"It’s really easy to talk that talk like you got all the facts when I’m not there to respond. It’s another thing entirely if I’m there to refute all the bulls**t coming out of your mouth.”
Douthat’s opinion-writing background, which I once viewed as a liability, actually helped him here. He thinks about big questions for a living. Therefore, he knew where to push Trump beyond the usual talking points.
"I get to talk about sports on a daily basis. I haven't lost the fandom for these teams. This is what I want to do, be as successful as possible. And do it for as long as I possibly can."