Lincoln Project’s Stuart Stevens: Complete Collapse of Moral Authority in GOP | Amanpour and Company

In New York, the Trump machine finds it is not in control in the courtroom. The judge presiding over the former president’s hush money case has fined him $9,000 for violating a gag order. He also warns that Trump could face jail time if he continues to defy the order by publicly criticizing expected trial witnesses. Stuart Stevens, a former Republican strategist, admits he's still coming to grips with today's GOP and its embrace of a man facing 91 criminal charges.
Originally aired on April 30, 2024
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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.
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[@thjbird]

McConnell could have done the right thing, but money and power were more important than the country.

[@francesmeyer8478]

No respect for Mitch or any other Republican who could have stopped tRUMP but did not.🌊🌊🌊🇺🇸

[@SparkyWaxAll]

Yep. Also, high probability they’re black mailing each other

[@dlewis895]

MCCONNELLS SEVERE RACISM REVENGE ATTACKED USA FOR PUTTING OBAMA IN WH HIS RACISM HAS SEVERE THREATENED THE WHOLE COUNTRY

[@dlewis895]

TRUMPS BEING USED BY PUTIN OLIGARCHS AND BILLIONARES AN CORPORATIONS GREED 1% TAXRATES PUTINS THRILLED BOUGHT SC REMOVED LIMITS FOR CAMPAIGNS PUT USA UP FOR SALE TO HIGHEST BIDDERS

[@phylis3917]

Defendant trashed his wife. Fear. McConnel is ill now self-interest remains; addicted to his position. That’s all that matters to him.

[@user-jk3vf6yo2r]

We wouldn’t have this problem if the senate had removed tRump in the first impeachment.

[@rockrecordreport7136]

Or the second one when it mattered most.

[@sylviagoodman6008]

Thank Bill Barr!

[@sylviagoodman6008]

Thank Mitch McConnell!

[@davidwelsh8026]

Trump didn’t commit an impeachable offense.

[@annebiggins7180]

Quit driving the 🚙 car out the back window. Quit complaining over spilled milk!!🥛 Get out and vote 🗳️ in November including all offices down to the local to top . Life Is too important!

[@andrewpierce1588]

Thank Newt Gingrich for making Rush Limbaugh the ideological figurehead of the GOP in the 90s.

[@windstorm7756]

Yes. When Newt came on scene I thought he didn’t represent the Republican party. He was loud, obnoxious and uncompromising.

[@rockrecordreport7136]

But thank god for finally taking out Rush Limbaugh.

[@rhondafarrow6235]

​@@rockrecordreport7136it wasn't soon enough. Trump gave him the Presidential Medal of Freedom which was treasonous!!

[@johnstirling6597]

Newt first came on the scene and started getting noticed in the late 80s, his catch cry then was, essentially, "power at any cost". He laid the groundwork for the elevation of Trump and in doing so he and the GOP abrogated any sense of duty , responsibility or indeed morality. Their whole story is hypocrisy writ large.

[@pkerber]

@@rockrecordreport7136Not nearly soon enough.

[@rogerpitcher2636]

'As bad as you think they are, they are worse' - really frightening!

[@user-hx2wx7mk8n]

"No matter how much you hate the corporate, fake-news media, it's not enough".

[@AdamBechtol]

yeah

[@gking407]

This is not a rehearsal. Vote like your future and that of your children depends on it.

[@malachyramirez7677]

You're right as Z voter I'm voting straight ticket gop

[@conniegrant939]

Vote 🗳️ blue 💙

[@Al-oe8ib]

@@malachyramirez7677yeah, some will never see reality, you need help

[@elanapeterson3665]

​@@malachyramirez7677 If you are Hispanic, as your last name implies, and you LOOK Hispanic, make sure you ALWAYS have a copy of your U. S. Birth Certificate, or any other PROOF of U.S. Citizenship, on you at all times! According to the Project 2025 plan that MAGA Republicans have produced, their "Profiling Plan" will be enacted, which allows the authorities to apprehend any person who looks like an immigrant (non-white, or persons of color, or any ethnic group other than WHITE!) So if your skin or hair looks Hispanic, they will have the AUTHORITY to demand proof of citizenship just based on your appearance! U.S. Citizens have "ACCIDENTALLY" been deported from the U.S. before, but I guess, if you're okay with being targeted just because of how you look, which is the goal of your GOP buddies--to round them "illegal aliens" up, then go right ahead and vote for the GOP Fascist Party, Komrade!

[@jadeonyx9349]

@@malachyramirez7677u just love nazism. It’s ok to admit u agree with Hitler, we all know maga loves him.

[@BroadwayJosh]

What a fucking catastrophe.

[@raymondmiller5098]

Understatement ! Welcome to the "United States of the Weimar Republic", circa 1932.

[@margo3367]

I couldn’t have said it better.

[@robertsmith5744]

@@raymondmiller5098 Nein, Doof.

[@michaelkurchak5427]

Good one , welcome to the ass clown show

[@judyprincehouse8422]

You could say that a million times and it wouldn't be enough.

[@Merzui-kg8ds]

When religious zealotry (and idolatry) is confused as morality...you get the GOP.

