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Transcript
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SPEAKER 1
Well, welcome to Nir and Rupar, our weekly live video chat here on Substack. I'm David Nir, publisher of The Down Ballot, joined as always by Aaron Rupar, publisher of Public Notice. If you're a Down Ballot subscriber and you have not yet subscribe to public notice. It is an absolute must read.
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It brings you insights on the news that the traditional media is incapable of bringing. And we are going to start off with exactly one of those stories in a moment. Of course, if you're a public notice subscriber, you should also subscribe to my newsletter, The Down Ballot,
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which brings you updates on every important election below the presidency and that's taking place this year and next which of course will be a huge battleground in the fight to save democracy and thwart trump and his autocrats so aaron i wanted to start off by talking about what has obviously been the biggest story since last

Nir & Rupar: Dems shouldn’t hand it to Trump on tariffs

Trump's new taxes are incredibly unpopular. Threading the needle is playing with fire.

On the latest edition of Nir & Rupar, our live weekly video show, David Nir of The Downballot and Aaron Rupar of Public Notice dive into all things tariffs.

David and Aaron discuss:

  • How the traditional media—and the stock markets—were credulous in deciding that Donald Trump’s tariff “pause” meant all was well.

  • Why Democrats who try to thread the needle on tariffs are playing a dangerous game that will probably backfire.

  • How Trump’s economy is impacting downballot elections this year.

And much more.

If you missed our livestream, you can watch it by clicking above! You can also find a complete transcript by clicking here and looking for the “Transcript” button.

Nir & Rupar goes live every Friday at 2 PM ET. The easiest way to participate is by downloading the free Substack app.

Folks who are paid subscribers to either of our publications can participate in our Q&A!

If you haven’t yet subscribed to Public Notice, which offers insightful and independent commentary on U.S. politics and media, click the button below:

Subscribe to Public Notice

And if you haven’t yet subscribed to The Downballot, which provides unparalleled coverage of the thousands of critical elections below the presidency, sign up below:

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Discussion about this video

User's avatar
Carol Clark's avatar

Whitmer was a disaster.

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Nina Zacuto's avatar

Yes to an episode of your clipping. I would love to see that....! 🎯

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Jane B🌼ToThineOwnSelfBeTrue's avatar

Liberation Day is ludicrous. We are way off from being liberated. We are heading to inflation. “Buy American” is easy for them to say at this point.

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Marliss Desens's avatar

I have never understood why Gretchen Whitmer has been floated as a possible presidential candidate. She has been a good governor, but the skills for being a good governor are not the skills required for being a good president. She has no international experience and no Federal experience. Yes, she was a new and refreshing voice as governor of Michigan, but that is not enough to make a strong presidential candidate nationally. Biden was probably our most qualified candidate and president ever, and it showed in his picks for his cabinet. I just wish that he had had the energy needed to make it through one term.

When Democrats get stuck on the superficial--Fetterman's hoody or Kristin Simena's sexuality--they do not examine whether the candidate will be effective, or even willing, to advance the values of the Democratic party. Fetterman has had some votes, particularly on members of the president's cabinet, that are directly detrimental to the country. Sinema enjoyed the grandstanding, having learned from Joe Manchin, and helped tank Build Back Better, as well as doing nothing for reproductive rights or voting rights.

Republicans make this mistake too--just look at George Santos--although a distressing number of Democrats were drawn into the lies that he spun, which is why he won a district that he should not have won.

When we select a presidential nominee, we need to ignore the clickbait on what he or she eats, how she or he exercises, or any traits that the media uses to paint a picture of the candidate rather than doing the deep dive we need or even asking the simple question: Is this person qualified?

