Confidence Man: Maggie Haberman in Conversation with Alex Burns

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Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman has covered the political career of Donald Trump more extensively than any other journalist. And she’s ready to talk about it.
Join one of the defining journalists of the Trump era for the launch of her new book, Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America - and a candid conversation about her years covering the former President. Following Trump from his early days in New York City real estate to his tortured post-Presidential period, Haberman’s account - based on extensive research and years of interviews with hundreds of sources, including Trump himself - is a disturbing and clarifying story of a man who has brought American democracy to the edge of collapse. What are Trump’s motivations? What were the relationships that defined him? What does the rise of his political brand mean for the future of our country? Find out as Haberman shares never-before-heard stories of her time covering Trump and new insights into what his personal history tells us about his political future.
Recorded on October 3, 2022 at The 92nd Street Y, New York.
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[@greenbrain8725]

It’s fascinating to listen to this calm, measured, respectful discussion about a former world leader who would, under normal circumstances, be someone we consider an embarrassing relative who needs to be kept at arms length (or outright ignored) due to extreme under-developed intelligence and behavior issues, lack of impulse control, insight, intelligence, etc. This is a person who would normally have a simple job, and perhaps meet his buddies at the bowling alley once a week where his equally dim friends would tolerate his braggart, bullying, infantile behavior. In an elementary school setting we do meet boys like this. They usually grow out of it.

[@DANALDTRAMP]

Hahahaaaa oh yes, you're so much better than Trump. Dingus.

[@richardbocanegra5945]

I enjoyed this thorough and candid interview. Trump had a unique relationship with Maggie and I appreciate her perspective on his personality. When she summed him up as BITTER and ANGRY after his presidency, I realize what a sad and tragic figure he is, no matter how hard he spins it.

[@Tomscomment]

really worrying is how this enables him to tap into and feed his career on the seemingly endless supply of resentment, fear, rage and anger that his followers offer him.

[@ggschannel4401]

Maggie definitely deserved that applause on the remark she has done the most to help us understand this enigma, Trump.

[@springgee9763]

Thank you Ms. Haberman for doing “what you do!”

[@sharonwilbourne7256]

Very interesting interview. Thank you both for doing your jobs so well.

[@knockshinnoch1950]

Maggie Haberman has been writing the first draft of a history that will become crucial for future generations who wish to study and understand Trump the man and his chaotic presidency. Her work will become a cornerstone for all future historians of this period.

[@johnbolton2149]

If we’re lucky*

[@katherinecompton6591]

That was a wonderful conversation, thank you, both! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 👁️💙🇺🇸

[@FRANCENEKELLY]

I love Maggie Haberman. We are so blessed to have her precise, thoughtful, fact-based journalism. She is the best of the best.

[@joebeech7423]

Absolutely loved the book. Maggie is a treasure and a pleasure to read / listen to anytime.

[@beckiskiss]

Thanks Maggie, I just can't imagine being you. No pun or anything. Just admiration 💕☘️

[@carolynmullet1726]

One of the great journalists of our time. Always read Maggie's work.

[@danielrae861]

You are a champion journalist Maggie. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@beckymiller5907]

I usually don't read books about events that are still unfolding. But I will make an exception in this case. I can't help wondering how much Haberman herself has been affected personally by covering this monstrous person so much. But she really has a lot of insight. That said, I believe Mary Trump has the most clear-eyed and comprehensive understanding of his pathology.

[@LibbyRal]

Mary's been at it a lot longer and was a victim so that would give her something an outsider like Haberman could never have. I hope you do read the book. It's incredible. I resist reading books just because they're the latest thing, or, as you say, while an event is unfolding. But I felt that Haberman's reporting was so straightforward - that when SHE was being interviewed about him she didn't let herself get led into answering questions about him in the way you could see the interviewer wanted her to - that I felt reading the book would be beneficial. And she'd be truthful. She's a great writer, weaving together incredible amounts of detail so that you don't lose track of what's going on.

