The Dispatch Podcast

Joining this week's Dispatch Podcast with Sarah is former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. Esper was also secretary of the Army during the Trump administration, and in his new book, A Sacred Oath: Memoirs of a Secretary of Defense During Extraordinary Times, he talks about the challenges that came with working under President Trump. In the podcast, Esper and Sarah discuss life on the inside of the administration, Esper's infamous “Four Nos,” and what he sees as the greatest threat to the United States today. Hint, his fears are more about things happening inside the country, not outside.  Show Notes:-A Sacred Oath: Memoirs of a Secretary of Defense During Extraordinary Times-Esper Paints Chaotic Picture of Trump Administration's Middle East Policy, by Charlotte Lawson

The economic state of America, which technically may be improving according to the latest inflation numbers, is still not good. The gang (with deputy managing editor Michael Scott Reneau stepping in for Steve) discuss it and home in on why that's bad news for Democrats. Plus, Tim Alberta of The Atlantic just wrote a profile of evangelical churches in America and it is so good Sarah, David, Jonah, and Michael had to talk about it and the state of evangelicalism on today's episode. And finally, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer held a vote on abortion access in America which failed miserably. What the heck was he thinking? Finally, what is the legacy of John Brown? Show Notes:-TMD on the latest inflation numbers and baby formula shortage-Tim Alberta on the evangelical church-Politico: Senate Democrats' imaginary majority

There is no shortage of stuff to talk about in This Will Not Pass: Trump, Biden, and the Battle for America's Future, the new book by New York Times reporters Jonathan Martin and Alex Burns, and Steve does his best to discuss all of it in this week's Dispatch Podcast. As Steve says, “The book makes you feel like you are in the room.” The trio breaks it all down—from January 6, those now infamous Kevin McCarthy recordings, and the early days of the Biden administration. Burns and Martin respond to McCarthy's accusation that they took his comments “out of context.” Plus, why does Biden want to “do it all?” Finally, how do the authors deal with critics on the right that immediately write them off because they work for The New York Times? Show Notes:-This Will Not Pass by Jonathan Martin and Alex Burns-Recordings of McCarthy saying he will urge President Trump to resign

What are we to make the Justice Samual Alito's leaked draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health? Our hosts are here to discuss as the politics of abortion take shape. Sarah, Jonah, and David then pivot to what they learned from Tuesday's primary elections. And finally, what does all of this mean for Trump's chances in 2024? Show Notes:-David and Sarah's podcast breaking down the Suprme Court leak-French Press: “The Supreme Court Abortion Leak—Your Questions, Answered”-G-File: “Why Joe Biden Hates Saying the A-Word”-The Sweep: “What Does J.D. Vance's Victory Tell Us About the Midterms?”-Sarah in the Washington Post: “We in the ‘shallow state' thought we could help. Instead, we obscured the reality of a Trump presidency.”-Smithsonian's National Zoo: “Tragic Loss of Animal Life at Smithsonian's National Zoo”-DCist: “There's An Angry Turkey Attacking People On The Anacostia Riverwalk”

Utah Sen. Mitt Romney joins Steve for a discussion on the state of the economy and how to rein in inflation. Plus, the senator answers questions about canceling student debt, the Supreme Court abortion leak, J.D. Vance's victory in Ohio, and the latest from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Show Notes:-Romney in the Wall Street Journal: “Biden's Errors Worsen Inflation”-Capitolism: “Is President Biden Trying to Boost Inflation?”-TMD: “Washington Gears Up for a Post-Roe Future”-The Dispatch: “Non-Interventionist Republicans: A Small, Vocal Minority”

Most economic numbers paint a dire picture for Democrats in the upcoming midterms. Steve, Jonah, and David discuss who is exactly to blame for that. Then the trio wade into the debate over forgiving student loans. (Spoiler alert: They aren't fans.) Will the woes in the Democratic Party produce a Ronald Reagan-type figure on the right? Plus, what is everyone's opinion of the White House Correspondents Dinner?Show Notes: TMD on the economy numbers Student loan forgiveness is regressive whether measured by income, education, or wealth | Brookings InstituteKevin McCarthy recordings

