Michael Bender with Maggie Haberman: The Inside Story of How Donald Trump Lost

*This Livestream Archive contains Explicit Language*
Frankly, We Did Win This Election, authored by The Wall Street Journal’s senior White House reporter Michael Bender, reveals a deeply reported account of Donald J. Trump’s final year as president of the United States-from his first impeachment in January 2020 to his second almost exactly a year later.
Bender chronicles Trump and his campaign team as they struggle through an epic convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ensuing economic collapse, and the civil rights upheaval that unraveled their reelection strategy. Bender’s refined sourcing brings readers within the walls of the White House for the inside story of how Trump lost, drawing a straight line from his presidency to his defeat and ultimately to the deadly storming of the U.S. Capitol building.
Bender joined The Wall Street Journal in 2016 and has since published more than 1,100 stories about Trump. He has been recognized for his coverage, receiving both the Gerald R. Ford Foundation Journalism Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency in 2019 as well as the National Press Club award for political analysis in 2020.
Join Bender and moderator Maggie Haberman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist from The New York Times, as they go into the exclusive details of how Donald J. Trump lost the 2020 election.
NOTES
SPEAKERS
Michael Bender
Senior White House Reporter, The Wall Street Journal; Author, Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost; Twitter @MichaelCBender
In Conversation with Maggie Haberman
White House Correspondent, The New York Times; Twitter @maggieNYT
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[@hmmcinerney]

I’m in Europe and my ex son in law is a disciple of Trump. He’s filled my 9 yr old grandsons head with apocalyptic scenarios, the child telling me that I’ll die soon because I’m vaccinated. He’s now seeing a psychiatrist because of hoarding and anxiety issues. Trump gave these ideas oxygen and moved it mainstream. I loathe him to my bones.

[@HopeWins777]

So sorry to hear that an outside influence like that made such a big difference period that is tragic indeed. Just focus on your grandson and love and keep him aware that you are there no matter what he thinks and there is always a safe place to come and talk and he might just work his way back out! So so sorry. I have found that life's tragedies often prepare us for future callings so maybe this evil will end up being used to help others for good. All of us fail it's just a matter of what we do with it. Never quit. Stay strong in love and be the way of Hope and safety if some light does get shed into that Darkness.

[@hmmcinerney]

@@HopeWins777 Thank you so much for your good advice, we don’t challenge it too much, telling him - my grandson - that everyone has a right to think differently, but reminding him also of the good care he’s always got from doctors when he has needed it, how long they train for to keep us all safe. He adores his Dad but is a little afraid of him too

[@hrhrae1959]

@@hmmcinerney 🤗💕😊

[@hrhrae1959]

@@HopeWins777 🤗🤗💕

[@timwhite5872]

The sensible Americans know that Trump is an evil man. He is only interested in gaining power and wealth to punish his critics and enemies. Just remember the karma rule. What you give is what you get!!!

[@juliemoll8711]

The people who follow dump? I am 65, no kids, retired- would rather have my neighbor blast his leaf blower in my ear for 5 hours. Vote Blue.

[@patj4952]

Very, very funny. You are so correct sir.

[@astrosci8864]

If the times weren't so scary, that would be funny to imagine...

[@patshelby9285]

Amen.

[@Frenchblue8]

Amen, Julie. Trump is agony and the fascism is real. If you haven't yet, watch the Lincoln projects most recent ad, I believe it's called "NEVER AGAIN", in honor and observance of the 77th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. It is narrated by wonderful actor Peter Coyote, who must be in his eighties but sounds exactly as he always did, handsome guy as well. You will not be able to look away and you will have tears. The parallels drawn in the narration spoken by Coyote, comparing the insanity and vile in humanity of Nazism to what we are facing in Trump's Republican Party right now, their ugly, soulless and craven beliefs and the brazen permission they give themselves to hate overtly once again is the stuff of nightmares. They have to be stopped. We have to keep repeating, never again, and we have to believe it, mean it and carry that intention to the polls in first, 22. We can't stop them from their egregious mindsets, but we can vote them out. We must vote them out. Because, never. Never, ever, again.

[@susanfrancis5471]

Doesn’t Anyone use a rake anymore? I hate those leaf blowers, and trump even More.

[@astrosci8864]

Michael Bender is actually describing cult members, not lonely old people...

[@chesterlogan2687]

Trump called out the 82nd Airborne on American citizens. What a lousy bum.

[@NkrumahTure]

🤣

[@susanfrancis5471]

trump is a conman who fooled a lot of people. My niece and nephew included.

[@jeffreyg201]

Just look at how he corrupted the New Jersey casino legislation, ran his casinos into the ground and didn`t pay contractors, not to mention all the tax fraud and money laundering with Russia.

[@lbamusic]

Jeffrey G. ..don't forget the housing discrimination racism, he and his father were guilty of in the denial of their apartment rentals to non-Whites in NYC. (1950s - 1970s). The Feds busted them and fined them $6 million+.

[@jeffreyg201]

@@lbamusic Only goes to show the massive brain dead segment of our society who would vote for this individual, including the wacked out media as well.

[@SuperRedTails]

Trumpy isn’t above doing anything wrong!

[@zebertbrown1517]

It shouldn't surprise me that Trump wanted civil rights protesters shot. After all, he did suggest that police shouldn't be so kind as they put suspects in the backseat of their police car or that he could shoot someone in the middle of 5th Ave (NYC) and get away with it. But I am shocked! I knew he was a cruel man who chafes at anything that takes attention away from him or that mocks or ridicules him, but I never would have suspected he'd go as far as to suggest that the military should open fire on protesters.

[@MOI-qq8zc]

Calling covid a Democratic hoax didn’t help

[@elizabethmurray5718]

But, that is what it is. You will see when the Nuremberg Code lawyers begin their lawsuit

[@robc4191]

@@elizabethmurray5718 oh boy. One of those people.

[@shanesawyer5103]

@@elizabethmurray5718 It’s always coming but it never arrives. The check’s in the mail, right Elizabeth?

