As the countdown to Donald Trump's second inauguration begins, uncertainty and mixed emotions prevail among the American populace. Many, including The New Abnormal co-host Danielle Moodie, share feelings of numbness rather than rage or sadness.

Following the recent election, Professor Jamil Zaki from Stanford University discussed how this emotional state reflects a broader sense of “hopelessness.” He emphasized the importance of differentiating between optimism and hope, stating, “I’m saying that we should remain hopeful because that’s how we continue” despite uncertainty surrounding Trump’s upcoming administration.

In another perspective, the underrated film The Apprentice provides a compelling look at Donald Trump’s early days as a real estate mogul. As outlined by The Daily Beast, the film dives into Trump’s personality and may serve as a valuable piece of art that encapsulates his rise to fame in American politics.

The New Abnormal’s producer Jesse Cannon described the film as “a masterwork,” asserting it holds significant commentary on Trump’s character that should not go unnoticed. He remarked, “Not only are the performances great, but what it shows you about Trump’s personality is a lot of things that are understated a lot.”

In addition to discussing the movie, the co-hosts engage with Steven Monacelli of the Texas Observer to explore his investigation surrounding anonymous accounts linked to neo-Nazi groups and their burgeoning activities on social media platforms like X, owned by Elon Musk.

Also featured is Paola Ramos, author of Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means For America, who addresses the Democratic Party’s struggles in reconnecting with young voters post-election. Ramos noted, “It’s as if they’re still trying to hold onto this old guard while knowing that they have to change,” describing the party’s identity crisis.

Listen to more insights and discussions on this engaging topic on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.