Paul Maslin and Mike Murphy on the Future of Trumpism and the Fight for American Politics
JUDJ-Prepared Summary from July 23, 2025 | What Does Washington’s Chaos Portend for the 2026 Midterms? The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the speaker.
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, veteran political strategists Paul Maslin and Mike Murphy sat down with moderator Patt Morrison to explore how Donald Trump has reshaped American politics—and what comes next. Maslin, a longtime Democratic pollster, and Murphy, a former Republican consultant turned outspoken Trump critic, shared a wide-ranging conversation on the permanence of Trumpism, the limits of “save democracy” messaging, and the urgent need for both parties to adapt to a shifting political terrain..
Trump Changed the Game—But Is It Permanent?
Trump’s political style—brash, chaotic, populist—has left a lasting imprint on the presidency and the Republican Party. Murphy observed that today’s GOP “has more in common with Juan Perón than with Ronald Reagan,” noting that the party has become less about traditional conservatism and more about cultural grievance and centralized power.
Still, both panelists rejected the idea that Trumpism is permanent. “Political parties evolve or die,” Murphy said. “We’re in a populist fever dream, but it won’t last forever.”
Maslin echoed that sentiment, warning Democrats not to assume Trumpism will simply vanish on its own. To win, they must actively offer a vision that is about more than just being anti-Trump.
The Limits of the “Save Democracy” Message
Throughout the conversation, Maslin and Murphy were critical of the Democratic tendency to campaign on defending democracy. While they acknowledged the growing authoritarian trends in Trump’s movement, they cautioned that voters across the spectrum now claim to be “fighting for democracy”—including Trump supporters who view him as a bulwark against left-wing overreach.
“It’s a halo argument,” Murphy said. “You’re talking to yourself.”
Maslin agreed, noting that appeals to abstract principles don’t often move voters in the middle. Instead, they stressed that the most effective campaigns speak to tangible, immediate concerns—especially economic ones.
Reclaiming Political Power Means Using It
One of the most forceful takeaways from the discussion was the need for Democrats to stop being timid about using power. Maslin argued that too often, Democrats wait for legal clearance or moral consensus before acting—while Republicans push through aggressive policies regardless of optics.
“We have got to stop being namby-pamby,” Maslin said. “It doesn’t mean bending the Constitution, but it sure as hell doesn’t mean waiting for a lawyer to tell us the light is green.”
Murphy added that Democrats must learn to wield rhetoric and symbolism more effectively, noting how Republicans have mastered patriotic visuals and clear slogans while Democrats often retreat into fragmented identity-based appeals.
What Comes After Trump?
Looking ahead, Murphy predicted that Trump’s political dominance will wane, but the populist wave he ushered in will continue to shape both parties. The GOP may not return to traditional conservatism, but it will likely evolve into a new form of post-Trump populism, shaped by the next generation of leaders.
“It’s a personality cult,” he said. “You can’t replicate Trump, but you can’t ignore what he’s stirred up either.”
Maslin agreed, noting that generational change in both parties is inevitable. Democrats, he argued, must embrace youth, energy, and authenticity—recognizing that the political future won’t look like the past.
Fight with Purpose
Both strategists concluded on a note of urgency. As democracy faces real threats and working-class voters feel increasingly alienated, there’s no time for passive idealism.
“Whining doesn’t win fights,” Murphy said. “This is a battle for power. There’s not a lot of nuance in it.”
Maslin added that while the challenges are great, so too are the opportunities—especially for those willing to speak boldly, organize aggressively, and focus on what matters most to voters: results.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.