[@communistsmakecommentsgoaw4412]

Your nation actually cares more about candace owens, because she will save many black infants from their "loving" mamas who want them "dismembered "....👈😁..

[@robc4191]

@@communistsmakecommentsgoaw4412 whatever you say buddy. Lol whatever you say!

[@msjackson6131]

I loved the interest he took to try and understand trumps supporters… it shows professionalism and humanity

[@tinazappulla51]

It was always so clear that 45 didn't ever understand how government works, before or after his election. This really just brings that home. This is a really good interview. Very informative and solidifying. Thanks for doing it. 🌊💙

[@moewaihamilton7961]

Blf

[@hereigoagain5050]

There is a straight line from Barry Goldwater, through Ronald Reagan, neo-cons, and Tea Party, to Trump

[@luguy8347]

You got it right…..

[@OrdenJust]

Almost a straight line. There are bends for George Wallace and Lyndon LaRouche.

[@gregorygarcia7807]

please don't forget that hillary boasted about being a Goldwater democrat. for that i could never vote for her. she and debbie wasserman schultz forced trump on us.

[@kgunthorpe]

@@gregorygarcia7807, it's idiots like you that helped get Trump elected. Clinton could have been an ostrich, and you should have voted for her. You may not be part of this group, but progressive Democrats tended to have these kind of litmus/purity tests based ideological purity for her. Apparently there were a statistically significant number of Obama voters who didn't vote for her because she wasn't as "likeable" as Obama. Who cares that she liked a 1960s conservative politician?!? What is more important is what she has done while in government over the last decade or so. Look at all the things Trump did, and ask yourself what would have happened if Clinton was elected. For starters, there would be 3 more liberal or moderate members of the Supreme Court. Women's ability to control their own bodies may disappear throughout much of the country if Roe is overturned, but at least you made sure not to vote for a Goldwater sympathizer! People who "couldn't" vote for Clinton are actually more annoying than Trumpists. They basically are in a cult. What's your excuse?!? Trumpists and left-leaning people who didn't get off their asses to vote for Clinton forced Trump on us, not Hillary.

[@mikemcintyre7084]

@@kgunthorpe The American people wanted Bernie Sanders. The corporate democrats and their DNC wanted Hillary. Hillary was hated, because Bill sold us out letting the corporations move overseas for cheap labor. That being said, Hillary would have been infinitely better than Trump. Joe Biden is also a corporate guy, like Obama turned out to be, but even then it was back to the same old situation that America hated to begin with. The people hated all the country's wealth going to the top 1%. The wealthiest country in history, but children are going hungry, living on the street, even as our infrastructure crumbles. All this even as Jeff Bezos purchases a $500,000,000 super yacht with it's own spare yacht to carry around the helicopter. Then there's Jeff's joy ride to the edge of space. Lucky for him that Amazon pays no federal tax. You can thank the DNC for Trump.

[@gailremp8389]

Ww, Maggie Haberman and Michael Bender two of my favorites. Well it may be July 30 of 2021 and I'm just now listening to this. But I am so excited. Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you

[@zozochichi]

He verbally asked thé joint chief of staff to shoot peaceful protestors. He needs to be charged. It’s actually an offense.

[@chrisnieto5547]

Apparently he had a hidden machine gun, and his plan was to open fire randomly on the peacefull protesters and then try and finger Antifa by planting the gun in a ruck sack. Crazy man.

[@communistsmakecommentsgoaw4412]

Wow !...👈😁... I hear there is "tuition assistance" 👈 👉 (bail money) available to many "underpriveleged arsonists" 👈😁 through the programs of the "kam harris/blm/barrel-o-monkeys" organization !...👈😁👆...

[@redmed10]

He was just spitballing. Come on. You've got to discuss all possibilities. That's what geniuses do.

[@susanfrancis5471]

@@redmed10 But trump thinks Genius is spelled with a “J” like his middle initial. Stable? Not! Genius, Not. Conman, YESSS

[@redmed10]

@@susanfrancis5471 i was speaking as a trump apologist would do. I totally agree with you.

[@donaldeaton5556]

Fascinating discussion! Thank you

[@commonwealthclubworldaffairs]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@carolynmeinung1286]

Thank you so much. I have always wondered why Milley was walking with that group to the church in fatigues. You answered that question for me. Now it makes sense.

[@patj4952]

Does it make sense? We can talk about the courage it took after Gen Miley walked through Lafayette Square with the idiot, but Gen Miley wasn’t born yesterday, surely he knew what this man was all about. Why are these people finding their voices after the fact? What I’m God’s name are they so afraid of?

[@MsZeus49]

@@patj4952 If you find the reason why so called intelligent people let this Orange megalomaniac turn their heads, you could turn the tide on USA politics! Or maybe he will self implode soon… Just my opinion

[@colleenhall1688]

@@patj4952 trump is a mob boss who threatens descent. Have you noticed how he derives his own Republicans if they go against them. They have death threats from trump supporters. You don't think trump got all this way by being intelligent. He would be sitting in jail. No, hes a made man. If anything its Russian mob. They will do anything to destroy america.

[@jor604]

@@colleenhall1688 Where in God's name do you people get your information from? Such hatred in your words, I pray that hatred has not taken over your heart.

[@colleenhall1688]

@@jor604 probably because is a recorded fact that trump supporters threaten people that go against trump! I don't have hate in my heart. I just pointing out things you obviously don't pay attention to. My heart has no hate. It's just in heart failure.

[@liviadrusilla2083]

What an intelligent, articulate young man is Michael Bender. Thank you for your work, Mr. Bender, and Ms. Haberman.

[@robc4191]

So many outstanding professionals rose to the challenge of the trump administration. Thank God for the free press.

[@harumih.3727]

He is a chronicle journalist, conveying the daily facts as facts. While the social media broadcasts piece-meal news of facts, he makes every note as an event or a thing takes place. He is the most creditable reporter. His "deep inside" observations are what we need to know. Thank you.