Lanhee Chen is running for state controller in California, but what does a state controller do? Steve gets that answer, plus Chen's thoughts on California's fiscal state and his plan if he wins the election. Chen also discusses his experience running Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign's policy shop. Show Notes:-Chen's campaign website-Los Angeles Times endorses Chen's campaign

It was a busy week. The Justice Department is appealing a federal judge's decision to strike down the CDC's travel mask mandate. The Biden administration is standing by its plan to end Title 42, a pandemic-era border policy, despite pushback from Democrats. Texas and Florida have governors making their own questionable decisions. Netflix and CNN feel the full effects of the streaming wars. Plus, what did Kevin McCarthy say? Show Notes:-David and Sarah's deep dive into the mask mandate decision-Sarah's immigration conversation with Ali Noorani-Uphill: “Kevin McCarthy's January 6 Lie”

The Biden administration plans to end use of Title 42, the pandemic-era border policy, next month. The governor of Texas is busing migrants to the nation's capital. Meanwhile, illegal border crossings are on the rise. Does anyone have a plan? Ali Noorani, president of National Immigration Forum and author of Crossing Borders, joins Sarah to discuss America's immigration woes. Show Notes:-“Crossing Borders: The Reconciliation of a Nation of Immigrants” by Ali Noorani-Room to Grow: Setting Immigration Levels in a Changing America-Texas Tribune: “San Antonio and other Texas cities confront the spillover from the border migration crisis”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report this week, and our hosts are here to talk through it. What does this all mean for the upcoming midterms and 2024? They will discuss that too. Plus, Sweden and Finland are looking to join NATO. What does this mean for the Western alliance? What should we expect from Russia? Show Notes:-TMD: “Light at the End of the Inflation Tunnel?”-The Sweep: “Tsunami or Ripple? What a Midterm Wave Might Look Like.”-The Sweep: “To Agenda or Not? That Is the Question for the GOP.”-TMD: “Finland and Sweden Weighing NATO Bids”-New York Times: “Military Memo Deepens Possible Interstellar Meteor Mystery”-WUSA: “Teens among seven people arrested after detectives find dog reportedly taken at gunpoint”

Sarah and her guest are here to talk about sex. Christine Emba, a columnist for the Washington Post and author of the new book Rethinking Sex, examines our current sexual mores and finds them wanting. What's the cause of today's sexual malaise? What does a new sexual ethic look like? Listen (but maybe not with your young children) for those answers and more. Show Notes:-“Rethinking Sex” by Christine Emba-Christine in the Washington Post: “Consent is not enough. We need a new sexual ethic.”-David in The Atlantic: “Consent Was Never Enough”

On Thursday, the Senate confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. Our hosts are here to discuss what her confirmation foreshadows for future Supreme Court fights. Plus, the Biden administration announced plans to end use of Title 42, a pandemic-era border policy, next month. What does that mean? Sarah, Jonah, and David finish the show discussing the practicality of bringing charges of war crimes as we learn more about the atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine. Show Notes:-The Dispatch: “​​The Bucha Massacre and the Horrors to Come”-G-File: “Is It Okay to Use the ‘G-Word'?”-The Dispatch: “What are Secondary Sanctions?”-TMD: “How Will the U.S. Admit Ukraine's Refugees?”-Uphill: “Congress Finally Meanders to a Russia Trade Bill”

Rep. Cheri Bustos is leaving Congress at the end of this term. What has she learned from her five terms in the House and—as the former leader of the House Democrats' campaign arm—from the 2020 election? How can Democrats improve their prospects in the 2022 midterms? Sarah gets these answers and more in a candid conversation with the Illinois congresswoman. Show Notes:-Hope from the Heartland: How Democrats Can Better Serve the Midwest by Bringing Rural, Working Class Wisdom to Washington-How Dems Win in Trump Districts-The Sweep: “Tsunami or Ripple? What a Midterm Wave Might Look Like.”