[@user-ly5qi9zb5t]

TRUMP will exploit both and start his own church. He already has his own private jet and a big GOB. he is halfway there already. Im serious - he isnt selling tacky Bibles just for $20 bucks a time. he will be the first prisoner to start a church without ever repenting! and MILLIONS will join that cult too!

[@carolkatras8180]

Donald Trump is not above the Donald Trump is no victim. Donald Trump don't care about anybody, but himself. We must take it upon ourselves to vote him out for the second time Donald Trump.

[@carolkatras8180]

It doesn't matter. Donald Trump thinks he's above the law.Donald Trump thinks he's a victim.He's no victim.We must stick together and vote him out for the second time

[@Jamescityboygardening]

In my 50 yrs of casting votes I've never seen anyone running for President Of The United States sitting in a American Court Room facing Criminal Prosecution.

[@davidwelsh8026]

There is no crime.

[@Jamescityboygardening]

@@davidwelsh8026 LMAO explain that statement dude.

[@gregblair5139]

It's also not happened in the 150+ years of presidential elections before that!

[@deborahsevigny4763]

I'm glad that Nixon stepped down and shut his lying mouth. I do wish he hadn't been pardoned for his part in the cover-up.

[@ComtedeMonteC]

it has never before happened in the history of the USA.

[@carmend.1924]

I agree 100% with Stuart Stevens; all of these Republicans who are not endorsing Trump, need to endorse President Biden publicly, or it will not make a difference in the elections.

[@cynthiamorgan7756]

EXACTLY! IN THE 60s, 70s, Musicians & actors spoke out! VERY FEW ARE NOW DAYS & IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE!

[@boardtodeath46]

How about everyone pull your heads out and stop being sheep. Have you ever stopped to consider why so many politicians hate Trump and have attacked him 8 years straight? They put a Gag order on him because every time he talks he destroys their case. All the cases are collapsing. This is the last attempt the corruption in both democrats and republicans have to stop him. They are almost all going to jail. Not trump

[@catpaladin1]

The question is - will these republicans fiddle while our country burns? They will not like the result if trump gets back in

[@nikita-dh5je]

Why should they or anyone endorse Biden , who is the worst president on foreign policy since Bush, who Steven’s worked for. Biden is funding a genocide in Gaza right now, he hasn’t earned anyone’s vote.

[@lynnwalton814]

None of them have the guts. Its ALL about money and power

[@jimomalley]

That's why I left the Republican party back when the "Tea Party" took over, and now it's gotten much worse.

[@malachyramirez7677]

Trump is reason why I joined the GOP. Bush era republican party is over.

[@markg.7865]

Tea party=MAGA cult=QAnon=GOP.

[@conniegrant939]

Good for you, congratulations for your wisdom.

[@shepberryhill4912]

@@malachyramirez7677 Loser.

[@alvirenabeasley2003]

😊

[@curtisevans4100]

We've haven't seen a sudden complete moral collapse of a national party like this in this country in our history.

[@wendwllhickey6426]

He will never go to jail cause 1 percent won't let it happen,and supreme court is on his side 😂

[@wendwllhickey6426]

People don't like change plain and simple

[@user-hx2wx7mk8n]

We haven't seen such a sudden collapse of our borders like this in our history.

[@rhondafarrow6235]

There is nothing sudden about it. These people in the Republican Party are just now speaking up because Trump has made it okay. When the Republican Party didn't speak up about Trump's conduct it gave them the freedom to do the same.

[@cbrinsfi]

@@user-hx2wx7mk8n it's psychological. people form groups then get highly biased to see things that favor their in-group and villify the out-group. most of the problems people have with the other party are a result of this bias. there is nothing in psychology or neuroscience that would indicate that one party is more moral than the other.

[@beccimathews2677]

This is the most important time in history to vote. VOTE BLUE FOR OUR DEMOCRACY, OUR FUTURE AND THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN! 🗳️💯💙🇺🇸!

[@phylis3917]

Generational. Since the internet things have changed. Some - many don’t know.

[@user-ly5qi9zb5t]

"vote blue if you ever want to vote red ever again" is the message we must get out to the Never Trumpers. Biden is the only choice they can make. but it is not easy for them to change a lifetime of voting. Lets tell as many od them as we can its ok between now and November.

[@GML_123.]

Biden’s not even in the race anymore… he’s collapsing. This is a Trump vs Kennedy race.

[@lindaSmith6588]

President Biden 2024!!!!! 🇺🇸 USA 🇺🇸

[@user-ew7py1wd9v]

So you luv dictators

[@lindaSmith6588]

@user-ew7py1wd9v you know Trump is the real dictator wannbe!!! Project 2025 says it alll!!!

[@danielrobledo3132]

Vote Joe Biden 100%, and for future presidents so we all can move on in the USA and the world for God's sake.🇺🇸🌍🙏❤

[@conniegrant939]

Vote 🗳️ blue 💙

[@shepberryhill4912]

@@user-ew7py1wd9v No maggot, we hate dictators, which is why Trump is going to prison.

[@jimbox8762]

I believe the Republican Party is long gone.

[@Al-oe8ib]

As mtg keeps saying it is now fully maga, that is why actual republican senators have all left and told the world how dangerous the maga kkklowns are

[@JayBee-cr8jm]

Joe Biden owns 20 shell companies.