[@victoriameyers5870]

I have news for you. I think he's really terrible at what he does. I prefer Meidas Touch. This guy is sort of awful at his job. If he ever wanted to be a tv journalist he'd need to take voice lessons. He opens every show with a shriek-y voice. It's terrible! I'm giving him a 'thumbs down' so he starts getting out of my 'KZbin' selections.

[@MargauxStewart]

Victoria Meyers, WOW ! ! ! You bring. 'New Life" to being horribly WRONG ☠💩💣⚰.

[@AM-dl2kf]

Excellent work thank you both !

[@gailremp8389]

Yep. I'm in Orlando area. I remember when Trump came for that first rally. Thank God I wasn't there. But you certainly nailed the weather. It sucks all summer down here. And trumps down here too and that sucks

[@cynthiacooney1486]

I'm sorry I have commented so much and ask so many questions about trump , but it really sets my nerves on edge that America voted him in for our President , a criminal ,tax evaders , and the people knew this about him. And he proved what kind of person he really is and people still want him for president. What he caused at the Capitol should have. Let America know that he should never run for president again. I will definitely not vote for him .

[@yurei8]

There is an ecosphere of negativity, victimhood, or fear, around most of politics. But Trump was good about playing up to those fears. And I think not enough attention is paid to right wing talk media. I heard one my own ears say, "Democrats are trying to destroy America". That is putting listeners at a level of basic fear. Consider that the US is considered the world's richest nation, and the white people are the majority. so then the focus is made on, someday they will not be the majority. Here's an example that is funny to me. I heard Trump say; "Biden would hurt God". That just shows how little Trump understands about the concept of God, in my book.

[@eugenestandingbear6516]

Inspirational . Thank you Mr. Bender for devoting your life and energy to bearing witness . May all that is good and just be with you. I thank your family and friends that helped you with this endeavor. Respect due.

[@Shelora]

Beautifully said.

[@johntodd8854]

Yes, if Trump is reelected Mr. Bender will find himself rounded up by his DOJ and imprisoned like many other Patriots.

[@fcmcfcmc]

Congratulations on the success of your book Michael, I'm looking forward to your narrative.. All the best to you and Ashley, who happens to be one of my favorite journalists. Thanks to Maggie for her informed guidance through this interview.

[@darciereed9595]

In addition to wanting to stop any protests, which are 1st amendment rights the St. John's church and displaying the Bible was his response to being called "Bunker Boy".

[@ontime3462]

Interesting take. I would also venture to say that Trump gave them permission to be their worst selves.

[@dlev]

...which is the same permission he gives his base, or at least some of his voters feel he gives. This also self selects generally the people that surround him by choice, and specifically those that thrive.

[@elizabethmurray5718]

No, I'd say Nancy

[@bernicerichter8944]

No tDump. He is the second coming of pt Barnum. A con man thru and thru.

[@jaydiddat2127]

@@bernicerichter8944 trump exposed the con perpetrated on America and y’all hate him for it

[@communistsmakecommentsgoaw4412]

Your nation actually cares more about candace owens, because she will save many black infants from their "loving" mamas who want them "dismembered "....👈😁..

[@penelopeharris3986]

The first time I have been given a reason why the creature from the swamp won. He made them feel better about themselves. There you have it.

[@donnazukadley7300]

@Penelope Harris I heard on a video that his rallys gave people a sense of community

[@maryherrera8603]

@@donnazukadley7300, agree. A sense of community makes a person feel like they belong.

[@yayaelvis3270]

He gave them permission to project their ugliest selves onto any perceived enemy they could conjure up. There are countless women who are regularly beaten by the worst of them. Maybe some of those women are relieved that the abuser’s focus is on the satanic Democrats rather than on her.

[@jabbermocky4520]

Like an abusive romantic partner, he made them feel great for awhile. But the high of a one-sided romance cannot last forever. When these people find their lives smaller, shabbier and duller than they were before or during the fever of "love" they'll regret that they ever heard of the bum.

[@selliott7043]

@penelope Harris If only they had known! Nothing quite like 600,000 dead to raise the spirits! Dang, it’s that feel good factor again; ‘Is this the ‘make America great again’ (liberation) that Daddy promised?’ (Nazi ww2 poster) well, at least you can sleep easy in the knowledge that it’s only going to be your Grandchildren who’ll have to pay back the $1trillion giveaway to the 1%! Is there going to be enough long grass to go around? Now this is a Master and Servant relationship; Trump is a sadomasochist, he gains pleasure from other people’s suffering! ‘He who believes his own lies falls into disrespect to himself and others! Not respecting anyone he ceases to love, and descends into complete bestiality! And all because of his lies!’ Dostoyevsky. The hate of his base is the oxygen he feeds off; he can not reach his climax without it! (In his speech). The beast demands complete prostration, submission. He promises a new America built in their image and the price? Moral turpitude, the death of the soul, but we have Prozac for that! You can remain an empty vessel!

[@edking9724]

Most people don't fully understand how soulless some politicians can become. No matter how much we see, we still find it hard to believe. The nature of power.

[@cosmicjams9585]

Just check out Hunters laptop

[@cosmicjams9585]

@@JAGRAFX nice comment. Typical uninformed citizen. Bring it on! I got you covered . What do you know about the laptop? Are you in it? Then stop trying to stop the truth about the Biden crime family.

[@cosmicjams9585]

@@JAGRAFX nice summary but what does that have to do with Hunters laptop? Or quid pro joes ukranian threats and brags.

[@cosmicjams9585]

@@JAGRAFX yes you just keep on and on oh well. This is not a political matter with me. Corruption is the problem. Ethics will continue to challege power for ruling the planet.

[@cosmicjams9585]

@@JAGRAFX thats nonsense

[@martasperling8582]

Read the book!! A must read!!

[@kerryfry1857]

People are paying attention because they're waking up to the fact their getting robbed.

[@grammyb5216]

So happy to see Maggie do this interview. Can hardly wait to get my copy. 💗💗💗 Such a Maggie Haberman fan.

