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On ABC’s This Week, New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman used her TV time to push lines from her new book Regime Change. She told viewers that President Donald Trump is “remarkably unconcerned about the midterms” and that he has talked about granting pardons to people who come within a certain “pardon radius” of the Oval Office. The comments are getting a lot of attention because the book is being promoted heavily and sold in huge numbers.
What Haberman Said on ABC and What the Book Claims
Haberman repeated two striking claims from the book: that Mr. Trump isn’t very worried about how Republicans will do in the midterms, and that he discussed pardoning people who get close to the Oval Office — sometimes 250 feet, sometimes 200, sometimes 25. The book Regime Change is being treated like a major media event. Publisher numbers show big sales in the opening week, and Haberman and her co-author are on a press tour to amplify the message.
Why the Timing and Sourcing Matter
This is not just another Sunday quote. The comments are part of a push tied to a best-selling book and a media campaign. Reporters also say some aides worried the authors had access to sensitive material. The White House has pushed back hard, calling the book wrong and attacking the authors. So readers are left to sort big claims, big sales, and big spin — all in the same news cycle.
A Conservative View: Skepticism, but Not Blind Defense
Let’s be blunt: reporters selling books have a motive to sell books. Haberman’s appearance helps move copies, and headlines help ratings. That said, talk of pardoning allies inside a concentric “radius” is alarming if accurate. Conservatives should be skeptical of media hype, but we should also defend the rule of law and oppose any president who treats pardons like party favors. The smart Republican move is to demand facts, push for transparency, and keep campaigning on issues voters care about — not just react to every book excerpt.
Bottom Line
This story is a classic book-driven media moment. Big claims, bigger sales, immediate pushback from the White House — repeat. Voters should want proof, not parlor-game quotes. Meanwhile, Republicans should focus on the midterms with a clear message and leave the rumor mill to the late-night talking heads. If a president really is treating pardons like proximity perks, that is worth investigating. But if it’s theater to sell books, don’t let it steal the election-season spotlight.