[@darlenegriffith6186]

As a former Republican of 30 plus years, you are absolutely correct. The current GOP barely resembles its former self. It has gone off the rails.

[@JayBee-cr8jm]

@@darlenegriffith6186 I remember when Obama opposed gay marriage. He's black.

[@JayBee-cr8jm]

@@darlenegriffith6186 Must have loved Bush Sr. He opposed gay marriage!

[@danjones5119]

Fascists are Fascists but nobody seems willing to call it what it is.

[@comment8767]

Brandon is an example.

[@danjones5119]

@@comment8767 Who the F is Brandon ?

[@GinoCento]

Agreed, but I don’t think many understand what Fascism is or that it caused almost 100 million deaths in the 20th Century.

[@pkerber]

@@danjones5119- Dan believes President Biden is a fascist. Willful ignorance at its finest.

[@jimbo2834]

@@danjones5119 Come on man!

[@ronwingeart4345]

TRUTH shall set US FREE, Thanks Lincoln Project and Amanpour

[@user-lx7zg4vu5b]

TRUTH shall set us free. That is why I am voting RFK, Jr.

[@peacelovejoy8786]

​@@user-lx7zg4vu5b That's okay but at this point you are throwing a vote away and trump thanks you for doing it. The saying goes, don't cut your nose off to spite your face

[@user-lx7zg4vu5b]

@@peacelovejoy8786 But my saying is vote for who you believe in. That is what a real democracy is supposed to be. And if everyone in this country listened to Bobby Kennedy, Jr. His hour long interviews on KZbin, and gets to see the real RFK, Jr. Would listen to what his values really are. And then said I am voting for the man I believe in, instead of voting out of fear. I believe Kennedy would win in a landslide. You are peacelovejoy. That is exactly what RFK, Jr is. And that is another reason I'm voting for Kennedy. A vote for Kennedy, is a vote for Kennedy.

[@mjg2038]

​@@user-lx7zg4vu5b you can vote for whoever you want to. Hopefully more Conservatives like myself will vote blue. To outweigh those who will be voting for Kennedy, so that Trump does not get back in.

[@mjg2038]

​@@user-lx7zg4vu5b Trump's agenda is Project 2025. We have to be very weary about that.

[@glenncurry3041]

It's NOT a "Hush Money" Trial! Paying Hush Money is not illegal! It is illegal campaign contributions and violation of voter rights! It being used specifically as a campaign tool without reporting it as contributions is ILLEGAL! Please start educating people instead of misleading them!

[@jenniferjean]

Agree he is guilty of what he projects on to others. He did this to win & steal the election in 2016.

[@Matthew-rz3io]

That’s a Federal crime because Trump was running for the office of President…….it has to be tried in Federal Court

[@B_Bodziak]

Also for fraudulent business records because he claimed the hush money as legal costs.

[@glenncurry3041]

@@B_Bodziak And the whole Pecker thing! Actual News Media should not call this the Hush Money trial!

[@monicarust2383]

Why are you yelling?

[@user-ly7np5rm5c]

Unfortunately Mr. Stevens is correct. Hopefully America will overcome these challenges.

[@phylis3917]

It’s generational.

[@lzrd8460]

🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🙏🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@boardtodeath46]

Until you understand that the entire government is corrupt, you will continue being led to believe it’s either the democrat or republican side at fault. The devision was on purpose. Read the comments, look at the distain developed for the other side of the isle. American against American. This WAS their plan. The only way we will overcome is if we come together and get rid of not just corrupt officials, but corrupt principles politicians are pushing.

[@davidjones7544]

It will never happen. This has been in the making since the John Birch society in the 1950's. Scores of court decisions have eroded public power and the separation between private and public interests. The govt has become the proxy of private interests and this infrastructure will remain intact long after Trump has come and gone. When the 2010 SCOTUS decision was handed down in Citizens United vs FEC, that was the end of any democracy. That is why Chief Justice John Robert's said that "American's take democracy for granted" because the public abandoned the political space decades before this and was largely unaware of the impact that decision had on anything. Democracy and the republic have been in trouble since the 1869 SCOTUS decision Southern Pacific Railroad vs Santa Clara County where corporations attained the status of people and gained equal protections under all elements of the 14th amendment. When today's GOP talks about freedom and liberty, they are referring to corporations, not actual people. The USA incarcerates more people than any country in the world by far. Over 2 million and rising every day. Over 150 million are in the FBI database. This is not the land of the free. But no one really knows anything because they're not really interested. Someone else will fix it for them. They watch Tee Vee.

[@robertkaminski9315]

i am voting democrat

[@aimeerice4687]

I just can't wrap my brain around our entire legal system sees that he is running on finishing the coup and that alone doesn't put him in prison.

[@andrewpierce1588]

It’s called freedom. Even traitorous despots get due process.

[@comment8767]

Winning an election is not a coup. Bringing false charges and lying on FISA warrants and doing illegal wire tapping is a coup.

[@aimeerice4687]

@andrewpierce1588 Actually, hundreds of the rioters are in jail for the 6th. Just not him. And if you or I posted anything like he does, we'd definitely be taken in and questioned and if we doubled down like he does, we'd never get out. It's mind-boggling how he's above the law, in the most basic sense...