[@jeffreyherman9454]

VERY insightful, and CERTAINLY articulate. As to the breadth and depth of Mary Trump's understanding of her crap uncle, I DO agree with you, BUT Maggie Haberman's description of the upbringing and nature of "Fatso" -- including the very language she uses in that description -- instantly calls to mind Mary Trump's book, "Too Much and Never Enough". I feel there is much SHARED deep insight between these two writers.

[@jellynacino7196]

​@@LibbyRal😅

[@cindyn7512]

I am wondering the same thing. After so much time and effort spent on the behavior patterns of a sociopath does she want to scrub her brain, scrape her skin, and poke out her eyes?

[@georgeyoung5887]

Maggie Haberman is a pillar of democracy. Trump will be remembered longer than she will be, but Democracy will survive Trumps as long as people like her just do their jobs. Thank you, Ms Haberman.

[@heartsocto9440]

Awesome assessment George! I still cling to hope.

[@Tomscomment]

He will only be remembered because of people like her and through their (damning) historic testimony, not for anything he leaves that is worth remembering.

[@ldonnay]

Except her unfair hatred of the Clintons probably helped Trump get elected.

[@joiacrearperry7150]

Thank you 🙏🏽🫶🏽

[@merriferrell2818]

If he admired the royal family why didn't he learn protocol before dragging himself and his entourage of adult children for his visit?

[@lauraelliott7441]

Because it's always all about him?

[@christinabeck9316]

Because he’s a narcissist: he admired those who “rule” and have authority, but doesn’t have any genuine, deep interest in who they are. Everything is superficial. He’s not remotely curious.

[@c.lyttle3017]

Fabulous interview. I want to run out & get her book!

[@4everyoung24]

Maggie Haberman has taken a lot of criticism for her reporting on Trump. I appreciate the work she has been steadily doing for years.

[@t.dmytryshyn2615]

Only criticism from like-minded bigots and homophobic people.

[@dm-heart]

Thank you. Fabulous interview. Kudos to Maggie Haberman. Love to see her insights on various news channels. Appreciated interviewer also.

[@thomascarlisle7895]

She and Mary Trump have done more to show us who this guy is and How he rolls tham anyone else.

[@RobertMorris-ms8mg]

And David Kay Johnson

[@gerardbiddle1808]

Thank you both for this presentation. This is a very worrying and dangerous character. Hope the book, Maggie, is very successful for the sake of the nation, and that they learn much about discernment for its future. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 1:01:15

[@quill444]

Donald Trump thinks that being elected as "The Leader" gives him supreme power over others; and yet what he cannot ever come to comprehend or realize is that in a Democracy, when you are elected or "hired" to be the leader, then it is rather YOU who work for "We The People" and we do not work for you! 🏝 - j q t -

[@sportsmediaamerica]

But Biden doesn't worry you? You must be one of those rich liberals doing well while being oblivious to the destruction of the middle and lower classes. Trump '24. If not, expect angry, America-hating Muslims at your door.

[@johnstallings4049]

My favorite political writer! Excellent book Maggie! ❄️🌎❄️

[@patriciamullin5555]

Absolutely love you…can’t tell you enough….intelligence thank you 🎉

[@jeffreyherman9454]

Such interesting observations, and so articulately expressed. I couldn't help but notice the similarity between Maggie Haberman's description of Fatso's upbringing and nature and the title of Mary Trump's book about him, "Too Much and Never Enough".

[@mikmaqwoman]

I love Maggie H!!! Smart, brilliant, no nonsense journalist..I hold her in high esteem

[@kn9ioutom]

TRUMPSTER IN THE DUMPSTER !!

[@PhilipCournoyer-kx4hl]

Glad even though it said this interview was 12 days old that I decided to watch this Love you Maggie

[@jostrong2385]

I'm so glad to see her smile.

[@amyhedges3168]

So the most human, however childish thing i learned was he didn’t want to sign a KIA document. How can anyone find this person suitable for the highest office in the US?

[@kwkrussell]

What a fascinating interview! Knew some things, learned a lot of things, confirmed some things. Got the audiobook to learn more! Thank you, Maggie for your “sacrifice”, what a lot to get through. Imagine there could be volumes 1, 2 & 3

[@edsmith9846]

Maggie for president!!!

