Tired of Winning is a riveting account of how Donald Trump remade the Republican Party in his own image and left behind a trail of chaos and destruction. Written by Jonathan Karl, a veteran journalist who covered Trump’s presidency from start to finish, this book reveals the inside story of Trump’s rise and fall, his obsession with revenge, and his impact on the future of American politics.
If you want to learn more about the most controversial and consequential president of our times, and the fate of the party he hijacked, you need to read this book. Keep reading to find out why.
Table of Contents
Genres
Politics, Biography, Memoir, Society, Culture, Political science, history, journalism, current affairs, nonfiction, analysis, commentary, reportage
Tired of Winning: Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party is a book by Jonathan Karl, the chief White House correspondent for ABC News. Karl has known Trump since the 1990s, when he was a reporter for the New York Post, and he witnessed every day of Trump’s administration. In this book, he tracks Trump’s improbable journey from disgraced and defeated former president to the dominant force, yet again, in the Republican Party.
The book begins with the aftermath of the 2020 election, when Trump refused to concede and launched a campaign of lies and lawsuits to overturn the results. Karl exposes how Trump and his allies pressured state officials, members of Congress, and even Vice President Mike Pence to subvert the will of the voters. He also reveals how Trump incited the violent mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and how he reacted to the insurrection.
The book then goes back to the origins of Trump’s political career, and how he exploited the divisions and frustrations of the Republican base to win the nomination in 2016. Karl describes how Trump governed by instinct and impulse, often clashing with his own advisers, allies, and enemies. He shows how Trump mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic, the racial justice protests, and the foreign policy challenges. He also chronicles the scandals, controversies, and investigations that plagued Trump’s presidency, and how he survived impeachment twice.
The book ends with a look at the future of the Republican Party, and how Trump remains its most influential and polarizing figure. Karl examines the prospects of Trump’s potential rivals and successors, and the challenges they face in appealing to a fractured and radicalized electorate. He also explores the impact of Trump’s legacy on the Biden administration, the media, the courts, and the American democracy.
Review
Tired of Winning is a compelling and insightful book that offers a comprehensive and balanced portrait of Donald Trump and his presidency. Jonathan Karl is a seasoned and credible journalist who draws on his extensive access and experience to provide a vivid and detailed account of the events and personalities that shaped the Trump era. He does not shy away from criticizing Trump’s flaws and failures, but he also acknowledges his achievements and appeal. He also gives voice to the perspectives and opinions of Trump’s supporters and opponents, as well as his own.
The book is well-written and well-researched, with plenty of anecdotes, quotes, and facts to back up its arguments and analysis. It is also engaging and entertaining, with a fast-paced and lively narrative that keeps the reader’s attention and interest. The book is not only informative, but also provocative and thought-provoking, as it raises important questions and issues about the state and direction of American politics and society.
Tired of Winning is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the phenomenon of Donald Trump and the impact he has had on the Republican Party and the nation. It is a book that will inform, enlighten, and challenge its readers, regardless of their political affiliation or opinion. It is a book that will make you think, feel, and perhaps even act. It is a book that will make you tired of winning.
Introduction: Uncover the turbulent undercurrents of the American political landscape
Tired of Winning (2023) invites you into a gripping narrative of political intrigue and legal drama, centering on Donald Trump’s unprecedented challenges and actions that reshaped American politics. Experience a compelling journey through political chess games, legal battles, and the ongoing saga of a figure who continues to dominate the American political landscape.
Have you ever wondered how political movements, particularly those on the far right, gain momentum and influence? Or how the presidency of Donald Trump has influenced these ideologies and the broader political scene?
Well, in this summary to Jonathan Karl’s Tired of Winning, you’ll dive into both of these questions. First, you’ll gain insight into the roots of right-wing activism, understanding its rise and the motivations behind it. Then, you’ll shift to focus on the tumultuous period of Donald Trump’s presidency, examining its profound impact on American politics, including the events leading up to and following the Capitol siege on January 6, 2021.
