Summary
Overview
Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci discuss the escalating crisis in Iran, with reports suggesting a potential ground invasion could occur this weekend. The conversation covers military buildup in the region, Trump's lack of clear exit strategy, the political pressures from Fox News hosts urging restraint, and comparisons to past American military quagmires. The episode also examines Democratic efforts to prepare for potential election interference in the upcoming midterms, particularly in Arizona where election deniers have won Republican primaries.
Iran Crisis Escalation and Military Buildup
The hosts discuss alarming reports of significant U.S. military deployments to the Middle East, including 150 medical personnel to Germany, additional F-16s and F-35s, aerial refueling tankers, and special operations forces. Despite extensive bombing campaigns, the underlying strategic problems remain unchanged, with Iran maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz and showing no signs of coming to the negotiating table. The conflict is expanding to include Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, causing oil prices to spike above $4 per gallon.
- Wall Street Journal reports movement of 150 medical personnel to Germany and deployment of F-16s, F-35s, aerial refueling tankers, and special operations forces
- Night-after-night bombing campaigns have not changed the equation with Iran, creating concerns about lack of clear exit strategy
- Houthi attacks on tankers in Red Sea have caused oil prices to rise $4 per barrel, exceeding $4 per gallon at the pump
- Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz and Trump's bombing is hardening their resolve rather than bringing them to negotiations
- IMF projects Iran's economy will contract 6% this year despite their aggressive posture
" We are further away from a negotiated settlement than we were a couple of weeks ago. "
" When Laura Ingraham has now left the White House on war policy, it's a sign that she's getting from her boss. Try to talk these imbeciles out of the war. "
Political Fallout and Fox News Pressure
The conversation reveals significant political concerns about the Iran war among Trump's allies, with Fox News hosts coordinating efforts to persuade Trump to avoid escalation. Laura Ingraham publicly stated the clock is ticking for Trump to end the war before voters go to the polls. The hosts discuss how even Trump's ardent supporters oppose the war, creating unusual political pressure on the administration from its own base.
- Fox News polling shows even Trump supporters do not like the war, creating pressure on the administration
- Laura Ingraham publicly stated the clock is ticking for Trump to get out before voters go to polls
- Trump announced nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia is subject to them joining Abraham Accords and recognizing Israel
- GOP primarily worried about inflation from war disrupting Hormuz Strait and Red Sea shipping, impacting November elections
" When you do the ratings and you do the Fox News polling, they don't like the war. Even the people that ardently support Donald Trump do not like the war. "
" They're not sitting there saying this is bad for the American citizens, bad for the American servicemen, bad for the economy. "
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