President Biden announced he would tap our strategic oil reserves in an effort to fight high gas prices. Our hosts are here to discuss the economic realities of that decision. Plus, it was the slap heard around the world: Why can't we stop talking about it? Sarah, Jonah, David, and Scott finish the show talking about gaffes, cocaine-fueled orgies, and standing in line. Show Notes:-TMD: “It's a Petroleum Reserve Release, but Is It Strategic?”-The Dispatch: “The Uncomfortable Truth of Biden's Gaffe”-G-File: “Madison Cawthorn's Warped Washington”-Capitolism: “Why You Should (Almost) Never Wait in Line”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1557 into law on Monday. The Parental Rights in Education Act—or “Don't Say Gay” bill, as its detractors call it—is one of the most contentious and least understood pieces of legislation in recent memory.On today's podcast, Declan is joined by Gabriel Malor, an appellate litigator based in Virginia, and Eugene Volokh, a law professor at UCLA, for a thoughtful conversation that dives into the bill text and elucidates what the law does—and doesn't—do. Plus: What are the benefits and drawbacks of writing legislation with vague terminology? And why is Florida passing this bill now? Are the political right and left swapping sides on the exercise of government power? Show Notes:-TMD: “Breaking Down the So-Called ‘Don't Say Gay' Bill”

Ketanji Brown Jackson's Supreme Court confirmation hearings have wrapped, and our hosts are here to break down the week on Capitol Hill. Jonah, David, and Andrew then turn to the latest developments in the war in Ukraine. Plus, what do the guys make of those Ginni Thomas texts to Mark Meadows? Or Trump dropping his endorsement of Mo Brooks in the Alabama Senate race? Show Notes:-TMD: “Biden, World Leaders Huddle on Russia”-The Dispatch: “Inside the First Ukrainian City to Fall to Russia”-Washington Post: “Virginia Thomas urged White House chief to pursue unrelenting efforts to overturn the 2020 election, texts show”

Steve talks with Taras Byk, a political consultant now working with the Territorial Defense Forces in Kyiv, to get a sense of what's happening on the ground in Ukraine. What's changed since the last time they talked? Steve then has a conversation with Tom Karako, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Why has Russia not been able to establish air superiority? What do we need to know about those hypersonic missiles that Russia launched? Tom has those answers and more. Show Notes:-The Dispatch: “Just How Many Russian Soldiers Have Died in Ukraine?”-French Press: “Questions and Answers After One Month of War”-New York Times: “How Ukraine's Outgunned Air Force Is Fighting Back Against Russian Jets”-CSIS report: “Complex Air Defense: Countering the Hypersonic Missile Threat”-Bayraktar song

As we pass the third week of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, our hosts are here to discuss the latest: The Biden administration looks to make a deal on Iran's nuclear program. What are we to make of the president's foregin policy? Plus, Sarah and the guys talk about inflation and the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates. Show Notes:-The Dispatch: “Concessions to Iran, Russia Pile Up in Nuclear Talks”-Uphill: “The House Hits Russia on Trade”-TMD: “An Interest Rate Increase”

On today's episode, Steve speaks with Eric Edelman, a member of the U.S. foreign service for 28 years who served as a U.S. ambassador, a national security adviser to the vice president, and an under secretary of defense. They discuss Vladimir Putin and his strategy going into the invasion of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky's address to Congress, and finish with the latest on the Iran deal. Show Notes:-Edelman's page at The Dispatch-Edelman's podcast Shield of the Republic-TMD: “Iran Deal on the Ropes?”