[@plumerjr]

Thank you Maggie. Fantastic book.

[@dm-heart]

Wow. Great interview. Power: to do whatever he wants whenever he wants. Ultimate narcissist, corrupt, pathologically dishonest con man.

[@kenchoat7351]

Love, love, love her integrity!

[@JJ-fr2ki]

Very wise as always.Insatiable demands for status may be humanities’ undoing. We can provide unlimited resources (more than a millionaire lifestyle) with future science, but if we can’t check pathological personalities and our vestigial insatiable desire for power, especially among those in power, often the worst, we will not survive. (Prof. Nick Bostrom makes a similar point in *SuperIntelligence* 2014） Support the NYTimes and the 92nd Street “Y”.

[@user-sk2cc7jg1y]

You wonder what some of these high end reporters have been told off the record. That would be awesome to read a book with off the record info. That's crazy.

[@makwolven]

He lies to avoid culpability... the 5 year old in him... his dodges are predictable

[@bobbyesamdahl]

awesome thank you

[@janpercell-ph3ig]

Wonderfully informative interview!!!

[@michaelprozonic]

Great interview

[@alexaales7937]

her voice is sooo soothing!

[@sportsmediaamerica]

Too bad her TDS is so grating!

[@muller-petersenfamily8499]

Kinda like Cassidy Hutchinson and Liz Cheney. Easy to see how we are ready for a woman leader in this country !

[@cynthiahutchins5790]

Your relationship with your father IS NOT an acceptable excuse.

[@C-Span222]

Thank you!

[@epona9166]

Why do interviewers always credit Maggie with being the first w Trump's origin story?? It's like Mary Trump doesn't exist!! Her book was so incredibly enlightening. There would be no fathoming Donald Trump as a person without it. Could we pls give credit where it's due???

[@terirea7743]

Don't know about other interviewers but this guy did not credit Haberman with being first. He credited her with giving us the most insight into the Duhnold. Besides, it's not zero-sum - giving credit to Haberman does not take away from Mary Trump, who has also been valuable to understand the out-of-control nihilistic toddler that is Trump.

[@barbaras2669]

@terirea7743 Also, Mary Trump is not a disinterested party. She has reasons to present Trump in the worst light because of her family's treatment by the rest of the Trump family.

[@terirea7743]

@@barbaras2669 Most people who have been wronged are not disinterested parties. That is also what often gives them an inside perspective. If we want to consider which between the two, Duhnold or Mary, tends to paint people - any people - in the worst light, I think the fat a$$ has won bigly.

[@barbaras2669]

@@terirea7743 The discussion was between Maggie Haberman and Mary Trump's books on Donald Trump. It was not about Mary Trump and her uncle Donald Trump relationship.

[@pjpredhomme7699]

Sorry Wayne Barrett nailed him more and sooner than any of these people - He just so happened to have died the week before the inauguration

[@kenhunt5153]

So, essentially he is a transactional Mob boss.

[@sportsmediaamerica]

See "Biden Crime Family."

[@kenhunt5153]

@@sportsmediaamerica Have Comer or Jordan found any evidence? No.

[@dsddala467]

When I saw the thumbnail to this video I did a double take. From a side angle, with that beard, I thought the man sitting next to Haberman, was Don Jr. LOLOLOLOL. But Haberman is an excellent journalist. Her work will be looked upon by history as pivotal.

[@sportsmediaamerica]

Yes, well, the cheaters always get to write the histories.

[@markendicott6874]

The Access Journalist's Access Journalist - you could have T-$hirts made with Woodward, Boulton and all the others Ghouls that got No.1 on the Bestseller list rather than informing on his constant criminality and corruption when it would have actually done some good.

[@lupemerrit]

Great interview. I am buying the book.👍

[@liviadix1433]

It’s called corruption.

[@sportsmediaamerica]

...and Joe Biden knows all about it. Just ask him.

[@michiganmymichigan]

❤

[@kimbeebee8176]

I so appreciate Maggie H and all her work on Trump and other individuals but when are we going to let the air out of the Trump balloon?

