How’s the kid?” asked Ailes, referring to Trump’s…
““How’s the kid?” asked Ailes, referring to Trump’s son-in-law and paramount political adviser, thirty-six-year-old Jared Kushner. “He’s my partner,” said Bannon, his tone suggesting that if he felt otherwise, he was nevertheless determined to stay on message. “Really?” said a dubious Ailes. “He’s on the team.” “He’s had lot of lunches with Rupert.” “In fact,” said Bannon, “I could use your help here.” Bannon then spent several minutes trying to recruit Ailes to help kneecap Murdoch. Ailes, since his ouster from Fox, had become only more bitter towards Murdoch. Now Murdoch was frequently jawboning the president-elect and encouraging him toward establishment moderation—all a strange inversion in the ever-stranger currents of American conservatism. Bannon wanted Ailes to suggest to Trump, a man whose many neuroses included a horror of forgetfulness or senility, that Murdoch might be losing it. “I’ll call him,” said Ailes. “But Trump would jump through hoops for Rupert. Like for Putin. Sucks up and shits down. I just worry about who’s jerking whose chain.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage reveals backstage power plays, personal loyalties, and manipulation within political circles, highlighting how advisors influence leaders for personal or strategic ends.
In simple terms: Political insiders manipulate leaders for personal gain.
Key Takeaway
Watch for hidden agendas in leadership.
Themes
politics
power
loyalty
media
manipulation
Mood
cynical
critical
tense
Type
anecdotal
political
exposé
When to use this quote
- campaign strategy meetings
- media negotiations
- advisory counsel
- leadership decision making
Key Concepts
influence
strategic communication
personal ambition
Questions to Reflect On
- How do personal relationships affect political decisions?
- What safeguards can reduce manipulation?
A Different Perspective
The account may exaggerate or reflect author bias, not all claims are verifiable.