On today's episode, Steve has a conversation with Taras Byk, a political consultant and former journalist now working with the Territorial Defense Forces in Kyiv, Ukraine. What's he seeing on the ground? How are the people of Ukraine holding up as we pass the second week of Russia's invasion? Plus, Sarah, Steve, and Jonah are here to discuss the latest fallout around the world and here at home. Show Notes:-The Dispatch: “The Past Offers a Way Forward on Foreign Policy”-Uphill: “The Tug of War Over America's Russia Response”-The Current: “School's in Session”-The Dispatch: “Why Did Russia Invade Ukraine Now?”

On today's podcast, Sarah and Steve talk with Natalie Jaresko, Ukraine's former minister of finance. They discuss the history of Ukraine, its people, and what the last two weeks have meant for the country. Show Notes:-NPR: “Kenyan U.N. ambassador compares Ukraine's plight to colonial legacy in Africa”-The Dispatch: “Why Did Russia Invade Ukraine Now?”

As the first week of Russia's invasion of Ukraine passed, our hosts are here to discuss how the world has changed. Plus, President Biden delivers his first State of Union address and Texas holds the first primary elections of 2022. What have we learned from the last week? Show Notes:-TMD: “A Nuclear Plant Scare in Ukraine”-The Dispatch: “Will the European Union Admit Ukraine?”-The Dispatch: “The Coming Surrender to Iran”-The Dispatch: “Fact Checking the State of the Union”

On today's podcast, Steve is joined by Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine, our response to it, and his thoughts on the State of the Union. Steve is then joined by Barbara Comstock, former representative of Virginia, for a conversation about President Joe Biden's speech last night and the future of the Republican Party. Show Notes:-French Press: “Questions and Answers After Six Days of War”-Jonah “Gradually, Then Suddenly: How the World Stood Up to Putin”-TMD: State of the Union-From The Dispatch: “GOP Reps Slam Greene, Gosar”

Right before recording today's episode started, news broke that President Joe Biden is nominating Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. Our hosts take a quick look at that and what it means for SCOTUS. Then the conversation moved to the dire situation in Ukraine. David cautioned against believing all of the information we receive in the fog of war and the group discusses how many people on the right have flip-flopped on Putin. Tune in, too, for a preview of next week's State of the Union address. Show Notes:-Ketanji Brown Jackson nominated to the Supreme Court-Sen. Graham on KBJ nomination-Ukrainian woman gives Russian soldier sunflower seeds-Snake Island audio-J.D. Vance's latest statement on Ukraine-Garry Kasparov on Twitter-Mr. President, It's Time for a Little Humility | NYT

In a lively discussion about who Vladimir Putin is and the danger he poses to the world, Steve is joined by Peter Baker, chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, and Susan Glasser, staff writer at The New Yorker. The two, who are married, offer insights to their book, Kremlin Rising, which they co-authored during their four year stay in Russia. The trio discuss Putin's rise to power, his current rhetoric, as well as how the Republican Party and Trump have grown increasingly close to him. Show Notes:-Kremlin Rising by Peter Baker and Susan Glasser-Susan's Frontline interview-Polling on Putin's growing popularity in the Republican Party

According to polling from Gallup, Americans are as happy as they've almost ever been. Yet their feelings toward the country as a whole are near an all-time low. Why is that? Sarah, Steve, David, and Declan discuss that and more. Plus, in San Francisco, the left seemed to do some self-correcting after a successful recall of a number of school board members. And finally, as Steve promised members on this week's Dispatch Live, a continued conversation about Rep. Liz Cheney. Show Notes:-Gallup satisfaction numbers-San Francisco recall election results-What pundits don't understand about the San Francisco recall | Mother Jones-David on the San Fran recall in The Atlantic-Squad politics backfire | Axios-San Francisco Mayor on The New York Times podcast “Sway”-Local BLM chapter posts bail for man charged with attempted murder of mayoral candidate-Dispatch Live (for members only)-Republican or not | SNL 

