Prices up, chaos up, tragedy up, logic down

The David Pakman Show - March 12, 2026

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In a single day, the Trump administration faced a string of failures across economics, foreign policy, military operations, and public communication. Ahead of a Kentucky rally, Trump gave vague and contradictory answers about the Iran conflict, avoided responsibility for a U.S. strike on a school, and appeared unconcerned about domestic threats as a result of the war.

The event itself was chaotic. Trump admitted he nearly fell asleep during Iran war planning, bragged about picking the name “Operation Epic Fury,” and struggled to say “Kentucky” clearly. He distractedly engaged with the audience, veered into bizarre tangents about wind power and China, and appeared completely unmoored while trying to project authority.

The rally also revealed Trump’s base. Interviews showed supporters parroting talking points without understanding them. Many ignored the human cost of the Iran war and gave vague reasons for support, like “he’s genuine” or “supports the troops.” The audience is deeply propagandized, showing the importance of electoral engagement to counter their influence.

In Cincinnati, Trump struggled to appear engaged. He called the Iran conflict both a war and a “little excursion.” He falsely claimed gas prices were falling and tried to leave before a factory owner could show the packaging operation.

Trump shows a pattern with female reporters. When confronted with facts, he attacks their appearance or demeanor rather than answering. From Caitlin Collins during COVID briefings to Liz Landers on election claims, his responses are more personal with women than men.

Steve Bannon expressed concern over the Iran war. He said slogans like “freedom isn’t free” are not resonating, and voters are unconvinced. Trumpism once balanced anti-interventionist and hawkish supporters, but with a real war, his macho posturing and peace claims appeal to neither group.

Finally, Alex Wagner, MSNBC host and journalist, joins us on Substack Live to discuss Trump’s Iran strategy, Pete Hegseth, and the upcoming elections.

On today’s bonus show:

Cornyn flips on the filibuster to court Trump's endorsement, every Democrat but Fetterman wants an investigation into the Iran school massacre, Iran's soccer team will not play in the World Cup, and much more...

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