'I don't even think it's disputable' losing 2020 was the best outcome for Trump: Haberman & Swan - Meet the Press

[Rhiannon12866]

Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, co-authors of the book “Regime Change,” join Meet the Press to offer a new look into Trump’s second term and how he’s redefining the limits of the presidency. - Aired on 06/28/2026.

[rampartd]

1. 2020 allowed trump to blame the utter failure of his first term on biden

solidified his control on media and the internet. trump maintained control of "the narrative" throughout the biden presidency.

brought in impossible quantities of money and perks

four years to recruit and train proud boys, to undermine their preferred victims, etc.

january 6 turned the culture war hot, and they maintained a level of violence. "they are eating the dogs!" level propaganda and economic warfare vs cities in general.

in many ways this is trump's 3rd term.

so, yea, i can't dispute the whole "best outcome for trump" thing; for millions of the rest of us, not so much..

[Rhiannon12866]

2. I completely agree with you, the felon-in-chief never disappeared, but still made news and headlines

And you're right, he not only used that time to further prepare, but his huge resentment caused him to get a whole lot worse. He still insists he "won" in 2020 and won't let anyone tell him different. Even those he nominates for positions in his administration have to agree that he "won" in 2020 to qualify for any administration position.

[prodigitalson]

3. It feels like his 100th term

[Rhiannon12866]

4. Tell me about it, I couldn't agree more...