[@d.f.9064]

Merrick Garland is shaking in his boots. "All that is needed for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing."

[@ttcc5273]

This election will answer one question once and for all: are women second class citizens? Are women content with being treated the way women were treated back in 1864? It’s up to us to decide with our votes! 💙🇺🇸

[@SweetDreaming28]

Why is this even a question? Who permitted these cretins to take away our rights? Rich influence peddlers who corrupted our courts. Why is Maga Mitch still free? He belongs in jail with the rest of his ilk. How much was his payout… besides the millions he now controls once he retires.

[@JosedeJezeus]

Black men won the right to vote before white woman. Think about that. Woman are truly seen as inferior to men. This happens because God is a “father” figure in our modern world.

[@rodneyoneil-kb1xk]

YUP,,,EXACTLY!!!

[@anncata7368]

Blue for the next century!

[@Rnankn]

Women’s rights are human rights. And when anyone’s rights are encroached, it is an attack on everyone. Solidarity.

[@suemccord2633]

Exhausting Idiocracy! Ridiculous! He Belongs In PRISON With No Access To Media! ENOUGH!

[@JJLom777]

Great movie! Bizarre how close we're getting to it being reality.

[@dlewis895]

HOW ABOUT BARSS NEWEST FLIP OMG DISGUSTING

[@g0679]

Instead of prison, I suggest parole with restriction to NYC. With no cab or limo rides (public transport only), and the gold stripped from his parkview apartment’s water closet.

[@user-ly5qi9zb5t]

@@g0679 you think he deserves what no other criminal would get? If he thinks that courtroom is freezing wait til he gets to Ottisville!

[@g0679]

@@user-ly5qi9zb5t Getting around only by subway, a potty room without gold. Spanky would be quickly driven to suicide.

[@antonomaseapophasis5142]

"If a political party does not have its foundation in the determination to advance a cause that is right and that is moral, then it is not a political party; it is merely a conspiracy to seize power." Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States

[@GS-uy4xo]

Reject fear and hatred - choose a decent man with a good heart 💙

[@davidwelsh8026]

Donald Trump

[@evanstauffer4470]

@@davidwelsh8026 Trump a decent man?? Anyone who believes is sadly, sadly mistaken.

[@thjbird]

If only we had a functional justice system.

[@rodneyoneil-kb1xk]

I’M THINKING THAT,,,MR SMITHS,, WORKING ON IT,,AS WE,,SPEAK,,,

[@rhondah1587]

Our system of justice is definitely two tiered. There is one for the wealthy and one for the rest of us. The one for the wealthy moves like a snail and isn't always as harsh on a defendant who is well-known to have broken laws and caused great damage to people and the country, but it may still work in the end. It will work if he doesn't get elected.

[@robertmiskey5502]

its a great tragedy That SCOTUS has been politicized. Thank you Federalist society.

[@user-ly7np5rm5c]

Detrumpification Now 💯⚖️🇺🇸

[@nonya.bizness]

as a retired parole agent, if i had ever decided to start ignoring the bad acts of the offenders in response to their complaints about being persecuted by the judge, the prosecutor, the police, the media, their parents, their teachers, etc., i would have been fired. suggesting that trying this criminal defendant for his 88 alleged crimes is feeding his ability to claim that he's being persecuted is utterly ridiculous on its face, and turns our system of justice on its head.

[@kathleenm3443]

I love Stuart Stevens because he is not afraid to call out the obvious bigotry, homophobia, and misogyny in the GOP.

[@user-jr5mj7hd7m]

Gentlemen, America is bigger than the Big Boss Trump, vote blue River come down.

[@intheshell35ify]

Stop saying his name. Just stop. If everybody stops saying his name he will go away.

[@conniegrant939]

All the way; blue 💙🗳️💙 is the color

[@marybrown7203]

Understand, this is a long game now. Voting Blue in the 2024 presidential election won't fix this mess. Maga has infiltrated school boards, local and state offices, and libraries, and sheriff departments. Every single election must be taken seriously. My local school board serves 6 effing years and I'm sure there are a couple election denying loud mouths there for another 4.5 years. It's going to take years of engagement and voting. We can do it!!

[@rodneyoneil-kb1xk]

@@intheshell35ifyWELL,,,,,,NOT ,,,QUITE. YET,,,,,,BUT,,MR SMITHS,,DEFINITELY,,WORKING ON ,,THAT,,VERY SAME THING,,,,

[@KathysGuess]

Stuart is absolutely right, it’s a commentary on the state of our society. Free junior college is a start. Education should Not be just for the rich 🛑

[@kayallen7603]

It isn't only for the rich. Stop believing lies.

[@JJLom777]

We've got that in our state. I can't be proud about everything here. But, it's nice that something shows hope. 😊👍

[@phylis3917]

🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🏆🏆🏆

[@user-fx6wd9zx8t]

​@@kayallen7603education is only for the rich UNLESS you want to have student loan debt into your 70s and beyond. How do you not know this?

[@Rnankn]

A broad curriculum of liberal arts and humanities at the primary and secondary levels is the best immunization against authoritarian extremism. Unfortunately, a civic education has no labour market value, and so neither does citizenship.