This journey isn’t just about recounting events – it’s about gaining a deeper understanding of how political movements and leadership shape public sentiment and national destiny. By the end of this summary, you’ll have a clearer perspective on the complexities of political power in the United States and the challenges facing its democratic institutions in an era of heightened polarization and misinformation.
The roots of right-wing extremism
In an era where the roots of political extremism and militia movements are often a topic of heated debate, it’s imperative to explore the early signs of right-wing activism in America.
The current right-wing movement has roots stretching back to several periods of American history, where there was a growing sense of disenfranchisement among certain groups. Beyond the well-known post-Civil War Reconstruction and the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, another pivotal era was the late twentieth century – particularly during the 1980s. This period saw the rise of significant right-wing groups amidst economic upheavals and social change. These groups typically view themselves as upholders of traditional values and are zealous defenders of constitutional rights, with a particular focus on the Second Amendment. They see government overreach and liberal policies as threats to their way of life, leading to a hardened stance against perceived external threats. Over time, these feelings have coalesced into larger organized movements.
Key to understanding these movements is recognizing their diversity. Not all members advocate for violent means. Many are driven by a sense of patriotism and a desire to protect what they view as the core values of America. But a fringe element within these movements has shown a willingness to resort to violence, as seen in various incidents over the years. This tendency is exemplified by the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, a tragic event reflecting the extreme actions of such factions.
The movements also draw strength from charismatic leaders who articulate their fears and frustrations. Leaders who portray themselves as outsiders fighting a corrupt system resonate strongly with these groups. They tap into a deep-seated sense of alienation and anger toward what they view as elitist and out-of-touch governance.
The digital age has also amplified the reach and influence of the movements. Social media platforms and online forums have become vital tools for organization, recruitment, and propaganda. Digital spaces also allow for the rapid spread of information – some of which is misleading or false – further entrenching beliefs and perceptions.
Understanding the rise of right-wing activism in the US requires a nuanced approach that considers historical, socio-economic, and cultural factors. It’s a phenomenon deeply intertwined with the nation’s political and social fabric, reflecting longstanding tensions and divisions. As the country moves forward, grappling with these issues is crucial to addressing the underlying causes of political extremism and fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.
The day of reckoning
On January 6, 2021, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded as the Capitol, a bastion of democracy, was besieged. This event wasn’t an isolated incident but the culmination of weeks of escalating tensions, fueled by then-president Donald Trump’s relentless claims of a stolen election.
The day began with Trump addressing a massive rally near the White House. He reiterated false claims of electoral fraud and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol and “fight like hell.” His speech was more than just a call to protest – it was a catalyst that set the stage for the ensuing chaos.
As Congress convened to certify the election results, the mood outside the Capitol shifted from agitation to aggression. The crowd, galvanized by Trump’s words, breached the Capitol’s defenses. The ensuing scenes were both surreal and alarming – lawmakers barricaded themselves, offices were ransacked, and the sanctity of the Capitol was desecrated.
Trump’s response to the crisis was marked by a striking leadership failure. As the Capitol was under siege, he remained passive, refraining from taking immediate action to quell the violence. His initial silence and subsequent tepid calls for peace revealed a leader unwilling or unable to assert control in a moment of national crisis.
The fallout was swift and severe. The attack left physical scars on the Capitol and inflicted deep wounds on the nation’s psyche. It exposed the fragility of democratic institutions and the destructive potential of political rhetoric.
In the political arena, the consequences were immediate. Trump faced bipartisan condemnation. His reluctance to denounce the rioters and the delay in deploying the National Guard were seen as a dereliction of duty. This event not only strained his relationships with long-standing allies but also led to a second impeachment, marking him as the only president in US history to be impeached twice.
The House Select Committee’s investigation into the attack provided a clearer picture of the events leading up to January 6. It revealed a president consumed by his desire to overturn the election results, pressuring state officials, propagating misinformation, and undermining the democratic process.
But the repercussions extended beyond Trump. The attack deepened the political divide in the country, with debates over the event’s significance and its implications for the future of American democracy. It also raised questions about the role of social media in spreading misinformation and the need for accountability in political discourse.