[@selliott7043]

As such you are part of the ‘literary elite’! I see an innate curiosity in your statement, something Trump lacks apparently. I don’t think there were more than half a dozen books in the house when I grew up. Maybe half of Americans are semi literate and, I think, this is at the heart of America’s problems. Continuous rethinking is a prerequisite to being engaged with society but few make the time or commitment to ‘continuing education’ in the true sense. It is as if we are travelling in parallel Universes! Personally, I’m not sure I can cope with yet another Trump tome; I have ‘sad sociopath overload!’

[@Garacha222]

Michael Bender is a natural... his quality of "willing-to-defer-to-others" seems to gain him rather transparent and accurate access to others' motivations as he observes and researches them. excellent intuitive faculties

[@stacyyoust]

That's deep

[@Andie1951]

Great program! Michael Bender is so impressive! I will buy his book. Great interview and insight into why 70+ million voted for such a horrible man.

[@johncampian6243]

Great question !!! I think because a huge number of them don’t thinking, they just doing. Brain washing.

[@midgerussell4235]

Thank you, Common Wealth!

[@stephrainspirite9985]

Thank you both! Great information

[@commonwealthclubworldaffairs]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stacyververis7731]

We need the best reporters and we have Michael Bender and Maggie Haberman

[@notindaclub6932]

lmao That is too funny... They're perfect for the Democratic Party.

[@patbeulah6208]

@@notindaclub6932 because Democrats have an affinity for facts..and helping people

[@georgewarburg9457]

@@patbeulah6208 m.j

[@MrMikesee]

Speaking of using the active military for domestic anti-protest purposes, I was in the 82 Airborn Divison in 1970 during the "March on Washington" and I went with the 3rd Brigade to Washington. The role of the 82nd was to protect federal government buildings. So, there was an instance where the active military was used in a domestic occasion. The Brigade was kept mostly at Andrews Airforce Base, but some units were deployed to the city, but they were not involved in any action against US citizens.

[@quantumrobin4627]

Thank you for your service❤️

[@honeybeechanger]

I sincerely want to thank you for your service. Thank you. What you were referring to, about that situation 1970, the use of military, wasn't contravertial? My thought is context, context, context! Nixon in 1970, was not thought of as unstable and corrupt as Trump in 2020 and Nixon served until 1974. Until Nixon was disgraced Nixon was a popular president. The war was protested. We didn't know how unstable and corrupt Nixon really was until years after 1970. Still there was a clear sense Nixon knew how the US government works and that isn't the case for Trump. In 1970 had anything like what was done on June 1st 2020 to peaceful protestors (I'm not saying all George Floyd protestors were peaceful) when Trump wanted to stand holding someone else's Bible upside-down in front of St John's for a photo op happen? The military leaders sensed a dictatorial tendency in Trump. They were trying to prevent being used against US citizens. They got the clear sense Trump couldn't tell the difference between how to US citizens during a protest and the Afghani people during a war (which is another topic). I think that after Watergate even if Nixon had not resigned if he had wanted to do what you said you did in the military in 1970 there might have been a problem within the military leadership following what Nixon had commanded. What I'm saying is that we know more during a presidency then we used to and when we know how unstable a president is it's hard to deploy that military and that military leadership to follow orders against their own citizens and I think that's a good thing. I have sought to answer my own question if it was controversial in 1970 what you were describing. EXCERPT: The National Guard was called into service during a postal strike in 1970 to “execute the laws of the United States as they relate to the Post Office Department.”301 The cited authority for this action was the Economy Act of 1932,302 which led to some criticism because that statute does not provide for the use of the Army. In 1973, the Army became involved in a federal law enforcement operation to quell a civil disturbance on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota after some 200 members of the American Indian Movement seized and occupied the village of Wounded Knee to demonstrate their grievances. The Attorney General advised President Nixon to send federal troops to the area, presumably under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 332 (now § 252), but military advisors counseled against the idea.304 Instead, some 350 federal officers were sent to the scene, including a paramilitary group from the U.S. Marshals Service.305 Nevertheless, the 82d Airborne Division was tasked to provide a 1,000-man contingency force as well as some observers, and regional National Guard units provided surveillance aircraft and other equipment. The troops from the 82d Airborne were not deployed, but some questioned whether military aid supplied to civilian law enforcement was permissible under the Posse Comitatus Act,306 leading to litigation and eventually legislation to authorize some types of military support to civil authorities. (See below “Support to Law Enforcement.”) www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/R42659.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiZuaKJqpfyAhWkFVkFHcjQDPoQFnoECAMQAg&usg=AOvVaw2LLIpoewh6w9fA7GR_gOvi

[@theodavis9778]

@@honeybeechanger: Trump was NEVER anything more than a “Liar as President”. That means he’s “Unfit”. The men and women who genuflect in his presence, lack the higher level of integrity necessary to protect our Democracy AND are unfit themselves. If the Armed forces are commanded by similar personality types, that will be the end of American Democracy as it is known today. It is after all, “The content of one’s character” …….

[@honeybeechanger]

@@theodavis9778 SORRY THE VOICE TO TEXT IS SOMETIMES WORSE THAN MY LOUSY TYPING & SPELLING. I HOPE MAKES SOME SENSE. I believe that we are in a cold civil war and I believe that we've been in this trajectory for quite a long time before Trump but it was just a ceiling or a colonel and Russia got a hold of that Colonel or seedling added fertilizer and put it in a spreader. I think all of us our kind of operating in a way where we take bits of information and react to and so we're not all wrong and we're not all right. I think that all of us on whatever side red blue right left conservative-liberal whatever side you're coming from. None of us has 100% knowledge of what's happening at any given time and all of us have to rely on other people to give us that information anything that you know or that I know where did I think I know comes from somebody else telling me that it is so and then we have to use some sort of logic to peace those things together and to create our world view. I happen to think that you are right but if we behave in the way that you're proposing Russia wins. In a way Rush has already won just by the reactions that we've already had in the last year-and-a-half. I'm sure the operation that they had going with Trump and all the other people they started long ago and it was their most successful covert operation against United States. I can't blame my fellow citizens for being conned by con artist. It's like blaming victims of a con artist for being conned. I think in my view that self-defeating and useless at the same time.

