In a discussion between Patrick Healy and M. Gessen, they explore the phenomenon of capitulation to Donald Trump. Healy reflects on how various political figures, including Republicans and even some Democrats, have surrendered their independence, often supporting Trump's agenda despite opposing his values. Gessen's experience with authoritarianism in Russia offers context to this behavior, indicating a growing trend where institutions and leaders prioritize political survival over principled opposition. The conversation serves to understand the broader implications of such capitulation in contemporary American politics.
I'm Patrick Healy, deputy editor of New York Times Opinion, and this is The First 100 Days, a weekly series examining President Trump's use of power and his drive to change America.
This week I've been thinking a lot about why people choose to give in to Donald Trump, from the Republicans in the Senate and House, who've given up any semblance of independence for Congress.
They've spent two decades writing about the rise of authoritarianism in their homeland of Russia and in Eastern Europe.
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