On this First 100 Days episode of “The Opinions,” the deputy Opinion editor, Patrick Healy, and the columnist Bret Stephens discuss the nuance of being a conservative critical of President Trump.

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The transcript has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Patrick Healy: I’m Patrick Healy, deputy editor of New York Times Opinion, and this is The First 100 Days, a weekly series examining President Trump’s use of power and his drive to change America. This week, I wanted to talk to my colleague the columnist Bret Stephens.

Bret is a conservative who occupies this really interesting position: He’s a Trump critic who thinks the administration is succeeding on some fronts, and he’s an American who wants strong leadership in his country, but finds both political parties really lacking. So what’s it like to agree with Trump on a bunch of issues, but also kind of hate him? I’m curious how Bret wrestles with that dichotomy and how he thinks Americans should see the next four years.

Bret, thanks for joining me.

Bret Stephens: It’s such a pleasure to be here.

Healy: Bret, I really love talking to you because you push me on ideas and you push readers and listeners, and you don’t let anyone off the hook, yourself included.

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