.
In contrast to Musk, Mamdani maintained controlled body language. His face remained fairly neutral, relaxed body posture, hands clasped in front of his body, careful hand gestures. Even when Trump made more Trumpy remarks, Mamdani didn't react. I don't think that was agreement or capitulation on Mamdani's part. He's in control of himself and confident.
One thing that still seems odd to me is that when a reporter asked Mamdani about his comments that Trump is a fascist, Trump preempted his response, turning toward Mamdani with a little pat on the arm saying something to the effect of, "Oh, you can call me whatever you want." Wouldn't a stronger Trump have said something more like, "He won't be calling me that again. He knows me better now." Instead, Trump looked like a 9th grade girl with a crush telling a boy he could call her whatever he wanted...as long as he liked her. Between the optics and that sound bite, Trump came across as submissive and fawning.
I came away thinking that Mamdani is good at this...this being navigating tough political waters. He came to Trump. Trump would have perceived him as a supplicant. Instead of pressing his case (Turn the volume up!) and alienating Trump, Mamdani charmed and flattered him while remaining firm about the things they disagree on...without naming those things in the press interview.
Anticipating a very different Oval Office outcome, the House lined up in advance of the meeting with a resolution condemning the evils of socialism, thinking they were supplying a kill shot that would irrevocably seal their 2026 midterms strategy. 86 Dems voted for the resolution, hoping to distance themselves from Mamdani and stay ahead of the midterms strategy. Instead, they look sort of foolish and, as you pointed out, Stefanick was set adrift.
I can't foresee where this meeting leaves either party. But I do think that as much as Trump may have an agenda for Mamdani, I think Mamdani has an agenda for Trump. And in this move, I think he took the upper hand by controlling the opening gambit. I truly don't think that Trump's flattery will validate Mamdani for MAGA. I suspect they're more likely to keep fracturing over it. It seems like more MAGA betrayal than validation.
It can easily be argued that Mamdani is just doing a face to face assessment with T to see for himself how to best leverage his position as mayor. He could easily be doing the same as other leaders (California governor, French president, etc) have done with T.
I also think the current GOP power shift is the beginning of the end of easy days for Dems. How many gotcha moments have they gloated about over the last 10 years only to be choked by theiir own shoelaces? With the same smooth mastery as Mr. Bean tending to the Mona Lisa, they were lobbed an easy clumsy monster to dispose of and instead fumbled and pit-a-patted their way into breeding a metastasized colossus. I still, foolishly perheps, believe those few pit bulls they have will miraculously find their teeth useful for something beside eating crow.
I'm glad you wrote about the meeting at the WH with Mayor Zohran Mamdani,it didn't feel right to me. DonOld doesn't give praise to just anyone, he's always calculating how he can use a person to his advantage. He's definitely got an agenda her. You're right on point about MTG, thought she's not done yet, she's addicted to the Spotlight and won't stray far from it,in my opinion. Fantastic article this evening, Jack,TGIF and will reStack ASAP 🙏
Love this, thank you, Karen.
Your instincts are working exactly the way they should.
That Mamdani meeting wasn’t normal...and you’re right...DonOld doesn’t hand out praise unless he’s testing...grooming...or positioning someone...for later use. With him...every “compliment"... is either a leash...or a down payment.
My read:
He’s either trying to neutralize Mamdani… or weaponize him. Either way...it’s not random...and...it’s not harmless.
And on MTG...I agree with you 100%. She’s not done. People that addicted to the spotlight don’t retire...they just change stages.
The resignation is a move...not an exit. She’ll reappear where the cameras are hotter...and the rules are looser.
Thank you for reading so closely...and for the reStack...that’s the kind of signal boosting that actually moves this work out into the world!
TGIF right back at you. More to come.
-Jack
I am afraid for Mamdani too. He needs to stay the hell away from tRump!
I think you’re spot on in your assessment of the reason for MTG’s resignation. I’m just as interested in the mechanism: was she threatened or paid off?
You’re asking the right question, Frank.
(By the way...why I thought there'd be no breaking news to write about until Sunday...lol...I have no idea)
Everyone is focused on WHY she resigned...but the real story is always how you get someone like MTG to fold. People with that level of ego and attention addiction...
don’t step off the stage without outside pressure.
Was it a threat?
A payoff?
Career leverage from someone higher up the food chain?
I don’t think we’ll know the exact mechanism...yet...but whatever it was...it came from people who wanted her gone...NOW... not later. And that tells us more about the power struggle...than the resignation itself.
-Jack
Fwiw, I think this MTG stuff is primarily about the Epstein files. If I'm not mistaken, MTG was the first female to sign the discharge petition. I know that she was front and center with Reps. Khanna and Massie (and the survivors). That was a big kick in the kahunas to trump.