[@gregandsusanhouston497]

It’s a great book

[@user-xn7pq6lo3v]

❤❤.

[@yvonnefarrell1029]

LBJ wanted power, too; so he could help those who were financially on their heels.

[@kalikalimai1]

Mary Trump said "Too much and never enough"

[@isabelrogerson5350]

I take exception to the word "elite." All people are created equal. Not one person is above another. Those who consider themselves elite are no better than the ordinary man or woman. Elitism is in their minds.

[@t.dmytryshyn2615]

Trump is a narcissistic sociopath who judges people according to their wealth. His father's money put Trump into the very elite that he pretends to hate. What Trump really hates is people smarter than him which is almost everyone.

[@epona9166]

Elite in this context refers to the wealthiest and most socially influential people in Trump's world. The people he looked up to and wanted to be accepted by. Elite is a totally reasonable label for certain people in certain contexts. It's just a label for the sake of clarity and brevity, not a value judgment about all humanity.

[@d.annejohnson5631]

No one is saying that they personally believe that the group they ar referring to in NY for the purpose of this analysis are "better people" as in nicer, kinder, more worthy, than anyone else...this group probably isn't.

[@sportsmediaamerica]

LOL> Well, you can be assured that the people at the NYT and WaPo, etc., consider themselves to be the creme de la creme of the elite. They look down on the likes of Donald Trump. How DARE he deign to become president! Thankfully, he stopped Hillary, and for that alone he will go down in history. In fact, he was a terrific president in many ways -- far better than the shuffling disaster in there now -- but the elitists just couldn't have him. They had to steal an election to be rid of him, but by golly they did it. Enjoy Biden's wars.

[@peterbreis5407]

That's one of the great things about America that because legal officials are elected you can donate to their campaigns to help them come to the right legal decisions.

[@kerrybyers257]

Is this book not, in the end, an expanded case study of a sociopathic narcissist? And a population’s gullibility or weird need fulfillment?

[@sportsmediaamerica]

No. But you can self-massage yourself into thinking that. Clearly you are a kneejerk lefty and have no understanding of why Trump was elected. I suggest studying the America west of the Hudson.

[@lesleyghostdragon3149]

What does "wearist" mean? The word nerd in me must know!🤓 Video/transcript minute 35:40 "who know him over time one was nihilist one was wearist and a lot of that". Thank you for this interview 🙏

[@debrakron9049]

I had the same question! But I’m wondering if we misheard. I can’t find anything that would make the word make sense in this context.

[@helenswan705]

no idea. Not a word.

[@HaldaneSmith]

I think she said "voyeurist".

[@lesleyghostdragon3149]

You're brilliant! That would totally make sense. Thank you 🌟

[@nickchristensen6376]

Ahhh, thank you ​@@HaldaneSmith. Same question here

[@catherine7484]

The vulgarity. A friend had the misfortune to be seated at a table adjacent to his at a fundraiser in NYC -she cannot stand his BREATHING since that day. She calls him the most disgusting man alive.

[@sportsmediaamerica]

Well, at least he doesn't touch little girls inappropriately, like Biden does. Tell us you haven't seen the videos.

[@abpool9923]

When we say someone is crazy...and laugh... But...But...what if he's really CRAZY...and...Dangerous... The best way to try to understand DJT...besides his Psychological Issues...is to see a 10 year old in front of you...because that's as far as he's gotten... 🤬

[@Ana-bn9tw]

Another 45 book? These people can't afford to have him go to jail or not be president. Otherwise, they stop writing and making money off of him. These people are hypocrites

[@JJ-fr2ki]

46:00 For Trump, he loved the rally ego trip. It was not work for him.

[@antman8887]

It is naive and infantile to believe that there is less of a demarcation between hard news and entertainment now than in past decades. That line has never been more blurred.

[@iamanomas]

Started with Reagan and probably before then.

[@sportsmediaamerica]

You can thank Trump for pointing that out -- and for teaching us what liars the MSM are.

