Mac Stipanovich
Peter Schorsch hunkers down with former Republican activist and strategist Mac Stipanovich, who is also a fierce “never Trumper.” The two spend most of the episode discussing President Donald Trump’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stipanovich pulls no punches, failing to find a single good thing to say about the President’s handling of the crisis. He blasts Trump for poor messaging and confusing press conferences. For example, Trump, in one sentence, told the nation it was now advisable for everyone to wear masks when you, but in the next sentence said it was voluntary and he wasn’t going to be doing it himself. The two sprinkle in some colorful language, highlighting the frustration many Americans see with the ongoing pandemic. At one point, Stipanovich compares Trump’s on-air presence, and stream of conscious monologues to Fidel Castro and says he’s like a digital vampire who comes to life when the television lights go on. The two also discuss with brutal criticism Jared Kushner’s role in the administration’s response, arguing he has unwarranted self-esteem. But not all is negative. The two spread praise for Dr. Anthony Fauci for tempering the Trump administration’s response to the virus. In the meantime, Stipanovich describes his experience so far with social distancing as a positive one thanks, mostly, to his being an introverted extrovert. Stipanovich is enjoying time with his wife and dog and is happy playing sous chef and pot-washer for his wife’s cooking. Special Guest: Mac Stipanovich.