MTG was one of the few repubs from the House that spoke out about the premium tax credits. When she talked about them, she personalized it because her adult children's costs were either doubling or tripling. That didn't win her any brownie points with the House power structure.
So, was she threatened or paid off? I think both. She admitted on the Sunday news shows last weekend that she's receiving death threats, and has been swatted. Maybe the Repub hierarchy in the House and Senate just wanted her gone - one way or another. She knows where the bodies are buried, and has been inching closer to the line of giving the public all that info.
I think she's going to continue working with the survivors of J. Epstein (and their attorneys). It makes sense with her "battered wife" comment. As much of a pitbull as she is when she has her teeth into an issue, I think she'll actually do some great things.
Powerful breakdown, Chris...and I’m with you on the pressure campaign.
When somebody’s been in the room...seen the machinery up close...and then suddenly pivots after taking a swing at the power structure...that’s usually not “organic evolution.” That’s coercion...leverage...or protection.
What I’m watching now...is who she aligns with next...and how public she gets with what she knows. If she keeps leaning into the survivors’ side...and stays anywhere near those disclosures...she stops being a problem for Trump...and becomes a threat to the entire network that benefited from the silence.
Her “battered wife” comment tells you she’s not just politically distancing...she feels personally betrayed. That combination (knowing where bodies are buried + emotional motivation + public platform) is historically when...people flip in a way that actually matters.
If she really goes down that road...things could get loud. Fast. Fingers crossed.
-Jack
As you pointed out in a previous post, she was definitely on the cusp of a breakaway movement which has now been neutralized. Maybe she was shown an Epstein bed sheet.
Exactly, Frank. She was right on the edge of breaking formation...and building her own power structure...separate from Trump...separate from the establishment...and aligned with a set of issues (Epstein files, premium credits, survivor advocacy) that could have blown the roof off the GOP’s internal hierarchy.
That kind of independent momentum doesn’t get ignored...it gets contained.
Whether the leverage was financial...personal...or security-related...the result is the same: she’s been pulled back into the fold...long enough to keep the machinery intact...and avoid a public split.
What I’m watching now is whether this is a true retreat…
...or a temporary survival tactic...while she figures out how to hit back.
-Jack
Jack, apologies for abruptly changing the subject but what do you make of the incredible shitshow unfolding on the 28 point “peace plan” which now appears to not have originated from US diplomatic efforts but simply a Russian “wish list” packaged as an ultimatum by Trump and cheerleading by Vance and now the State Department and Senators contradicting each other on what the real story is. Here’s the latest: https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-peace-plan-security-confernece-halifax-senators-6041a181cbe0de6498e1043d9a982f4b
https://open.substack.com/pub/aaronparnas/p/news-chaos-erupts-as-trump-and-vance?r=4pli7r&utm_medium=ios
https://open.substack.com/pub/shankarnarayan/p/merz-rallies-europe-against-the-chaos?r=4pli7r&utm_medium=ios
IMO MTG resigned because of safety issues and threats against her and her family. You can't even have a slight startle of clarity and remain maga. It's all in or nothing at all. On Mamdani --- T likes to be where the excitement is. Mamdani is a brilliant, charming, political leader and operative. I recall prior to the mayoral election, T saying...no one can beat him. New Yorkers hate T - that gets under his skin. He wants Mamdani to help redeem himself in NYC and who knows whatever else. Looks like T put on his best charming face to host NY in the Oval today.
Really thoughtful take, Leslie...and I agree that the safety threats...and nonstop intimidation campaigns are very real factors.
Nobody gets that close to crossing MAGA orthodoxy...without the full ecosystem applying pressure: security threats...donor pressure...party machinery...and the “we’ll ruin your life” whisper network. It’s always all-in or excommunicated, exactly like you said.
Where I push it a step further is this:
When someone is a potential liability to multiple power centers at once...Trump...House leadership...donors...and the Epstein-adjacent ecosystem...“safety” isn’t just a personal issue...it becomes a strategic tool.
It’s both the threat...AND...the justification.
On Mamdani...I see the same pattern.
Trump gravitates to whoever can restore his relevance...especially in arenas where he feels humiliated (NYC being at the top of that list). Mamdani gives him a chance at legitimacy-by-proximity...and Trump will contort himself into whatever shape he needs...to win that validation.
The question now is:
Does Mamdani think he can use Trump without being used?
Being a student of history, history says people VERY often overestimate their control...right before things go sideways.
-Jack
I think that T will jump on the 'housing affordability' messaging and attempt, if he hasn't already, to build housing in NYC with the Mayor's blessing. Yes, he's after relevance and he wants to be accepted again in NYC. What a perfect opening for him to be the 'builder'. He'll play the social chameleon card. This would be a perfect way to use him w/o Mamdani being used.