In retrospect, January 6 was a wake-up call. It underscored the importance of responsible leadership, the dangers of political extremism, and the need for a collective commitment to democratic principles. As the nation continues to reckon with the events of January 6, that day serves as a stark reminder of democracy’s vulnerability to the whims of power and misinformation.
Trump’s assertive diplomacy
Donald Trump’s approach to diplomacy and domestic policy, marked by his “America First” mantra, led to several controversial and often contentious interactions with global leaders, reshaping the traditional norms of international relations and domestic governance.
In 2017, during Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to the White House, Trump’s extended and forceful handshake, not a mere display of courtesy, was an assertion of dominance, a characteristic evident in his dealings. This behavior was noted by other world leaders, such as French president Emmanuel Macron, who, in a subsequent meeting, mirrored Trump’s assertive handshake, emphasizing the need for strength and respect in international diplomacy.
Trump’s trip to Paris for Bastille Day inspired him to propose a grand military parade in Washington, a spectacle more commonly associated with authoritarian regimes. This proposal was met with resistance and skepticism within the Pentagon, underscoring a disconnect between Trump’s vision and the established norms of American military display.
Trump’s unconventional approach was further highlighted at the United Nations General Assembly. His claim of unprecedented achievements for his administration was met with laughter from world leaders, a moment that symbolized the shifting perception of the US under his leadership.
The strained relationships with allies were most evident in interactions with leaders like Angela Merkel, the German chancellor. Their interactions, often tense and unyielding, culminated in a symbolic photo from a G7 summit that epitomized Trump’s alienation from traditional allies.
Trump’s domestic and diplomatic agendas, marked by a blend of populism, confrontational style, and disregard for conventional protocols, significantly impacted America’s global standing and internal political dynamics. His tenure, a blend of personal style and political strategy, left an indelible mark on both domestic policy and international relations.
The limitations of Trump’s influence
In the political chessboard of the 2022 midterm elections, Donald Trump’s maneuvers stood out as both intriguing and consequential. As the elections approached, the landscape was rife with anticipation. Trump, with his characteristic bravado, had played a pivotal role in shaping the Republican ticket. His endorsements and rallies weren’t just mere support – they were strategic moves in a larger game where he sought to solidify his grip on the GOP and set the stage for his political resurrection.
One of the most telling moments came as the polls opened on November 8, 2022. Trump, ever the master of his own narrative, boldly claimed that a Republican victory should be credited to him, while any defeat shouldn’t tarnish his image. This statement was a glimpse into his mindset: Trump saw the midterms as a referendum on his influence and a stepping stone for his future ambitions.
The pre-election atmosphere was charged with Republican optimism. Historical trends, along with the prevailing political climate, suggested a strong GOP showing. Issues like high inflation and rising crime rates were at the forefront of voters’ minds, and many blamed the Democratic policies for these woes. The air was thick with expectations of a “red wave,” perhaps even a “red tsunami” as Senator Ted Cruz optimistically put it.
Trump’s strategy included a bold, albeit risky, move to announce his 2024 presidential bid before the midterms. This plan was met with resistance within his inner circle, who feared it could backfire by shifting the election’s focus from Biden’s unpopularity to Trump’s divisive figure. Trump was undeterred. His obsession with being in the spotlight and shaping the political narrative seemed to overshadow strategic considerations.
As the election night unfolded, initial results appeared promising for the Republicans. Victories in Florida signaled a strong start. But as the night progressed, a pattern emerged that would define the outcome: candidates who maintained some distance from Trump were faring better than those closely aligned with him. In key states like New Hampshire and Georgia, this trend was starkly evident. Trump’s chosen candidates, often echoing his baseless claims of a stolen 2020 election, were losing ground.
The ramifications of these results were profound, especially for Trump. His strategy of handpicking candidates and centering the elections around his persona had backfired. Instead of a triumphant vindication of his political clout, the midterms exposed the limitations of his influence. In Florida, the victory of Governor Ron DeSantis, a potential 2024 rival, by a significant margin over Trump’s 2020 performance in the state, was particularly symbolic.