[@honeybeechanger]

@@theodavis9778 what I mean is that we have recognize several things: If Democrats hadn't paid only lip service to so much of the elctorate for decades Russia 2016 & Trump 2016 might never have happened. We are still largely veey segregated. Some people are undereducated, racist/bigots who voted for Trump but a whole lot of them are not I think that Trump was elected and is still supported but people who would rather be conned buy a new con artist than the old one because they know when the old con goes. Unfitness is a symptom of desperation. To truly rid ourselves of dispair these people need to regain their faith in leadership where there is very little.

[@ianmclaren9721]

Thanks for the good work in keeping the record accurate. History will dip its hat to you.

[@jamesbuckingham5771]

Fabulous Show!! You were both awesome!! Thank you!!

[@annettepiff9759]

What a beautiful story about family love! I'm so grateful to Michael for giving this heartfelt thanks, on air, to his relatives who helped him out of a major time/deadline issue. * Thank you very much, altruistic relatives! * You precious loved ones helped a delightful, intelligent, knowledgeable gentleman help us understand many things we really need to know. Thanks for all of the research, also! I know I can always count on Michael; I learn a great deal from him. Great interview, Maggie! 😊

[@democratpatriot6752]

"The same rally" ... the same paid audience when he announced his candidacy, perhaps.

[@MorganLeFay1]

Both of these reporters referred to the events of Jan 1 as a "riot". The word riot suggests spontaneity. With the planning involved, this was an insurrection.

[@redwoods7370]

Thank you. It’s important that the entire world understands that this was sedition and a full blown deadly insurrection and a direct (and continuing) threat to our democracy.

[@daysjours]

Give it a rest. This was not an insurrection. Just absurd.

[@lilmoe4364]

It was an attempted insurrection

[@MorganLeFay1]

@@lilmoe4364 I guess I miss your point inasmuch as I have always understood the activities involved, whether or not successful, constituted insurrection -- not the outcome. To be thorough however, I checked Canbridge, Britannica, and Merriam dictionaries for the definition. All agreed that insurrection is not an end but a means.

[@jeynjohnstone5917]

Thank you for your research so that future historians can understand.

[@petecarroll5397]

Am I the only one reading the Constitution. As per Section 3 of the 14th Amendment Trump cannot run again, ever for public office in the USA.

[@tirandaz7612]

It is totally irrelevant how many votes Dump got. He lost. He lost because he is a 'loser'. Always has been, always will be. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, this book displays the twisted logic adopted by Dump himself and it's ultimate consequences. It is this: I almost won. Every contestant, every contestant with integrity that is, knows 'almost' is not good enough. You lost. Go home.

[@MartineReed]

@Debbie Marlene Burnett What a nutcase you are. Your comments make no sense whatsoever. Maybe it makes sense in the original Russian.

[@rogerwhittle2078]

@Debbie Marlene Burnett What colour is the sky on your planet Debbie? It's mostly blue on mine, but you live somewhere different - obviously. Just sayin'.

[@williamhilton841]

Can someone please tell Stacy Abrams? She still thinks she’s the governor of Georgia.

[@sempressfi]

@@williamhilton841 no, actually, she believes Kemp used shady and illegal methods to throw out and/or render votes (that, by law, should've been counted) illegitimate. And speaking as someone who found out in 2020 that my own ballot from 2018 was discarded for no reason (and trying to find out why gets an avalanche of documents listing every voter in GA and saying you have to figure out your own voter ID but no, it isn't listed anywhere conveniently but here are the codes, one each for your county, poll location, which election, etc have fun decoding it all!), yeah, there was some shady things, not least of which being Kemp was Secretary of State and allowed to oversee his own election. So, yeah, she doesn't believe she lost in a fair election where every eligible voter had access or their vote counted but like the presidential elections up until 2020, she didn't run our democracy into the ground and try to hold it hostage for the sake of her ego. False equivalencies and whataboutisms holds up about as well as Rudy Giuliani in federal courts.

[@MrShekoexile]

@Snagglepuss ummm, come again?

[@raycampbell162]

74 Million voted for Trump not 75 million lol

[@blueclover9918]

@LifeRegenerator how I hope this is sarcasm

[@Roses-lilac]

Am I the only one who thinks Trump is a crashing bore? He just drones on and on and on… ad nauseum! Same old same old.

[@jyi5506]

The evil Grump

[@EverybodyLovesPolitics]

He received seven million fewer votes.

[@johnrogan9420]

80 million people voted for ol jojo?...Jeff Bezos went into space...the moon is made of green cheese.

[@grouchomarxist5612]

@@johnrogan9420 Actually, it was closer to 82 million. More people voted against Trump than against any incumbent in U.S. history. Biggest. Loser. Ever.

[@Laura_0708]

Joe got the most votes ever in history, but lots of those were votes against Trump.

[@grouchomarxist5612]

@@Laura_0708 Technically, all of them were.

[@robc4191]

@@Laura_0708 speaking for myself, I would never have otherwise voted foe Biden in a million years. I voted entirely *against* trump.

[@debblanch5977]

Really, REALLY enjoyed this interview. Michael's book is the next on my list to buy. Thank you both for an enlightening interview.

[@melissairenawolf]

+

[@kristendavis7870]

His cheating didn't work this time like it did in 2016. That's it.

[@165Dash]

Great book…and good to read before or after the Leonig / Rucker book. Fun to spot the slightly different takes on essentially the same events. I noticed that Bender reported that the after Trump returns to the WH after Walter Read COVID the “pull off the mask” shot that was used in Trump propaganda was actually shot as a second take some time after he arrived home due to his physical exhaustion. Leonig / Rucker didn’t report the time gap or use of a second take. Mike pulled no punches whatsoever BTW.