[@geneh2972]

I've been a republican since Reagan. Voted Democrat for the first time in 2020 but repeated democracy voter.

[@rhondah1587]

Reagan was the tipping point of what destroyed the middle class in this country and worked hard at busting workers' unions so that the working people stopped having a strong voice in Congress. That and he started the alliance with the evangelicals that gave them the idea that their god's law should rule the country. He was devious in how he got into office going behind the back of the Carter administration and making a deal with the Iranians not to release the hostages until after the election. He was in bed with nefarious elements throughout his terms in office. Remember the Iran/Contra scandal? He was a turning point which led us straight to where we are today. I detested him in the 80s and still do.

[@davidwelsh8026]

If you are voting democrat you won’t get democracy.

[@mjg2038]

Me too!

[@dennisshaw7153]

I wouldn’t call their authoritarianism creeping. It is on full display. Maybe “creepy authoritarianism “.

[@alwayshavestrengthjoy7450]

Yes… in neon lights!

[@TRE45ON.is.Bat5hit.Crazy.U.S.G]

Poor donnie, discriminated against even worse than the Central Park Five, worse than Dr King , treated like Navalny, treated worse than Abe Lincoln, worse than Kennedy... Yet every day he puts on his corset, does his makeup, sprays that thing on his head, slips into his high heels and wobbles his way to a microphone for you!

[@user-zd2uv3ss9z]

Excellent description!

[@sgrvtl7183]

yah using the after court rant for his campaign rally-sickening

[@Ryan-Fkrepublicnz]

thank god he is going to jail FOR ME!!

[@ardentynekent2099]

Hah! Hilarious! "...he puts on his corset,"

[@hollandanish5557]

You forgot to mention Jesus standing by his side. The man's a saint.🤔🥴🙃😆😅🤣😂🤯 Imagine one-day we'll never hear about him again. Sigh.....ahhhhhhh

[@gene4094]

The Republican Party is over, it’s just a matter of time.

[@horaciodortona574]

It can't happen fast enough.

[@jenniferjean]

​@@horaciodortona574 Vile people Gosar Bobo the clown MTG the party of Putin. I'm still waiting for Jack Smith be bring charges. The only positive is the Ukraine aid.

[@JJLom777]

It's the "death throes" that are concerning.

[@onomatopoeia162003]

I have been saying that since around 2018 or so. Let them go the way of the Whigs. I still remember around 2010 or so. When they started being party over country.

[@marybrown7203]

Understand, this is a long game now. Voting Blue in the 2024 presidential election won't fix this mess. Maga has infiltrated school boards, local and state offices, and libraries, and sheriff departments. Every single election must be taken seriously. My local school board serves 6 effing years and I'm sure there are a couple election denying loud mouths there for another 4.5 years. It's going to take years of engagement and voting. We can do it!!

[@marcusdoolette1547]

Murdoch. The elephant in the room that no one seems to want to talk about. Why is that?

[@jamieflener5410]

Money!

[@korolev-musictodriveby6583]

He's done exactly the same thing in the U.K. - "...appealed to the dark side..."

[@robynliteracy7057]

First came Brexit. Then, Donald. Rupert Murdoch and his son, Lachlan, gave us this turd of a candidate the first time 'round. They work for their own kind, the über wealthy. Donald cuts their taxes. Helps giant corps with their pollution disposal. Gives their theocrats a few judges. Yes, money, although I'm not sure how the disgustingly rich profit off of Brexit. Surely, there's a tax benefit for them in it.

[@williamobryan682]

Murdoch helped vlad steal Robert kraft's super bowl ring !

[@Nancy-tr5fi]

Lincoln Project.....My admiration, keep it going, you all are the best.

[@judd442009]

Vote for DECENCY. Vote for DEMOCRACY. Vote for JOE BIDEN.

[@malachyramirez7677]

Voting for Trump. FJB & democrats

[@conniegrant939]

INTEGRITY. - Biden/Harris

[@B_Bodziak]

I fear Biden's stance on Israel is going to cause a big loss of younger voters and a few with other groups. If people think Trump would put Bibi the Butcher in his place, theyau vote for him.

[@shepberryhill4912]

@@malachyramirez7677 Traitor.

[@sgrvtl7183]

AMEN🌊🌊🌊

[@brigham2250]

I'm not sure if I should be surprised or not that millions of Americans are going to vote for Trump because they find him entertaining. To them, this is all a part of some reality TV show.

[@JJLom777]

Exactly! That kind of behavior became normalized in our society. And, we let that happen. Even now, look at who is popular and who is not. Rather it be TV, politics, film, or the school yard, we allowed that. Not one party, one society.

[@marybrown7203]

They are an angry crowd, yet they seem to think it's funny. The sad thing is that they have no idea what they don't know. They have memorized talking points and nothing more.

[@user-vz7nm8cc2v]

It is a WWE match and Trump- is the charismatic villain. Pathetic.

[@Umberto2]

It’s pro wrestling to them and Trump is the bad guy they root for

[@user-hx2wx7mk8n]

Wrong, we hate treasonous globalists.

[@mikejordan6859]

From up here, half your country lost its common sense 🇨🇦

[@silversnow6113]

Indeed and I'm a born and raised American. Sadly, it absolutely defies logic.