Today on the podcast, Sarah and Steve are joined by Klon Kitchen, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, to discuss the latest in Ukraine after the country was hit by cyberattacks. Plus, how much is the Republican Party's foreign policy views changing? And what exactly can the Chinese government do with all that TikTok data? Show Notes:-TMD: “Ukraine on the Brink”-Klon's Dispatch piece: “The Old—and Incoherent—Foreign Policy of the New Right”-Ahmari, Deneen and Pappin: “Hawks Are Standing in the Way of a New Republican Party”

On today's podcast, Sarah and Steve talk with Todd Rose, author of Collective Illusions: Conformity, Complicity, and the Science of Why We Make Bad Decisions. How much of our thinking about each other is informed by false assumptions? What are the consequences of a society this mistrustful? And what are we to do about it? Show Notes:-Collective Illusions by Todd Rose

On today's podcast, our hosts discuss the Republican Party's decision to censure two of its own members, Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, over their involvement in the January 6 investigation. Plus, a growing list of states have lifted their mask mandates. What's changed? Show Notes:-TMD: “Republicans Choose Their Corners in the January 6 Brawl”-The Sweep: “Did McCain-Feingold Ruin America?”-National Journal: “Biden is blowing his COVID moment”

Ohio Sen. Rob Portman joined The Dispatch Podcast to talk about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. What is Vladimir Putin doing? Why should Americans care? Plus, Steve and David ask Sen. Portman about efforts to reform the Electoral Count Act. Show Notes:-Sen. Portman on Meet the Press-French Press: “Stop Screwing Around and Reform the Electoral Count Act”

On today's podcast, our hosts discuss the latest round of statements from former President Donald Trump and new reports about his role after the 2020 election. How are elected Republicans reacting? Plus, President Joe Biden has a Supreme Court seat to fill, and the world turns its eyes toward China as the Winter Olympics get underway. Show Notes:-TMD: “Trump Doubles Down on January 6 Role”-G-File: “This Was Always the Plan”

On today's podcast, Steve moderates a conversation about the politics of replacing Justice Stephen Breyer on the Supreme Court. Joining Sarah on the panel is Gregg Nunziata, who worked on the Senate Judiciary Committee, and John McCormack, Washington correspondent for National Review. What does replacing a Supreme Court justice look like from behind the scenes? Our panel has that answer and more. Show Notes:-Stirewaltisms: A Supreme Break for Biden-TMD: Breyer to Retire-Advisory Opinions: Justice Stephen Breyer to Retire

The problems in Ukraine are getting worse. Our hosts discuss what led to the current situation and the role President Biden played in getting to this point. Then Sarah, David, Jonah, and Steve talk about two issues that are not getting enough attention as we head to the midterms: immigration and crime. Show Notes:-TMD: Germany Drags Feet On Ukraine-Uphill: What Price Will Putin Pay for a Ukraine Invasion?-NATO spending requirements-Crime stats-San Francisco Mayor crime speech

On today's episode, Sarah and Steve speak with Heidi Heitkamp, former North Dakota senator and founder of One Country Project. They cover everything from the filibuster to President Biden's first year in office. What doesn't work about the Senate? Can Biden turn things around before the midterms? Show Notes:-TMD looks back at Biden's first year-Uphill looks at the state of Build Back Better

A year ago, almost to the day, Joe Biden was sworn in as president of the United States. The gang looks back at a year full of shifts to progressive policies from Biden. Is he living up to his promise of restoring normalcy in America? Plus, Gallup says 2021 saw the greatest shift in party preferences for as long as Gallup has been around. What does that mean for the country and our politics? Finally, are we on the brink of World War III with Russia threatening to go into Ukraine? Show Notes:-How Biden's first year became a tale of two presidencies | POLITICO-Sen. Jim DeMint on what type of Republicans he preferred-Sen. Brian Schatz on the filibuster (from November 2017)-U.S. Political Party Preferences Shifted Greatly During 2021 | Gallup-The Sweep from May 4 on campaign fundraising-David Ignatius' page on The Washington Post website

