Stay Tuned with Preet Politics As Blood Sport (with David French)
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Mar 19, 2026 
David French, opinion columnist and former litigator focused on First Amendment and religious liberty, reflects on how Donald Trump reshaped conservative politics. He recounts threats and intimidation, explains why many conservatives bent the knee, and contrasts legal norms with political chaos. They also debate the legality and risks of U.S. military action in Iran and the prospects for political decency returning.
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Carrot And Stick Explain GOP Conversions To MAGA
- French argues MAGA enforces conformity via both a punishing stick and a rewarding carrot, turning politics into 'blood sport.'
- He notes coerced loyalty plus career incentives explain many conservatives' dramatic shifts toward Trump.
Students Shocked By Civil 2012 Presidential Debate
- French taught a class 'How American Politics Went Insane' and had students watch the 2012 Romney-Obama debate to show politics used to be substantive.
- Students were surprised by the civil, policy-focused tone compared with recent hyperbolic politics.
Political Extremes Come From Winners Not The Working Class
- French contends the activist extremes driving political upheaval are disproportionately white, wealthy, and well-educated, not the struggling working class.
- He calls them a vanguard of winners pushing culture wars that don't reflect most Americans' daily concerns.