Hoping that Mamdani sees the play and avoids being used. Or can leverage into something good for NY. But it was concerning to see him standing right by trump. Was very uncomfortable to watch. Both are charming and charismatic - I hope only one is evil. And I don’t believe Mamdani is but ugh - a lot of goose bumps after that visual.
I felt that same unease watching it, Tamie...because proximity isn’t neutral in a situation like this. Trump doesn’t stand next to people unless he intends to extract value...legitimacy...or cover. He does not.
And you’re right: charisma on both sides...is exactly what makes that dynamic dangerous.
To your point...the real question isn’t “Is Mamdani good or bad?”
It’s whether he understands the stakes...and refuses to be absorbed into Trump’s narrative machinery.
Because even if his intentions are clean...the ecosystem he just stepped int0... is NOT.
They don’t collaborate...they co-opt.
If he can flip that energy into something meaningful for NY...great.
But if he’s not extremely intentional about boundaries and leverage...that proximity turns into a liability...and fast.
A lot of people have thought they could “use Trump” on their way to something bigger.
History hasn’t been kind to that theory.
-Jack
Have you sent your analysis directly to the mayor-elect? I think he is smart enough not to be taken in, but he may need your input 👹 #HandFast
I think you’re giving way too much credit to T. Yes, I T’s world view, people are either useful or disdained, but T is a snake and Mamdani is a charmer. T likes to be on the winning side, and is swayed by charming people. They are alike in that they both hold populist opinions, stay on a simple message, and have loyal followers. As for MTG, I think you called it- she’s been threatened, by some powerful people.
I hear you, Sara...and I’m not giving Trump credit so much as recognizing the structure he operates within.
He doesn’t need to be smart...disciplined...or strategic...for the machine around him to weaponize proximity for their own purposes. Half the time he’s just the vessel...not the architect.
You’re right ...that he gravitates toward charisma and “winners”...but that dynamic cuts both ways. Charismatic people close to Trump tend to get used as narrative trophies...even when he’s not consciously doing it.
Mamdani has a real base...real influence...and that’s exactly the kind of person the ecosystem tries to absorb and neutralize.
So yes...Mamdani might charm him.
But the machine will still try to frame that proximity...as validation...and that’s where the danger lies.
On MTG, totally agree:
Threats are often both the stick...AND... the silence-enforcement mechanism.
It’s not just about getting her to fold...it’s about making sure she doesn’t talk.
The real tell will be whether she fades into irrelevance…
...or resurfaces later ...with a different power center behind her.
-Jack
My head is spinning, AND throbbing. So much to absorb and contemplate. I’ll cope by going to sleep and hopefully have no nightmares about the deepening crisis here in Jamaica where dispossessed people are starting to appear ad zombies and an outbreak of leptosperosis was announced today. God help us all
Audrey...that sounds overwhelming on multiple levels...and honestly...it makes sense that all of this is hitting at once. When you’re watching political instability here...and seeing real-world fallout where you are...the mind tries to connect every threat into one...giant... looming crisis. Totally human response.
Get some rest.
Your brain doesn’t need to solve every global problem at 2am.
Remember:
None of this is hopeless...and none of it is happening in isolation. What you’re seeing in Jamaica...economic displacement...public health failure...people falling through the cracks...is often exactly what power structures exploit...to tighten control. Naming it is part of staying oriented...not defeated.
I’m glad you’re here...and thinking deeply about all of this.
We need people who can hold multiple realities at once...and still give a damn.
When you sleep, Audrey...sleep well...no zombies...no outbreaks...no nightmares. Just rock solid...rest.
-Jack
Ommg beloved Jack! I read yesterday, “The earthly man is a mortal god.” You prove that we all can rise to illumined heights. Thank you. Bless you. We are winning this!! #HoldFast
We'll see, is she still going to read names in the Epstein files on the floor of the house? If she does it's a clean and complete break, if she doesn't it will tell whether the threats were successful...
Women don't have a place in power in this movement. Look at Project 2025 and the stay-at-home mom.
And that may be why the repubs had to get rid of her.
I’m betting that Mamdani was well prepared for his meeting with Trump. He conceded nothing and kept strictly on message. He used his quick-witted charm to outmaneuver Trump, who is always dazzled by stars and loves a long shot winner.
Will Trump still gaze at Mamdani as fondly tomorrow? Probably not. Stephen Miller will buttonhole Trump and turn him back against Mamdani first thing in the morning.
But Mamdani more than held his own. So far, I’d say the score is Mamdani 1, MAGA 0.
I'm with you on MTG's exit. I want to push a little on Mamdani, though.
