As the reality of Donald Trump's decisive victory sets in, we wanted to talk to Politico's Ian Ward, who's done some of the very best reporting on post-liberal intellectuals, JD Vance, and MAGA-world, in addition to spending time on the campaign trail this fall. After breaking down the results of the presidential election, we discuss Vance's role in the campaign, his standing with Trump, and friendship with Don Jr.; how the Trump transition is taking shape and who's likely to influence his decisions at the start of his second term; whether Project 2025 will actually be implemented; if the Republican Party will actually govern in a pro-worker way; and much more! 

Sources:

Ian Ward, "Trump Loves Her. His Allies Don’t Trust Her," Politico, Oct 25, 2024

— "What the Mainstream Media Can Learn from 'Bro Podcasters,'" Politico, Oct 24, 2024

— "The Seven Thinkers and Groups That Have Shaped JD Vance’s Unusual Worldview," Politico, July 18, 2024

— "Is There Something More Radical than MAGA?" Politico, Mar 15, 2024

— "The Socialists Who Love Talking to Conservatives," Politico, Feb 4, 2022

Sam Adler-Bell, "The Shadow War to Determine the Next Trump Administration," NYT, Jan 10, 2024

Matthew Sitman, "The Morning After," Liberties, Nov 7, 2024

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