Topic: Madman Theory

3 chapters across the catalog

End of an Era
Episode 1038 1:43:35 - 1:47:04

1038: End of an Era

Media Analysis of Trump's Madman Strategy

MSNBC analysts debate whether Donald Trump's erratic behavior is a calculated "madman strategy" to psych out North Korea or a dangerous strategic disadvantage. Critics argue that an undisciplined leader at the top causes the military chain of command to disintegrate. The hosts note that the media uses identical descriptors for both Trump and Kim Jong-un, framing both as "unhinged" and "off the rails."

Tech Neck
Episode 1017 2:46:29 - 2:49:36

1017: Tech Neck

Jeff Flake, Madman Theory and Norming

Senator Jeff Flake criticized President Trump's foreign policy at the National Press Club, referencing Richard Nixon's "madman theory." Flake used the term "norming" to describe the acceptance of the President's behavior within the Republican Party. The hosts mock the use of the word "norming," identifying it as corporate jargon from the "forming, storming, norming, and performing" model of team development.

Gut Punch
Episode 922 2:33:49 - 2:37:19

922: Gut Punch

Media Conflation of Trump and Kim Jong-un

MSNBC commentators discussed Donald Trump's "erratic" behavior regarding North Korea, using terms like "madman" and "unhinged." The hosts observe that the media is using identical descriptors for both Trump and Kim Jong-un to conflate the two leaders in the public mind.