The David Frum Show Why We Changed Our Minds About Politics
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Feb 18, 2026 
Mona Charen, longtime conservative commentator and Bulwark contributor, reflects on leaving Reagan-era conservatism behind. She recounts watching colleagues embrace Trump, reassesses views on race and institutions, and defends enduring commitments to markets and the rule of law. Short, candid conversations about political transformation, accountability, and why she keeps speaking out.
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From Dismissal To Alarm Over Trump
- Mona describes first dismissing Donald Trump's candidacy as entertainment and then being shocked as he kept rising.
- She cites mocking a disabled reporter and denigrating John McCain as disqualifying behavior that failed to stop him.
Conversion By Peer Shift
- Watching peers 'become Trumpy' was like an invasion of the body snatchers and forced re-evaluation.
- Mona says political evolution can be a gift that forces intellectual flexibility later in life.
Underestimating Persistent Racism
- Mona admits she underestimated persistent naked racism in America and now views that belief as naive.
- She says racial bigotry remains a significant problem that conservative optimism had minimized.
