Overview of “How Ross Douthat Cracked Trump”
On The Powers That Be Daily, Peter Hamby and Dylan Byers discuss Ross Douthat’s interview with Donald Trump on the new-look 60 Minutes. They argue that Douthat’s curious, conversational approach produced a revealing exchange and a standout segment, while the show’s direction should ultimately be judged by what it puts on air.
What made the interview stand out
Douthat asked about subjects beyond the day’s political headlines, including immigration, religion, artificial intelligence, and Trump’s legacy. The hosts highlight Trump’s acknowledgment that voters disliked his hardline deportation policies, along with his reflections on whether he would forgive his enemies and what he might do with Democrats.
Rather than press for a string of gotcha moments, Douthat let the conversation move between topics, then returned to the questions he wanted to pursue. The hosts say this created a more human and informative exchange. They contrast it with Jonathan Swan’s Axios interview, which was more combative but also effective because Swan brought his own genuine style to the conversation.
Authenticity, not just polish
Byers says Douthat’s strengths as a print journalist—intellectual curiosity and a willingness to ask broad questions—translated well to television. Hamby points to earlier examples of print reporters succeeding on camera, arguing that video experience can help journalists make that transition.
The hosts suggest audiences now value authenticity alongside traditional broadcast polish. Douthat’s unvarnished manner and willingness to “weave” through the conversation helped make the interview feel like a real exchange rather than a performance.
Ratings and the debate over 60 Minutes
Byers cites preliminary ratings of about 7.6 million viewers, describing them as strong for an episode without an NFL lead-in. He cautions that 60 Minutes viewership varies significantly with football and reflects the broader decline of broadcast television. Hamby also pushes back on criticism of CBS’s election-night ratings, noting that the network had historically finished last and that its midterm audience was up compared with 2022.
The hosts acknowledge internal tensions and criticism surrounding Barry Weiss’s leadership, but argue that nostalgia, staff disputes, and opinions about management can distract from the program itself. Their assessment is that the show has had both hits and misses, but Douthat’s interview was compelling and shows the potential of its newer approach.