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.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Political operatives manipulate allies and rivals, using personal relationships to further agendas.
In simple terms: Politics is a game of personal leverage.
Key Takeaway
Beware of hidden motives.
Themes
politics
manipulation
loyalty
power dynamics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
journalistic
When to use this quote
- political consulting
- media relations
- trust building
Key Concepts
campaign strategy
personal ambition
Questions to Reflect On
- How do personal ties affect policy?
- What safeguards prevent manipulation?
A Different Perspective
Short‑term alliances can backfire later.