[@ljimlewis]

It figures.

[@henry123621]

Va

[@timothye5936]

I’m only gonna read one…so which one can you recommend?

[@165Dash]

@@timothye5936 I would have to say I had a slight preference for Bender’s. Much has been said about his writing about the “Front Row Joe’s”. It’s an important part of the book but does not dominate. I thought Mike got to a deeper level of intimacy with people he report on. Rucker / Leonig, as Washington Post reporters may have been slightly hampered by less access or may not have wanted to include material not triple fact-checked. Bender pulls no punches and the facts in both books line up. Also he focuses a bit more on the Trump campaign…versus the Trump White House. Without Rucker/Leonig I never would have learned that Trump’s favorite politician was Meade Esposito…the Democratic powerful liberal yet corrupt and dominating political boss on New York’s Kings County (Brooklyn) in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. A guy never elected to public office but whose “ring” Donald and Fred Trump probably had to kiss on many occasions. Bender’s book reminded me a bit of J. Anthony Lukas’s phenomenal 1985 Pulitzer Prize wining “Common Ground - A Turbulent Decade in the Lives of Three American Families” in the respectful tone he takes with all participants…letting events, choices and behavior speak for themselves.

[@giafontana1898]

@@timothye5936 I’d read David Cay Johnston’s Trilogy of Books. He’s followed Trump for 30-40yrs.

[@misan7903]

Thank you for the book. That was the best one I have had for a long time. I realy learned so much from it.

[@commonwealthclubworldaffairs]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@misan7903]

@@commonwealthclubworldaffairs Thank you, I realy did. Hope there shall be many who read it. Today that is needed, when there is so much Conspiracy Theories among the people.

[@annsanse2935]

i want somebody to write a book about trump's jan 20 departure from the wh. who was there and how did they get him the hell out the door? was it peaceful or were knives drawn? "getting him the hell out the door" would make for a great book title and probably the title of a great play, too.

[@FoxysFriends]

Cheeseburger on a fishing pole?

[@MrShekoexile]

@@FoxysFriends 🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@samuraienterprises9802]

They got the fucker out with promises of more Russian golden showers.

[@ronmorrison1964]

Thanks Bender, & Hageman.

[@michaelbray109]

All Donnie’s “endorsements” will be how great he is, how much of a victim he is, and how lucky the candidate is to have Donnie there.

[@FreedomMoped]

Constant infighting is a sign that the management above is weak. I’ve seen it over and over again. He wasn’t taking care of his team just dividing them.

[@mysterywriter888]

I read five biographies of trump to try to understand how he thinks. He LOVES dividing his staff and getting people upset. Kind of like a 12 year old boy.

[@shanesawyer5103]

He’s a 12 year old boy in pretty much every way

[@FreedomMoped]

@@jaydiddat2127 Never his fault right?

[@shanesawyer5103]

@@jaydiddat2127 He never had anything resembling a coherent vision for America.

[@shanesawyer5103]

@@jaydiddat2127 Those things you listed aren’t accomplishments, they’re slogans. “Troops out of Germany”??? We still have troops in Germany. “China Control”??? I have no idea what that means. Lol, you think Drump was controlling China? They were laughing at him for four years. “Closed borders”… again, what are you talking about? “Energy independence”? If you mean we produce so much energy that we now export it, that happened before Drump became President. It sounds like you just went to his website & saw a very vague list of his “accomplishments” & wrote them down.

[@Cyndance]

Really good! Thank you!

[@TaiChiBeMe]

Nice to hear 2 professionals tell their story. After so much bad press on the the "bad press."

[@darciereed9595]

Informative Interview. I appreciate both Haberman and Bender.

[@LisaPhillips4494]

TRUMP RALLY reminds me of “FAT ELVIS” Tour

[@lisasuggs600]

Great reply, I thought that as well😀 maybe some Lisa’s think alike!

[@MrShekoexile]

It sure isn't Shakedown Street

[@shanesawyer5103]

😆😆😆

[@timothye5936]

But fat Elvis was pretty good !

[@lesterstarks9607]

There never should have been a Trump in the White house, when the first alarm of Russian interference emerged

[@HopeWins777]

Exactly the truth. People were too arrogant you could see it from the start. Trump isn't settle. But people sure are more corrupt than I realized

[@jeannieluna3009]

Hold on to your hats … we’re about to hear the extent of UAE involvement in our government.

[@robertblake1032]

Russian involvement never happened. It was fiction, never happened, was a lie from the leftist and they cashed in on it by repeating it every night. Just because you tell a lie daily, it doesn’t make it true. TDS is very rough. Get professional help.

[@jamespadden5466]

@@robertblake1032 Bob, Are djTjr & The Rudy still meeting Russians to further the cause of international adoption? VOTE AMERICA 🇺🇸

[@grouchomarxist5612]

@@robertblake1032 Are you familiar with the Mueller Report?

[@mlight6845]

Excellent interview and dialog!

[@MargauxStewart]

Michael BENDER is such a fine, Honest, Intelligent MAN ! He has the most beautiful Hair ! ! !

[@victoriousjoy9338]

Hair will always make a man smart. Doesn't everyone know this?

[@victoriousjoy9338]

😝

[@LunaSea-000]

His hair was the one thing Trump was right about!

[@margoz7251]

The last question about impact on our children... "Watch Trump? Watch Trump?" That's just chilling. If politainment continues to hold us hostage we really are into dystopian (see Hunger Games) life. I really hope we have a miracle.

[@piezoification]

Haberman's normalizing never as bad as you thought 🤢 vomit and apparently will never end - even if trump evaporates. 😉

[@MartineReed]

Why was that his answer about the children of Trump supporters? Is he putting himself in that category? Yikes! 🤨

[@thiswalkinglife]

fascinating insights into usa politics, thks. greetings from melbourne, australia

[@gregnixon1296]

The quality of the comments are a great testimony to the quality of those who form your readership.