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

I love this

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

I think she should run

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

Democrats need to promote what we stand for “Medicare” FDR knew, JFK never did this, we need to get together and promote a person that is respected and I think Gretchen should run

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

“Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You”

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

We need to find a Democrat that can defeat Oligarchy and Fascism

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

Hey, I have United Healthcare and I love it

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

If you want to defeat this check out an Newsweek Article when Garland went to retrieve the documents that Trump hoarded at Ma Largo it contains information and Moscow

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

It won’t let me post it I will try to and see what happens. I care about Democracy plus our Social Security is under attack

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

Trumps’s makeup is gross

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

Who do the Democrats want to see run? We need to defeat these people I wished Trump was held accountable for J6?

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

I love this and Rachael Maddow from MSNBC got on Bluesky. My opinion who should run is Josh Shapiro he is really a good guy. I don’t regret being involved with Joe Biden’s Campaign as he passed a lot of policies. He got NATO together, The Chips Act, The Infrastructure Act. I know Joe is old but I miss him. I met Joe and Jill Biden, and I met Obama personally too thanks to my sister who died from cancer

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

I love you guys thank you

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

Democrats, wake up and let’s keep talking and get ideas together just like Bernie and AOC said about Oligarchy

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

Listen to the old song “Let’s Get Together” I was born in 1958 and loved these old songs

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

My parents campaigned for JFK and were invited to his Inaugural Ball in DC. I am not opposed to all Republicans, but this party now is not what I ever experienced in my life it’s bad, and if they try to steal my Social Security and Medicare Donald will not hear my voice as it’s stealing. I live in a small town and a lot of young people just protested DOGE

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

I have pictures text me and I will share it

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

We need a Candidate that can defeat Trump, that’s why we need someone that is honest. I would vote for a Republican if it is someone I like

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

Texas is going to be hard, but check out Josh Shapiro if he had ran when Joe Biden ran we might be alright. Shapiro is stronger then Gretchen

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

I do miss Joe Biden and I know he is old but it was calmer then what we are going through I want my Social Security

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Susanna J. Sturgis's avatar

Admins: someone IDed as "Teresa Johansen" is flooding the zone: 19 comments in barely three hours.

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Laura Pritchard's avatar

The reason Kamala lost is because most of us are tired of hearing/don't care about FAR left messaging!

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Mary Godwyn's avatar

Kamala Harris was not far left. For God, sakes, the woman was a prosecutor who went after child abusers, and human traffickers. Is that far left? Just because Trump‘s administration is made up of human traffickers and sexual predators anyone who doesn’t embrace misogyny or homophobia as far left?? There is no far left in the United States. She was for the middle class, LGBTQ plus rights, reproductive rights, healthcare , there was not a single “far left “ item on her agenda. I really have no idea what you’re talking about, do you?

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Laura Pritchard's avatar

I'm not going to talk to someone who starts the conversation combatively. There's enough division without arguing with another democrat. 🙄

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Kamm's avatar

You have no room to talk.

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Mary Godwyn's avatar

Gretchen Whitmer is out for me. Chuck Schumer is out for me. Gavin Newsom is out for me. As far as I’m concerned their traitors to the American people and to the Democratic Party. Jamie Raskin, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Angus King, and Bernie Sanders, (though they’re not Democrats), Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, Adam Schiff, AOC, Hakeem Jeffries, these are the future of the Democratic Party, everybody else, and I’m looking at you Jared Golden with disgust, it’s not a Democrat. I was never disappointed with Kamala Harris. I was never disappointed with Tim Walz. I would like to vote for a Democrat where I don’t have to hold my nose - if we even have another election. Someone I can really support wholeheartedly.

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Rune Andre Bergtun's avatar

Can confirm. I don't want to see IT or hear IT and when I refer to IT. I say #DiaperDon. I loathe writing it's name even.

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Marci's avatar

"Hard Core Trumpers" like tariffs, only because Trump implemented them, and because they really don't know what they are or how they work. 🙄

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Ann M.'s avatar

It’s “corporate” media, not “legacy” or “traditional.”

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0:39
which brings you updates on every important election below the presidency and that's taking place this year and next which of course will be a huge battleground in the fight to save democracy and thwart trump and his autocrats so aaron i wanted to start off by talking about what has obviously been the biggest story since last