[@catpaladin1]

I wonder if they ever had it

[@DouglasRichardson-er4ky]

... you're being kind, eh?!?! 🇺🇸💘🇨🇦

[@elspeth8476]

I Good point - we need to have all the sane prominent Republicans endorse Biden.

[@GML_123.]

Biden’s not even in the race anymore he is collapsing. This is a Trump vs Kennedy race.

[@davidwelsh8026]

This country needs a strong leader and it’s not Biden.

[@judykinsman3258]

As a Democrat, I’m still trying to come to grips with these never Trumpers who still don’t see their policies brought us to Trump.

[@bluest1524]

That's exactly what I'm saying with my comment above.

[@NickRichards]

@5:25 - POWER is the answer, the values for the GOP unfortunately have gravitated towards power because, before these times, their true "traditional values" HAD CHANGED to be more like the the liberals in the country, and the only way to justify that is to go FULL DENIAL, and go for "winning" instead of sticking to "traditional values" of being good, kind, careful, conservative, etc.

[@cstuartdc]

Yeah, Trump didn't happen in a vacuum. I saw neofascist tendencies under Bush. IT was dismissed as poppycock. And here we are.

[@LuciFeric137]

Right. The nomination of Clinton was directly responsible for #trumpstink. Clueless.

[@pcbacklash_3261]

I'm not sure to whom you're referring, but I know at least two 'Never-Trumpers' who have admitted their contributions to the degeneration of the GOP. One even wrote a book about it.

[@michaelkurchak5427]

Ignorance is the republican standard ,

[@sherryllynn1809]

"How is this guy still in the race?" One answer: Sean Hannity.

[@fifermcgee5971]

Fox New propaganda machine.

[@mindseyeproductions8798]

Every news agency left right and center foreign and domestic all make money off of Trump news.

[@joaniestraw5075]

I'd say years of internet algorithms, and the hyper funnelling of extremist views play a major role as well. What was once considered odd, fanatical behaviour has become freakishly normalized now.

[@sylviagoodman6008]

Scotus!

[@davidwelsh8026]

Cmon man, what did Hannity do ?

[@kristiandoon8976]

Having a government which has become controlled by corporations has left the majority of the citizenry disenfranchised. Fertile soil for a demagogue to con/grift for power and exploitation.

[@lindaSmith6588]

There are tons of people who know Trump is bad news!! Tons of people who knew and voted for Hillary, who voted for Biden in 2020, who voted on the off years and will vote again in 2024 to vote for Biden.!!!

[@conniegrant939]

🗳️💙🗳️💙

[@antoniahamilton3201]

@@conniegrant939 Do corsets facilitate diapers?

[@user-ly5qi9zb5t]

@@antoniahamilton3201 ask Trump he has had both for over 20 years. ask Noel Casler!

[@tinynijman9077]

👍💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙👍👏

[@rockrecordreport7136]

And none of those people are having second thoughts and might vote for Trump. He has not gained one single voter since Nov. 6th 2020 that's for sure.

[@user-ly8ft2wb1c]

Keep up the good/BRAVE work at the Lincoln Project!

[@Patriot1789]

The Republican Party has been deeply cynical about politics for at least four decades - since before Reagan.

[@jamieflener5410]

Nixon opened the flood gates.

[@user-fx6wd9zx8t]

Yas, Nixon was the worst of his time, but honestly, Ike (Eisenhower) was a bigot, so nothing to be proud about

[@dthomas9230]

@@jamieflener5410 Nixon committed treason to win '68 and 4 SCOTUS seats. Reagan committed treason to get 4 SCOTUS seats. W's brother denied FL their vote for Gore and GOP got 2 SCOTUS seats. Putin interfered with 2016 and got the GOP 3 more SCOTUS seats. GOP has lost 7 of the last elections in the popular vote because most Americans hate the SCOTUS picks that deny women autonomy over their own bodies.

[@DouglasRichardson-er4ky]

@@jamieflener5410 Yup! Last great Republican was Eisenhower

[@johnalley1640]

When you make a deal with the Devil the price is always too high. History proves this again and again.

[@johnhopkins6260]

The hard fact is, "The Party of Lincoln" abdicated that claim with the Nixon "Southern Strategy". McCarthyism simply got the ball rolling.

[@tracysample6942]

They're not conservatives either. Never have been. They're libertarians and/or neo confederates.

[@bkm2797]

Who are not conservatives, The Lincoln Project?

[@kevinjenner9502]

Co-founder Steve Schmidt helped elect and re-elect GW Bush.

[@lamiagumbo]

sweety- they ARE conservatives. This is where conservatism was always headed. I'm sorry the truth hurts but you can't deny it when you look at the policies going all the way back to Reagan.

[@LindaMcification]

@@lamiagumbo Reagan was the catalyst that brought us to trump.

[@XZITT]

Thanks Lincoln Project . For standing up to this loser. Trump has been a fake afraud con man all his life

[@geofflewis8599]

..because stupidity is hard to explain..

[@chrisstratton987]

I was a (R) voter my entire life. With the rise of politicians like S. Palin, I started to drift to the left. I moved to a (D) leaning city and drifted a little more. I jumped ship several years b/f Trump. Thank Sweet Jesus!!! I've kept in touch w/some that stayed the course. It is scary as hell. Like Stuart said it is an authoritarian cult movement.