[@dondevice8182]

Really really top notch! Nice to see someone pushing Maggie off her pat general answers - those questions you are not asking were clearly beginning to bore her to tears

[@iamanomas]

IMO every time large sums of money are donated, a transaction of some kind occurs be it in the present or past. Nobody forgets windfalls and I believe that IOUs are automatically created to be called upon when needed whether or not it is framed in a written contract.

[@wanderertimetogo348]

Donald will never be a happy man. Which is sad. He should be enjoying his son and grandchildren. But I don’t think he is capable of that.

[@antondiffering4727]

Maggie 49? Looks so young.

[@kurttuchscherer7706]

Alot has been said about trumps admiration of putin. To gain a better understanding I would suggest watching Julia Ioffe's interview with Frontline. It is ominous the similarities. Especially when heard in the context of what trump says he will do if elected again. Any doubts people may have about putins influence over trump will be wiped away.

[@elenalatici9568]

I watched that several times. It was part of a great many interviews with brilliant. people who understood him all too well in clearer and more blunt terms than Maggie Haberman has ever exhibited. I will always believe that her equivocal writing about him during his first campaign helped to get him elected. I cancelled my subscription to the NYT then because of her writing. I've never read it since. I lived in the city for a long time and still consider myself to be a New Yorker. My morning routine was always a large cup of intense, dark espresso with hot milk, good toast with a slice of cheese and the NYT.

[@53shuzzie]

She does a fun interview with Colbert.

[@mikelkirby2791]

Although I admire Maggie Haberman and she deserves all the Kudos for her writing skills and keen observations, I do look forward to the day when someone honestly says: Trump who?

[@sportsmediaamerica]

Too much TDS at WaPo and NYT for that. Trump '24. Grab your popcorn.

[@circussounds855]

how did they both keep straight faces? im losing it! this is hilarious & trump is even weirder than i thought. as far as trump being angry that he lost the election……he lost twice. he wasn’t wanted either time he ran & going on a third.

[@carrielassiter8455]

Surprised he even had a paper route.

[@burdyblueart]

Haberman plays mommie understanding baby quite enjoyably.

[@LibbyRal]

Sometimes his choice on what to lie about is revealing. The claim that he doesn't watch a lot of television shows that he is ashamed of how much television he does watch. Fun to figure out if it's because he thinks that shows a lowered intellectual ability, or because he doesn't want it known that he's watching TV to see coverage of himself. It's also interesting the tone of voice he uses - when he gets a question he doesn't expect - he suddenly speaks more softly, a silky tone, with none of the 'growl' to his voice. Haberman can't speculate about this, but I can - three things about his obsession with homosexuality - 1)there are definitely many times when Donnie sounds gay. 2) I suspect he was molested by Roy Cohn; and 3)Men I've known who are terrified to be outed, behave just the way he does. To this day, a man who finally acknowledge to me he's bi-sexual (and I still think he prefers men, but still can't admit it) will use derogatory terms about homosexuals, or speak as if he's not part of that population. Donnie has solidified lying in politics, unabashedly and out in the open. The most glaring example of how lying has become a feature of the GQP is George Santos. Donnie destroyed the guardrails.

[@matthewbloise2155]

What is the word she used at 35:44? "Wearist"? I'm unfamiliar, and couldn't find anything on the Internet for it.

[@barbaras2669]

I found a definition: One that believes that the act of wearing is the very thing keeping life stylish. It's from a blogger whose blog is named "Wearist." It doesn't make much sense to this interview. But Trump does seem to evaluate people by, if they look the part in his opinion. The Washington Post wrote a story on 12/22/16 "Donald Trump is holding a government casting call. He's seeking "the look."

[@matthewbloise2155]

Thank you for such a comprehensive answer! @@barbaras2669

[@vickischlegel2309]

Yes, in the US you can definitely say no to a President. We need to get over as a population that we need to say no to power or the so called elite…. Please people do not be a “want to be”. It’s just pathetic.

[@jensweeney4128]

We may have had shitty childhoods. It’s not an excuse to be so penultimately grotesque…

[@warrenwalker8170]

She is way too soft on Trump way way way

[@elenalatici9568]

I cancelled my NYT subscription because of her writing about him during the forst campaiign She sickened me. She still does. So do all the fawning, praise filled comments here.