[@Avidhope]

Donald Trump knows how guilty he is of several illegal offences that could put him in jeopardy of humiliation, fines, jail and historical disgrace. This is his motivation to mobilize any and every resource and person available that he can. I wish the media would discuss this motivation with more force and challenge his supporters to answer the tough questions of his possible crimes. Trump is like a cornered animal fighting for life.

[@MargauxStewart]

Hugh, I appreciate your Intelligent Thoughtful Ideas and suggestions; However, I truly Believe that, with the ENORMOUS Damage "Dump" has personally directed toward OUR LAWS and CONSTITUTION and LEGAL Structure, for his OWN selfish motive of Lust for Power and GREED; IT IS WE the American People, who have become "Dump's" "CORNERED WOUNDED Animals🚽🚽🍔🍔☠🏌🎱🎱💣⚰

[@TJMotionPictures]

🤣

[@annsanse2935]

in that famous wh photo of speaker nancy pelosi standing at the conference table facing down trump you can see gen. milley with his head down and making fists, looking as though it was all he could do to keep from slugging trump.

[@robc4191]

I remember that. A really phenominal picture. I hope the photographer was recognized for that shot.

[@davidoran123]

I hope America learns from this close encounter with authoritarianism.

[@donnale3881]

Trump told them they didn’t have to take personal responsibility, that everything wrong is someone else’s fault.

[@williamchamberlain2263]

Yeah. Seen that before a few times. But the politics as entertainment aspect is new for the US as far as I can remember.

[@alwaysovercomingbear4809]

Wow, perspective really is everything!

[@jasonkeenan4154]

Milley telling Stephen Miller to shit the fuck up is basically the greatest thing I've ever heard.

[@jeangreenfield5993]

So interesting about Trump's level of sickness from Covid , and Milley shouting at Stephen Miller.

[@Andie1951]

I love Milley for telling Stephen Miller to STFU.

[@noelie16]

great interview

[@carolaltman1107]

Good explanation, it helps to get some understanding of this”Base”

[@benniecrawford6876]

The first two descriptions of Trump were entirely accurate.

[@colleenhall1688]

I’m retired and never had kids and I’m happier than if I watched a skunk stroll into Mara-logo! Sorry but nobody is that lonely to follow tRump around.

[@juliering3646]

Sorry but I missed your take on this interview. Are you suggesting that journalists should not write about the most controversial presidency in US history? You seem to be inferring that this period of the country's most disturbing political events was boring!

[@taniaburton7559]

I got no kids. I'm retired. Got a post-grad degree in psychology and criminology. I find the last 5-6 years incredible. Still.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@taniaburton7559 what's you take on this insane president then?

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@juliering3646 the writer said in this interview that he believes a lot of retirees and people without children were attracted to trump's run because they had time on their hands and trump gave their life's meaning, so the original post was so completely in context

[@juliering3646]

@@MyName-pl7zn Then you saw a great deal more than I did in the post.

[@patj4952]

Didn’t realize he was married to Ashley Parker. Love her. Have always admired Maggie Haberman. Great interview. Will definitely buy the book.

[@MrArdytube]

Many people fail to see how subtle Trump is in his mendacity. He is like a king who says “someone ought to do something.” As such, Trump often weasels out of direct complicity… as illustrated in his calls to Ukraine and various voting officials.

[@davidobriend8560]

Also him learning from a very early age from Roy Cohn never to write anything down helped a lot too

[@MrArdytube]

@@davidobriend8560 Also, there is a psychological technique where, for example, you ask fit a million dollars…. Then a person feels he got a bargain if you sell for 700,000. Trump does a similar things. He claims astounding performance…. And even if you discount that claim by 50% it is still great. One thing that has stuck in my mind…. During 2016 campaign… he appeared to claim unemployment was 40%. This seemed absurdly high to me, I wanted to track down the claim as an example of his lying. When I found his quote… what he said was. “SOMEPEOPLE SAY that unemployment MAY be UP TO 40%.” So he had 3-4 gotcha qualifiers…. Some people Say May be Up to He was able to benefit from an inflammatory claim with absolutely zero accountability for that claim And, much as I hate the guy…. I have to admire the artistry of his sleaze

[@davidobriend8560]

@@MrArdytube ya I can't think of a better con man in American history. He used that, "ppl are saying, everybody knows," clause all the time. Another thing one time, he was talking about we had negative GDP one time, his ppl believed it. Where if you know what it is, negative GDP is not a possibility. But now, everyone gets news that is tailored to them, so there source will never point out negative stories about their side, or at least minimize it

[@MrArdytube]

@@davidobriend8560 Yes, Like with “negative GDP” … if you even tried to point that out… his fan boys would just think you were being picky about some technical jargon… when everyone knew what he meant even if he didn’t frame his comment with a academic precision. Trump talks to people’s feelings in a way that is remarkably similar to the techniques of Joseph Gobbles and Adolph Hitler. It would be very interesting to know if he independently came up his shtick.. or if he has studied great demagogs of the past.

[@davidobriend8560]

@@MrArdytube there's so much that comes out about him that idk how much is 100% true, but I think one of his ex wives said that he kept Hitler speeches and Mein Kampf highlighted by his bed

[@abocas]

".. before we knew that the Rosegarden event was going to be a super-spreader ..." I must be an Oracle, a non-American Oracle, because even back then I knew exactly what would happen when anybody gathered in huge numbers, sitting close, hugging, kissing, slapping each other's back, shaking hands, not wearing masks ..... I completely forgot to listen at that time because I was consumed with watching who was touching and talking to who, telling my family "he is going to get it", "she is going to get it" ..... and I was probably dead-right.

[@johnjoanisse5760]

These People are extremely Intelligent People it is refreshing to hear about Trump From Their point of view.people in Canada 🇨🇦 Think That Trump Is A Phony.

[@oneglobecraig]

6 sisters, me too. Secret sauce for balance and success. Insightful book.

[@charliemcgrain]

I want to know at what point they realize they are not going to win and start setting up for the big lie? Glaring question.