[@mikeyknox7897]

A lot of people, former republicans, are now what I would call nihilists or anarchists. They detest what we currently have, but don’t know what to replace it with, other than vengeful nothingness

[@effentjes]

Same counts for Democratic centrists. The only thing they can do is point fingers. Bad man. Very bad man. But lack any clear vision on how to move the country forward.

[@JJLom777]

Thank you! To build on what you've said. I have a relative that actually said on Facebook that they're voting for Trump so more people will be in a similar position of life. (Which is not a good place.) And, he's been like that for decades. Despite my concerns, help, or warnings, he flushed his life, to this point, down the shitter. Not cool to sound "judgy." But, about anyone would see the same. And, he wants us all there with him. I still have trouble finding the words for that experience. Forgive me.

[@cepamor]

Sobering talk, clearly said on every point. Could not have been put any better. This must be heard by every single American, over and over again. Thank you. 😮

[@jamieflener5410]

Love Judge Merchan for standing up for justice!

[@dalegreer3095]

Wow, that guy laid it all out. It's not often you hear so much honesty.

[@thesjkexperience]

There is no need for authoritarianism or conservatism. All hate! Jesus loved everyone.

[@dthomas9230]

That's the old Christianity! The new model is retribution and revenge!! Plus, misinformation so their FICA recipients deny vaccines in favor of Jesus and die... boosting church revenue from funerals and ending the FICA payroll tax hike!!

[@rhondah1587]

MAGA republicans don't believe in the meek and mild Jesus, they believe in the one from the book of Revelation. They see us at the end times where vengeance and retribution is the name of the game and trump is their savior. He will bring about the end of a diverse population and put things back to a strong white patriarchy. That's what they sincerely believe.

[@gadams47]

Profound conversation. It is a real shame that those among you who need to hear it will not. We here in Australia have been known to adopt American "ways" and if I was religious I'd pray like hell we don't follow you here. If you can't see through Trump you need help.

[@davidwelsh8026]

Trump will help American get out from under the Biden disaster.

[@goettling]

Amen!

[@nicksapp6543]

Great show Mr Stevens sounding the alarm. Vote blue!

[@monie1527]

Asking Mr. Stevens, SERIOUSLY, WHEN has the GQP EVER had any morality? I've been in the US since 1968 & HAVE NEVER SEEN THAT.

[@horaciodortona574]

Rome collapsed from the inside. The most powerful empire in history was undermined by internal strife, corruption and rot of its institutions. We are heading in the same direction and will suffer the same fate.

[@diamondlion47]

Not if we do something about it

[@JJLom777]

Yes! I've been saying that for years. And, the concept of "bread and circus" that came at Rome's end is pretty clearly evident, too.

[@Al-oe8ib]

The top court is corrupt, it can not end well

[@korolev-musictodriveby6583]

Ditto the U.K. .

[@dthomas9230]

@@korolev-musictodriveby6583 Brexit was a foolish move that reduced UK's GDP to that of Mississippi's.

[@roberth.retallickr.n.8069]

Where was this guy when the Supreme Court gave us Bush? Out partying.

[@andrewpierce1588]

They worked to get Bush elected then. That’s the irony of these Lincoln Project guys… they’re the people who created this situation…they gave us Palin…they literally are responsible. Now they want to wash their hands of their own mess.

[@richardvale214]

This guest, George Stevens, is spot on!

[@judehylton9692]

Vote 💙 Democracy Never Autocracy in America!!!

[@stanleykubrick8786]

A broken country dragging the planet down the toilet.

[@JJLom777]

Too many people. Not enough resources. It's global. With respect.

[@Songshare]

Russia, right?

[@Al-oe8ib]

Yep, who knew there were so many Nazis, racists, and Russian fans?

[@fifermcgee5971]

Is it a golden toilet?

[@user-fx6wd9zx8t]

Not just our country is broken. Authoritarian governments rising worldwide. Look at Hungary, Turkey, Poland, Italy, even Sweden has extreme right wing threats to their government!

[@libbycollins9349]

Scary truth.

[@theresaamandola7676]

Love Stuart Steven's! Great interview 🎉

[@mk1st]

Gerrymandering results in more and more extreme candidates getting selected, but there comes a point where it bites them in the a**

[@JakNekon]

Lincoln project rocks!

[@cutl00senc]

I was born 11/5/1964. For the love of God, my fellow countrymen and women, don’t make it a terrible day!

[@DeborahGee]

Wow, what an interview! It really hits home on what we are dealing with. Stuart Stevens tells it like it is. Thanks for the questions put forth to him as well.

[@pronolagermain-ni9zq]

Well said, succinct and people should sit up and pay attention

[@KathysGuess]

Sad State of Affairs in the GOP, its not anymore 😢

[@evanstauffer4470]

Lied constantly to the American people for the last decade.

[@kevinjenner9502]

I thought or assumed the GOP’s moral authority went south after GW Bush and twenty years of carnage in the Middle East.

[@JJLom777]

Reagan. IMO

[@lindakelley2676]

Yeah, some of us drew the line, a long time ago, these guys are late to the party. And still nostalgic about their party as of it can be redeemed.Bush getting away with being a war criminal makes us hypocrites now, calling out Putin.