[@iamanomas]

Trump sees everything through the lens of self interest which means he’s extremely focused and therefore quite capable of analyzing any issue, event, report or discussion to its very simple core - what’s in it for me.

[@Tomscomment]

Interesting her choice of words to describe Trump's relationship with his father: "admired, revered, resented, feared" him. Love is not even an option there.

[@nunogdias]

At 35:45, the second trait after nihilist is "wuweiist"? Closed captions didn't get it right (wearist). If it's indeed wuweiist, how so? Just because he's lazy? The trait is largely positive and is about not forcing outcomes and harmony, which seems hardly in tune with the conversation at this point in the interview.

[@jeffyowell]

Could someone please explain Maggie Haberman's credentials? In other words, why should I take creedence in what she says?

[@sportsmediaamerica]

Because this interviewer enamored of the NYT tells you to! That's why!

[@elenalatici9568]

Look to her mother.

[@RandSaltsgaver-ly5gt]

Because its true.

[@davidyohalem629]

What does Ms Haberman mean by "wearist"? I'm not familiar with the term and couldn't get a clue from its context. It came up in her exegesis on his homophobia (at the very end of that discussion). She says: [all who knew him for a long time] used two words to describe him. Nihilist and wearist.]

[@glitch-pr3nr]

You finally convinced her that no one changes the stars?😂🎉 oh good

[@4everyoung24]

Trump as the arms negotiator 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@sportsmediaamerica]

Biden as the war president. Enjoy. Personally, I preferred the 4 years of peace under Trump.

[@steveflor9942]

"I have the absolute right to do whatever I want." All you need to understand Donald Trump

[@missmurrydesign7115]

Delicious...

[@hereigoagain5050]

Maggie needs a Mikveh after studying Trump for a decade.

[@normabrien8331]

He seems to like to talk about homosexuality way too often and too much and let’s not forget that his favorite man was Cohn who died of aids and this is very curious.

[@RSEFX]

I'd say this is how Trump sees the whole thing: It' a movie called "The USA", STARRING DONALD TRUMP. . All that counts is BOXOFFICE! (which, in Variety, parlance is shortened to....BO. And BO, come to think of, seems to be more apt than ever!)

[@tomnohmy1273]

Maggie, whose very married, i have such a crush, lol

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

Its surprising that after all these years there has to be STILL a in depth explanation of who is Trump... Anyone think people are that dumb?

[@eligoitein6499]

unfortunately all too many people ARE (that dumb). book's title Confidence Man refers directly to the P.T.Barnum quote

[@merriferrell2818]

Bill Clinton & Donald Trump? Women.

[@Hollis_has_questions]

Donald Trump is the Dennis the Menace of American political theater: the guy we love to hate and the kid we hate to love.

[@carrow1057]

Actually he is a domestic terror leader. You are falling into the same trap as Maggie.

[@barbaras2669]

@carrow1057 Not just domestic, ask the migrants, the NATO members, Greenland, Canada, France etc

[@cynthiajohnston9065]

Roy Cohen was his mentor. Roy was gay.

[@johncarter5780]

Joe’s Stone Crabs is not apocryphal. I’ve eaten there.

[@MsMemi2011]

Mary Trump tells the family story of tRump throwing mashed potatoes during a childish tantrum.

[@lauracohen4914]

Please do not reelect trump.

[@abpool9923]

Maggie...You're good... But you need to look at DJT from a different angle... Because you're close...but missing who he actually is...and why he does what he actually does... It goes back to his NYMA Days... Keep looking...🤔

[@epona9166]

Maggie Haberman is a good writer and a good speaker, but the accolades on here strike me as out of proportion to her accomplishments. She's not an investigative reporter or a war reporter. She's just a very good, thorough reporter, who probably gets more people to talk to her than the average journalist. That's to her credit, but she's no Bob Woodward.

[@barbaras2669]

Yes, she doesn't withhold vital information like Bob Woodward did to the detriment of the world's population. That is that the coronavirus was lethal. That it spread through the air. Donald Trump and his administration knew it and lied to the world.