Michael Wolff dreads writing a fifth book on Donald Trump,but admits his subject is compelling: a self-obsessed agent of chaos, but also one of a kind & not to be repeated, he says on The Hoon
The personality cult he inspires may die with him but remember Trump is just the most egregious flowering of a network of anti democratic forces which has spread round the “western world”.
In their own pathetic way our very own Luzon, Willis, Brown and Seymour are vicious heads of the same hydra.
Yes, it is dangerous to write Trump's influence off so easily. Wolff is selling a book. Another one of those 'celebrity' ones that depend more on an individual than adding real value in any literary sense. Wollf will, as pointed out, make millions and lead a lifestyle that, in fact, falls into the consequential graft sane onlookers condemn. He is incorrect. It will be painful and not swift to undo, redo better, more securely, more serenely, our ravaged world beyond America. I hope he is right, though, that there is not another Trumpalike capable of grasping any future vote and continuing the chaos.
Good interview. Nearly finished the book myself. It’s very compelling and I think Wolff’s claim that it is all about Trump’s narcissism and not much more. But two questions: given that, how did he win. Isn’t it that The Democrats lost (like it was less National won here but Labour who lost). And, what comes next? Trump has opened a door. What next? That may be more worrying.
Agreed, I get the sense that Wolff's view is so engrossed in the personal (which is deliciously interesting) that it misses much of the broader context - what Trump will do to keep the Presidency until he dies, who he creates space for and loans power to in the interim, and the permanence of the damage done. Autocracy is hardly an accidental bi-product of his actions, which are proving to be quite systematic for somebody so chaotic...
Woolf implied that noone can “play” Trump - but the Q I wanted answered is - Who Benefits? It certainly appears that oligarchs do. Doesn’t that also figure with Trump’s view of himself. So this is not entirely a conflagration that will burn out when Trump goes.
For those wanting to make mosaics, a bull in the china shop is a boon... Trump may be suigeneris, but the damage he does undoubtedly creates openings for far more organised opportunists with an agenda.
Beg to differ - but the evidence is showing the tide of former (unfunny) comedians winning (or hoping to win) presidential elections does not seem to be ebbing. Sadly we seem to have tsunami in the making with ever more of them waiting to give it a go. You only have to look at the ACT/NZF/Nat lineup of out of date/out of touch dangerously inexperienced MPs to see this is the case in Aotearoa.
I was curious about Woolff's comment (and that I have heard elsewhere) that Putin must have something on Trump. I can't imagine what that might be and assume it's just another conspiracy theory?
Trump has been awesome for billionaires. Given the sums they have to promote the political environment they want, it seems pretty likely they'll either find or make another one. Possibly a Trump2 that's even worse for the greater populace and planet than this one. I remember thinking with G W Bush, that at least it's not going to get worse than this. Yeah famous last words I 'spose.
The personality cult he inspires may die with him but remember Trump is just the most egregious flowering of a network of anti democratic forces which has spread round the “western world”.
In their own pathetic way our very own Luzon, Willis, Brown and Seymour are vicious heads of the same hydra.
Yes, it is dangerous to write Trump's influence off so easily. Wolff is selling a book. Another one of those 'celebrity' ones that depend more on an individual than adding real value in any literary sense. Wollf will, as pointed out, make millions and lead a lifestyle that, in fact, falls into the consequential graft sane onlookers condemn. He is incorrect. It will be painful and not swift to undo, redo better, more securely, more serenely, our ravaged world beyond America. I hope he is right, though, that there is not another Trumpalike capable of grasping any future vote and continuing the chaos.
100% agree.
Andrew thank you for that. I said similar to a friend recently, snd she suggested I was overstaying it!
Good interview. Nearly finished the book myself. It’s very compelling and I think Wolff’s claim that it is all about Trump’s narcissism and not much more. But two questions: given that, how did he win. Isn’t it that The Democrats lost (like it was less National won here but Labour who lost). And, what comes next? Trump has opened a door. What next? That may be more worrying.
I think Chris gives great insight
https://substack.com/@chrishedges/note/p-159439723?r=qjdva&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Agreed, I get the sense that Wolff's view is so engrossed in the personal (which is deliciously interesting) that it misses much of the broader context - what Trump will do to keep the Presidency until he dies, who he creates space for and loans power to in the interim, and the permanence of the damage done. Autocracy is hardly an accidental bi-product of his actions, which are proving to be quite systematic for somebody so chaotic...
Woolf implied that noone can “play” Trump - but the Q I wanted answered is - Who Benefits? It certainly appears that oligarchs do. Doesn’t that also figure with Trump’s view of himself. So this is not entirely a conflagration that will burn out when Trump goes.
For those wanting to make mosaics, a bull in the china shop is a boon... Trump may be suigeneris, but the damage he does undoubtedly creates openings for far more organised opportunists with an agenda.
Beg to differ - but the evidence is showing the tide of former (unfunny) comedians winning (or hoping to win) presidential elections does not seem to be ebbing. Sadly we seem to have tsunami in the making with ever more of them waiting to give it a go. You only have to look at the ACT/NZF/Nat lineup of out of date/out of touch dangerously inexperienced MPs to see this is the case in Aotearoa.
I was curious about Woolff's comment (and that I have heard elsewhere) that Putin must have something on Trump. I can't imagine what that might be and assume it's just another conspiracy theory?
Trump has been awesome for billionaires. Given the sums they have to promote the political environment they want, it seems pretty likely they'll either find or make another one. Possibly a Trump2 that's even worse for the greater populace and planet than this one. I remember thinking with G W Bush, that at least it's not going to get worse than this. Yeah famous last words I 'spose.
Well, that was an excellent listen :)
I think that view is optimistic, Vance is waiting in the wings.
I would like to have known Woolf’s impression or thoughts
regarding the leak of involvement the trump
Family appear to have this time around.