For the Republican Party, the midterms were a moment of reckoning. The failure to capitalize on a favorable political environment raised questions about the party’s direction and its allegiance to Trump. Prominent Republicans, like former Speaker Paul Ryan, openly criticized the over-reliance on Trump, linking it to the party’s underwhelming performance.
So the 2022 midterms weren’t just a series of electoral contests. They were a litmus test for Trump’s hold over the Republican Party and a preview of the challenges he might face in his pursuit of a political comeback. As the dust settled, it became clear that while Trump’s endorsement was still a powerful force within the GOP, its effectiveness in a broader electoral context was increasingly in doubt. The midterms had indeed been a referendum on Trump, but not in the way he’d hoped.
Democracy on trial
As the legal and political battles of Donald Trump unfold, a saga of unprecedented scale in American politics comes to light, marked by a series of events that have reshaped the nation’s perception of justice, leadership, and accountability.
On a cold June day in 2023, aboard his private jet, Trump’s dejection was palpable. The former president, facing a myriad of federal charges, pushed away his meal, a mundane act that symbolized the gravity of his predicament. In the heart of Miami, Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 charges related to his alleged retention of classified materials and obstruction efforts. The stakes were monumental, not just for Trump but for the political landscape he’d so profoundly influenced. His potential re-election campaign loomed not just as a political contest but as a personal crusade for freedom, a startling twist in the tale of a former president.
In the courtroom, Trump’s encounter with Special Counsel Jack Smith, whom he’d repeatedly vilified, was a study in contrasts. As Smith observed Trump, the latter avoided eye contact, a silent acknowledgment of the power shift in this high-stakes legal drama. This scene, unfolding silently yet potently, was a stark departure from the bombastic style Trump is known for. It was a moment where legal processes took precedence over public posturing, a crucial juncture in the narrative of a president who’d long blurred the lines between personal whims and institutional protocols.
Trump’s relationship with his legal team further illustrated the complexities of his legal battles. His disdain for Christopher Kise, a lawyer with connections to Trump’s political rival Ron DeSantis, underscored the intertwined nature of legal and political strategies. This dynamic wasn’t just about legal defense but also about navigating a landscape where personal loyalties and political alliances were in constant flux.
The indictment against Trump revealed stunning details of his handling of classified documents, painting a picture of negligence and disregard for national security. The images of classified documents carelessly stored at Mar-a-Lago, juxtaposed with Trump’s public bravado, laid bare a troubling dissonance between his public persona and his private actions. This contrast spoke volumes about the challenges of holding a president accountable, a theme central to this unfolding saga.
Trump’s legal woes weren’t confined to the classified documents case. The indictment related to the January 6 investigations brought new dimensions to his legal challenges. The charges of defrauding the United States and attempting to nullify the votes of millions added constitutional gravity to his legal predicaments. It wasn’t just about legal technicalities but about fundamental democratic principles – about a president accused of betraying his oath of office.
Throughout these events, Trump’s actions and reactions, his confrontations and avoidance, painted a portrait of a leader facing the consequences of his choices. This saga, still unfolding, isn’t just a series of legal battles – it’s a narrative about power, responsibility, and the fragility of democratic institutions. It’s a story that continues to evolve, leaving a profound impact on American politics and the presidency.
Conclusion
We now live in an age of political extremism fueled by the rise of right-wing activism in America. From the fervent gatherings at Mar-a-Lago to the shocking siege of the Capitol, these movements have transformed from mere political expressions to potent cultural forces. This journey has shed light on the motivations fueling these movements, their evolution over time, and the diverse individuals who are drawn to them. Notably, you’ve also seen how digital platforms have amplified these movements, pushing the boundaries of traditional political discourse.
The key events of January 6, 2021, highlight the critical need for responsible leadership and the fragility of democratic institutions under the strain of misinformation and political rhetoric. As the saga of Donald Trump’s presidency unfolds, with its legal and political challenges, it underscores the ongoing struggle between power, responsibility, and the preservation of democratic values in the face of unprecedented challenges.
About the Author
Jonathan Karl