[@user-fx6wd9zx8t]

Bush being given the presidency by SCOTUS was a major move to the darker side. It just got worse from there. Iraq should never have happened, just GW's revenge on behalf of his Daddy

[@catpaladin1]

The last Republican president who didn’t seem to damage the country was Eisenhower however imperfect he was.

[@dthomas9230]

@@lindakelley2676 He sentenced 5,000 Americans and 500,000 Iraqis to death for a carrier landing photo-op and 2 SCOTUS seats.

[@sgrvtl7183]

❗☑VOTE BLUE☑‼all the way👣 up & down👣 the Ballot👣SAVE our country 💥💫VOTE for DEMOCRACY ‼

[@robertrich1216]

Refreshingly candid and informative discussion about the future of our country...thank you, Stuart

[@msd2803]

Thank you for bringing this much needed broadcast highlighting the serious threat to our freedoms that we have. We all have a joint responsibility to vote blue to keep our democracy today and continued for all future generations and keep the guiding light shining for our adversaries around the world.🇺🇸

[@danmayberry1185]

A democracy needs (a minimum of) two healthy parties. The collapse of one is nothing to celebrate.

[@robincrouch6924]

This is such an important interview, in particular, the explanation as to why people are supporting Trump. I’ve been thinking this for 7 years, but was not able to articulate my thoughts - I heard it today. Thank you for what you are doing.

[@percivalalexander601]

All of them are being threatened to shut their mouth

[@emilyw3483]

This is courageous by Stephens.

[@mithulahiri4105]

"As bad as you think they are, they're worse."

[@kimsteinke713]

I wouldn't say creeping I would say infestation Wake up America vote we are in trouble. ❤❤❤

[@DarkHorse-bp3xf]

Judges need to stop "threatening him" with jail time for constantly flapping his big mouth. We need some follow-through! Jail him!

[@sherrievavrichek9604]

Mr Stevens-thank you for your articulate and well thought out position. I am a Democrat who has been shocked and demoralized by the power of the MAGA “Republicans.” No one group should have all of the political power, including us Dems. We need sane and ethical people like you, Liz Chaney, and others to keep our democracy healthy. Thank you!!

[@davidwelsh8026]

lol, we definitely don’t want Lizard Cheney.

[@sherrievavrichek9604]

@@davidwelsh8026 I don't agree with her politics, but as Jamie Raskin (my Congressman) said to Liz (I'm paraphrasing): ""I'm looking forward to the day when we can disagree with each other again." IMHO, negotiations between honest politicians of both parties is a necessity in a democracy!

[@PaulaTourville-po7fg]

Trump Gag Order : Give him Community Service Time . Have a list of choices . State a time frame for completetion . Keep adding on hours as warranted . Fines are a joke . Jail makes him a martyr . Community Service 😁

[@DouglasRichardson-er4ky]

... could he hire someone to pick up his trash 🗑️🔥

[@marcan1791]

Powerful segment, extremely enlightening. If my eyes were barely open before, they're wide open after listening to this. Thank you!

[@debrabarbarick8193]

Its no time for party politics till we get through this terrible time.

[@conniemazas]

What is this, the 9th time he has violated his GAG order? I laugh when I hear the judge say “if you don’t stop violating the gag order, you will go to jail”. That’s so cute. GROW SOME COJONES JUDGE MERCHAN AND SHOW HIM WHAT YOU ARE MADE OF. Cowering doesn’t cut it.

[@user-fx6wd9zx8t]

Dumpty deserves jail but it will also embolden the Maga nuts to get violent. And the secret service is dreading having to go to jail with Dumpty!

[@davidwelsh8026]

He is afraid of Trump.

[@BlazingShackles]

oh the bag is definitely leaking, and it ain't water.

[@chrystya]

Thank you Lincoln Project.

[@lzrd8460]

These Reps who are coming out against trump yet not supporting Biden are not thinking of the good of our country. And those like Mitch & Barr who, after previously criticizing trump, now will vote for him??? WTH.

[@davidwelsh8026]

Trump is the only logical choice, Biden isn’t even an option.

[@davidhaynes3126]

Pain is a great teacher

[@alumpyhorse]

16:35 this. Thank you for recognizing the crazy and addressing the root of what lies beneath it. serious journalism with actual depth, with depth and without fear mongering.

[@JJLom777]

For anyone listening, it kinda can't help but to stir a little "fear" at this point.😉😊

[@alumpyhorse]

@@JJLom777oh hell yes. scares the F out of me. but it’s different from riling up people to keep them in a state of constant state of butt-puckering fear, ready to kick down on whoever the group du jour is

[@yolandagray-rozier6912]

Stuart you are so speaking the truth.

[@HOHLfmly]

as bad as he knows these people, he knows it will be worse! THIS IS THE SCARIEST STATEMENT I HAVE EVER HEARD!

[@damamae950]

Good to see analysis by Walter Isaacson

[@MrMeteor1960]

sobering

[@frogdogink4415]

Well said gentlemen. 👏

[@jjlivepattern]

strange times.. our domestic and foreign adversaries cannot believe their luck. Stay strong all good brave souls