Watching the video clips I saw of Mamdani and Trump in the Oval were...mind blowing to be sure. But I'm not convinced Trump was fully in control of himself or calculating in all the ways you laid out. Certainly your analysis would be 100% true for a different Trump...one not so cognitively and emotionally depleted. But this Trump has been emotionally battered by his party's "betrayal" on the Epstein files, by his recent polling, by his voters' rejection of his extremism, etc, and people are writing about narcissistic collapse.
Over on Meidas+, Ron Filipkowski wrote that "Trump has always recognized and fawned over star power," and I think there's something to that observation.
But what I observed was the optics of their press interview and the things Mamdani said.
First the optics. This was not a press interview in the Oval, with Trump and Mamdani sitting in front of the fireplace. There were no other administration officials in view of the cameras (that I saw anyway). There was no JD Vance sitting on the sidelines for potshots. And when the two men were in frame, Trump had invited Mamdani to stand next to him behind his desk. He didn't keep Mamdani seated on the other side of the desk as he did when the press entered the room to document his meeting with Schumer and Jeffries. Trump remained seated. Mamdani towered over him. It's a power dynamic I haven't seen aside from Elon Musk. And while Trump always seemed begrudgingly to be seated next to Elon, I didn't sense that reservation from Trump. Fawning seemed to be the right word for Filipkowski to land upon.
So why, I asked myself. And here's what I noticed about what Mamdani said. He pointed out that 1 in 10 of Trump's voters voted for him. That would land as flattery to Trump. He would perceive Mamdani as more aligned than Mamdani is. But Mamdani ingratiated himself while also saying, "I took them."
I noticed when Ari Melber interviewed Mamdani and asked him a series of rapid-fire questions, that Mamdani stays remarkably on message, all the while looking unflappable. And I think he did that with Trump, too. I think he's smart enough to graciously say, "Here's where we agree," and steely enough to hold firm on what separates them.
In contrast to Musk, Mamdani maintained controlled body language. His face remained fairly neutral, relaxed body posture, hands clasped in front of his body, careful hand gestures. Even when Trump made more Trumpy remarks, Mamdani didn't react. I don't think that was agreement or capitulation on Mamdani's part. He's in control of himself and confident.
One thing that still seems odd to me is that when a reporter asked Mamdani about his comments that Trump is a fascist, Trump preempted his response, turning toward Mamdani with a little pat on the arm saying something to the effect of, "Oh, you can call me whatever you want." Wouldn't a stronger Trump have said something more like, "He won't be calling me that again. He knows me better now." Instead, Trump looked like a 9th grade girl with a crush telling a boy he could call her whatever he wanted...as long as he liked her. Between the optics and that sound bite, Trump came across as submissive and fawning.
I came away thinking that Mamdani is good at this...this being navigating tough political waters. He came to Trump. Trump would have perceived him as a supplicant. Instead of pressing his case (Turn the volume up!) and alienating Trump, Mamdani charmed and flattered him while remaining firm about the things they disagree on...without naming those things in the press interview.
Anticipating a very different Oval Office outcome, the House lined up in advance of the meeting with a resolution condemning the evils of socialism, thinking they were supplying a kill shot that would irrevocably seal their 2026 midterms strategy. 86 Dems voted for the resolution, hoping to distance themselves from Mamdani and stay ahead of the midterms strategy. Instead, they look sort of foolish and, as you pointed out, Stefanick was set adrift.
I can't foresee where this meeting leaves either party. But I do think that as much as Trump may have an agenda for Mamdani, I think Mamdani has an agenda for Trump. And in this move, I think he took the upper hand by controlling the opening gambit. I truly don't think that Trump's flattery will validate Mamdani for MAGA. I suspect they're more likely to keep fracturing over it. It seems like more MAGA betrayal than validation.
Curiouser and curiouser.
Great observations there Julie! I think 🍊💩 wanted a ride on Mamdani’s coattails, even if just for a short time.
It can easily be argued that Mamdani is just doing a face to face assessment with T to see for himself how to best leverage his position as mayor. He could easily be doing the same as other leaders (California governor, French president, etc) have done with T.
Jack what if MTG became a Democrat??!!
🤮
I think the Mamdani thing is much simpler. Trump basks in flattery. Mamdani played him like a fiddle to preserve federal funding flowing to NYC.
Can you imagine the critical mass of radioactive froth an MTG/JOJO podcast would generate?
I also think the current GOP power shift is the beginning of the end of easy days for Dems. How many gotcha moments have they gloated about over the last 10 years only to be choked by theiir own shoelaces? With the same smooth mastery as Mr. Bean tending to the Mona Lisa, they were lobbed an easy clumsy monster to dispose of and instead fumbled and pit-a-patted their way into breeding a metastasized colossus. I still, foolishly perheps, believe those few pit bulls they have will miraculously find their teeth useful for something beside eating crow.
---> A tool.
Oh, she was that all right!!