[@jrb2280]

Trump always had the big lie ready. He cannot accept losing, as we know, but plans ahead on an excuse/lie in the event of a loss. If you look back to his debates with Hillary Clinton in 2016, he clearly stated that if he lost he would never accept the results as being anything but fraud. 2020 gave Trump and his planned big lie a new basis. That being the large number of mail in voted due to Covid.

[@sharonhearne5014]

Interesting book title to pull in both sides of the political spectrum.

[@michelemarch8606]

Totally agree Sharon!!

[@stacyververis7731]

But now the tide is turning they aren’t as loyal as before

[@TheLakingc]

I bought it the minute i heard about it. Good job. Aren't you glad you did it no matter the response?

[@anthrogurl4484]

Trump For Prison 2021!!!

[@countrydonald753]

Prison won't rehabilitate him, he'll slide out n restart all the lies again, n morons will pretend he's Jesus returned. Off With His Head, he's earned the death penalty half a million times over!!!

[@janetpercell3989]

2022

[@dr.tetraminflakes3187]

what the kids grow up will learn is if you lie enough and rich enough to suit anyone telling the truth, ya you can get away with it because there are so much suckers out there to back you up. but you got to be rich

[@Anhorish]

Or religious.

[@mikemcintyre7084]

We certainly don't want our children, or anyone else to get the wrong idea that becoming a sociopath, is in any way normal, but rather that it is a mental disorder.

[@dr.tetraminflakes3187]

@@mikemcintyre7084 sociopath are a learned behavior, by voting in a sociopath we are teaching it can be a norm.

[@craigster1244]

Trump didn’t get away with it.

[@dr.tetraminflakes3187]

@@craigster1244 1) trump isn't behind bar 2) still making million on selling lies be covid or losing vote 3) GOP state has the largest death rate on covid due lack of vaccinated so that show support and his influence on the GOP senators, mayors and governors and bills they pass. 4) history has shown over and over again, the world rule by the loudest minority not the silence minority. the brown shirt under hitler was a very small minority till hitler took power then took them out in the night of blades.

[@dennischallinor8497]

If young Mr. Bender received $10 for every time he said: "You know" he would be the billionaire Trump pretends to be. NO, I don't know, that's why I'm listening to you, you know!

[@bbingtube]

Lol, millennials and their intercollations 🤣🤣🤣

[@michaelkirkpatrick7483]

Informative interview. I'm prompted to purchase the book for more details. Mr. Bender obviously went through a lot on this, hanging around the trump crowd has to be turbo charged stress to the max. I'm particularly curious on any insights into his supporters that can maybe shed some light as to why they fully support someone who some say is a clone of Stalin or Hitler or both.

[@susanthompson7371]

Did I hear Michael Bender say “What is it about this SHOW that people want to see it over & over again”!!! Referring to tRump followers!! WOW that was hilarious!!

[@Tony-dk1bp]

Maggie Haberman is one of the best out there.

[@joruthpatterson6164]

Bender and Maggie, put out great info

[@luguy8347]

Actually, many details I was unaware of, interesting.

[@ber334]

It's fascinating to me that these two very talented reporters Who and the only word I can think of is professionally able to separate themselves from the fact that Trump is nothing more than a grifter con man Criminal and that they're able to put that aside to do their work is spellbinding. For example to talk about whether Trump will run again for office and knowing that were talking about a criminal really makes this a very interesting discussion

[@timothye5936]

Is Maggie working on a book?…I sure hope so !!

[@piercebales9546]

Like Deadheads without the joy, sex, music. soul or fun.

[@democratpatriot6752]

Trump was a blessing to the publishing world.

[@phyllisneal8687]

Omg‼️ PLEASE JUST TELL US WHAT HAPPENED BEHIND CLOSED OVAL OFFICE DOORS? JC‼️🤬All about YOURSELF ‼️

[@auntijen3781]

Michael Bender & Futurama Bc he looks like Phillip J Fry & shares a name w Bender my ADHD mind is blown.

[@jillniemczynski5517]

👍😂

[@BigBunnyLove]

Hunter S. Thompson this guy is not. The guy said he stayed out there til 10. What a warrior.

[@hrhrae1959]

Great to meet a Hunter fan. Me too. 😊

[@LilikoiJammin]

✊ Gonzo strong

[@robc4191]

Thompson was blasted out of his mind most of the time though

[@checksandbalances6714]

I think his book did well bc of his carefully crafted title

[@evandegenfelder4554]

Great, interesting info, I appreciate this. Obviously well researched and I kind of feel sorry for his stress and exhaustion after spending so many years at *trump's* beck and call. Ugh. (One note: I wish Mr. Bender would as "you know" a bit less.)

[@polferiferus1938]

@Evan Degenfelder - My dad used to hate that phrase. At 56, I was raised on it and most people use it reflexively. I’m glad it doesn’t bother me. For a while everyone on NPR was beginning every single question and answer with “So,…” Seems less prevalent now (or maybe it’s happening I no longer notice), but I _hate_ it! Same goes for “pleaded” over what I grew up hearing (“pled”). Now _that_ drives me crazy! It just sounds wrong to me, and always will. It’s not rational of me, I realize, I just wince involuntarily every time I hear it. I think I understand what you’re feeling, but, the truth is, as I’m sure you know, whether we like it or not, language doesn’t stand still, y’know? ;)

[@evandegenfelder4554]

@@polferiferus1938 I completely agree with your assessment on "So. . ." I too have noticed that on many interviews. I realize that language is a fluid art but some things do 'stick in the craw' more than others. I've heard that psychologists can explain what's going on with people's overuse of various words/phrases; that it might indicated nervousness, insecurity, etc. But still, when any one thing is done enough that the listener becomes aware of it, it does seem to take away from what they're trying to communicate.

[@lisad2701]

@@polferiferus1938 Thank you! It's "pled" not "pleaded". More offensive to me is people who constantly interject "right" at the end of their sentence. It's a ploy to manipulate and confirm the person's opinion as fact in the listener's mind.