Posobiec opened the discussion by asking Baris about how voters feel regarding tariffs, and how to explain to the regular Joe Shmo voter that these are growing pains that are means to a prosperous end: “Do you think the tariffs are a good thing? Why is President Trump doing this in the first place?” he asked after giving an anecdote about he and his brother talking to a gas station worker who was concerned about rising costs. Posobiec said that Trump has framed the tariffs as a way to help the working class and revive manufacturing, but at the same time, some of those same workers are now concerned about price increases.
Baris argued that the White House has not been doing enough to properly explain Trump’s economic strategy to voters. He said the media has controlled too much of the messaging and that people need to be reminded of Trump’s successes, especially on the border. “Trump was elected from the two I’s—inflation and immigration,” Baris said, pointing out that even the Los Angeles Times has admitted border crossings have slowed significantly under Trump. “People have a habit of forgetting what’s fixed and moving on, and you have to remind them,” he said.
Baris compared the economic situation to President Reagan’s policies, saying that leaders have to guide people through the process. He said that everyday Americans, especially in the Rust Belt and the Midwest, aren’t following political news every second of the day because they’re too busy taking care of their families and working hard. “Most of your voters are not politicos,” Baris explained. “They’re average working-class people. And average people don’t follow this stuff on a 24/7 basis—not because they wouldn’t, but because they can’t.”
The conversation then shifted to the broader issue of American reliance on foreign goods. Baris made a strong comparison, arguing that the political class got the country “addicted” to cheap imports, much like how drugs create dependence. “The political class gave the country a bunch of drugs and got people addicted to these drugs. Was it good for them in the long run? No, it wasn’t,” Baris said. “And getting off of it, is it going to hurt? Is there going to be pain when you break your addiction in the beginning? Yes. But in the long run, you’re going to be healthier.”
Posobiec jumped in, comparing this process to withdrawal symptoms. Baris agreed, saying, “Right. Speaking their language. We’re addicted to foreign goods, Jack. And it’s not good for our body.”
