Trump’s Rhetoric, U.S. Foreign Policy, and Media Responsibility With Peter Baker, Susan Glasser, and Madeleine Brand
Summary of This Conversation Prepared by Jews United for Democracy & Justice
In a compelling episode of America at a Crossroads, Peter Baker and Susan Glasser sat down with Madeleine Brand to explore the escalating rhetoric from former President Donald Trump, the complexities of U.S. foreign policy under his leadership, and the responsibilities of journalists in covering his campaign. As the 2024 election looms, Trump’s unorthodox approach to governance and diplomacy, combined with his increasingly aggressive rhetoric, raises critical questions about the future direction of both domestic and international politics.
Trump’s Escalating Rhetoric
Increasingly Negative and Divisive Speeches
Susan Glasser discussed how Trump’s rhetoric has not only intensified since his first presidential campaign but has grown more negative and divisive. She highlighted how Trump’s speeches are designed to appeal to his loyal base rather than to the broader electorate.
“[He’s more negative and angrier now than ever,]” Glasser remarked, pointing out that Trump’s rhetoric in 2024 has escalated to unprecedented levels. During his rallies, Trump has increasingly leaned into inflammatory statements about immigrants, racial minorities, and political opponents, further deepening the divisions within the country.
Rhetorical Missteps and Cognitive Concerns
Peter Baker expanded on this point, noting that Trump’s speeches today are often filled with falsehoods and wild digressions. “[You see a difference if you look at him in 2016 compared to now,]” Baker explained. He noted that while Trump was always known for making outlandish statements, his current speeches reflect a darker, more confrontational tone. Trump’s tendency to mix up facts, names, and events has become more pronounced, raising questions about his cognitive abilities.
Despite this, both Baker and Glasser agreed that Trump’s base remains steadfast in its support, largely unfazed by his rhetorical missteps. His strategy, as Baker put it, is to “[overwhelm with his voters,]” relying on his core supporters to carry him to victory rather than attempting to reach out to undecided voters.
Trump’s Foreign Policy Approach
Praise for Authoritarian Leaders
The conversation then turned to Trump’s foreign policy, with Baker and Glasser both highlighting the former president’s unorthodox approach to international relations. Throughout his presidency, Trump often praised authoritarian leaders, such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, while criticizing traditional U.S. allies.
“[He’s proud of his relationships with people like Putin and Kim Jong-un,]” Baker observed, adding that Trump’s admiration for strongmen leaders runs counter to the traditional U.S. foreign policy approach. Instead of viewing countries like Russia and North Korea as adversaries, Trump sought to cultivate personal relationships with their leaders, often at the expense of more strategic, long-term diplomatic goals.
Transactional Foreign Policy
This transactional approach to foreign policy, where Trump’s personal relationships took precedence over established alliances, continues to influence his messaging on the campaign trail. Baker explained that Trump’s comments on international conflicts—such as his claim that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours—reflect his simplistic and often unrealistic view of global diplomacy.
“[His plan for Ukraine is more like waving a magic wand,]” Glasser noted, pointing out that Trump’s foreign policy statements are often detached from the complexities of the actual situations on the ground. She stressed that this type of rhetoric resonates with his base, but it ignores the realities of geopolitics and international conflict.
Media’s Role in Covering Trump
Glasser and Baker also addressed the media’s responsibility in covering Trump’s campaign, particularly when it comes to his more extreme statements. Glasser expressed concern about how journalists should report on Trump’s rallies, which are often filled with falsehoods, personal attacks, and provocative rhetoric.
“[We have a responsibility to report what he says, but we also have to provide context and analysis,]” Baker said, emphasizing that while it’s important to cover Trump’s statements, the media must ensure that these statements are properly fact-checked and contextualized. He acknowledged that it can be a challenge to strike the right balance, especially when Trump’s comments are designed to grab headlines.
Bothsidesism and Journalistic Responsibility
Glasser mentioned the concept of “bothsidesism” or “sashing,” where traditional journalistic standards attempt to filter statements through neutral language. She argued that this approach can sometimes obscure the more extreme aspects of Trump’s rhetoric.
“[If we don’t address the insanity of what’s being said, we’re failing our readers,]” Glasser stated, stressing that journalists must be willing to call out lies, exaggerations, and dangerous rhetoric without softening the message for fear of seeming biased.
Trump’s Attacks on Various Groups
The conversation also touched on Trump’s divisive remarks about specific demographic groups, including Jewish Americans and Catholics. Both Baker and Glasser noted how Trump frequently plays on ethnic, racial, and religious divisions to rally his base.
“[He sees the country in blocks of people based on their race, religion, or ethnicity,]” Baker explained, pointing out that Trump’s campaign strategy often involves pitting one group against another. In one instance, Trump made a controversial remark about the Jewish community, suggesting that if he loses the election, Jewish voters would bear responsibility. This kind of rhetoric, while inflammatory, is not new for Trump, who has previously made similar divisive comments about other groups.
The Real-World Consequences of Rhetoric
Glasser warned that such remarks could have dangerous real-world consequences, particularly in an environment where anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred are on the rise. She expressed concern that Trump’s rhetoric, while aimed at energizing his supporters, might fuel violence or discrimination against minority communities.
“[We are dealing with a metastasizing threat of anti-Semitism in this country,]” Glasser remarked, adding that Trump’s words could further stoke these tensions.
Conclusion
As Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign continues, his increasingly divisive rhetoric, transactional foreign policy, and confrontational approach to media coverage are shaping the political landscape. With his base remaining loyal, Trump is doubling down on the tactics that have worked for him in the past, even as his statements become more extreme. Journalists covering his campaign face the challenge of reporting on his inflammatory remarks while ensuring that they provide the necessary context and analysis.
The 2024 election is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent history, with Trump’s rhetoric and policies playing a central role in the national conversation. As Baker and Glasser emphasized, the media’s responsibility to truth and accountability is more important than ever as the country navigates this politically charged moment.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.