2WAY Tonight with Mark Halperin Trump Defends Susie Wiles Over Interview, Says She's Right to Say He Has an "Alcoholic Personality"
Dec 17, 2025
Emily Jashinsky, a Conservative journalist, shares insights on the controversial Vanity Fair piece about Susie Wiles and argues that her job is safe despite the backlash. Julian Epstein, a former chief counsel, warns of groupthink surrounding Trump and analyzes the political implications of the rapid defense of Wiles. Sam Caucci, CEO of One Huddle, discusses how AI can gamify workplace training, highlighting its benefits across various industries. The episode delves into current political dynamics and the impact of economic messaging on voters.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Off-Record Assumptions Can Backfire
- Halperin's working theory: Wiles trusted Chris Whipple due to his White House reportage and may have believed parts were off-the-record.
- He cautions savvy sources sometimes assume off-the-record protections erroneously.
How Cherry-Picked Quotes Are Manufactured
- Mark Halperin illustrates how reporters can cherry-pick quotes using repeated questioning about a show's quality.
- A frustrated source's final line can be framed as critical despite prior praise.
Candid Language Is Remarkable Regardless Of Context
- Julian Epstein finds it notable that Wiles used stark language about people around the president, regardless of context.
- He says such candid descriptions would be remarkable in any other administration.