Rep. Dan Newhouse, one of the 10 House Republicans to impeach Trump, joins Sarah and Steve on today's podcast. They discuss why he is against Biden's new voting rights legislation and how much influence the federal government should have over elections. Plus, the congressman talks about his view of the filibuster, and the rightward shift of rural America. Show Notes:-Rep. Newhouse's statement against new voting rights legislation

President Biden ran his 2020 campaign on the promise he'd bring back “normal” life in America. Almost one year later, there is still an ongoing pandemic, record-high inflation, and a serious lack of food in grocery stores. The gang discusses it all and what it means for the country. Plus, President Biden spoke about voting rights in Atlanta yesterday and the speech aggravated all four hosts. They discuss the speech and how it adds to the tearing of the social fabric in America. Show Notes:-President Biden's speech in Atlanta-Stacey Abrams snubs President Biden?-Democrats, Voting Rights Are Not the Problem | Yuval Levin-Tweet that sparked the “worst three-hour drive” debate

On today's podcast, Chris Stirewalt fills in for Steve and Sarah and has a discussion with Josh Kraushaar of National Journal. They talk about the teacher strike in Chicago, which leads to a broader discussion of Biden and the Democratic Party's unwillingness to challenge the extremes of the party. Plus, they discuss the upcoming midterms and the projected Republican landslide that could be the party's largest majority since the 1920s. Show Notes:-Josh's Interview with Jared Polis-Josh's article about Democrats/Joe Biden pandering to extremes of the party-Poll on how two-thirds of Republicans believe the election was stolen-David Shor on how the progressives have “hijacked” the Democratic Party-Josh's podcast Against the Grain

On the eve of the anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, the podcast is dedicated entirely to the events at the Capitol. The gang recounts their memories from that bleak day in Washington and what it has meant for the country over the past year. A lively discussion about what role Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the left played in the lead-up and aftermath ensues. Finally, what will be different about how we talk about January 6 in 20 years? Show Notes:-First-ever editorial from The Dispatch calling for Trump impeachment-The Dispatch Podcast from January 7, 2021-Inside the Capitol Riot: An Exclusive Video Investigation | New York Times-Rep. Mike Gallagher on January 6-Sen. Lindsey Graham on the Senate floor on January 6

In the final episode of “The Dispatch Podcast” in 2021, our hosts talk about Joe Manchin's non-reliability for the Democrats, the increasing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and the growing spread of the more-infectious Omicron variant. They close by asking a question: How will historians in 100 years view the past two decades? Show Notes:-Give someone a Dispatch subscription this Christmas-TMD: “Manchin Says No to Build Back Better”-Jonah: “Democrats Are Still Misreading Political Reality”-Dmitri Alperovitch Twitter thread on Russian aggression-TMD: “Biden Inches Toward New Pandemic Paradigm”

On today's episode, our hosts discuss the House's vote to hold Mark Meadows, Donald Trump's former chief of staff, in criminal contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the January 6 Select Committee. Plus, are we taking threats to vote counting seriously enough? Is Jonah right about Omicron? And, is President Biden being unfairly treated by the media? Show Notes:-TMD on Mark Meadows text messages-The Atlantic: “Trump's Next Coup Has Already Begun”-Jonah's G-File with his Omicron argument

On today's podcast, Sarah and Steve are joined by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. In 2020, Georgia was at the center of claims of voter fraud that kept President Trump from returning to the White House, and before that in 2018, the state was the site of claims of voter suppression that kept Stacey Abrams from the governor's mansion. Raffensperger, author of the new book Integrity Counts, tells our hosts why Americans should have confidence and trust in our country's elections. Show Notes:-Axios: “Trump-backed Perdue says he wouldn't have certified Georgia 2020 results”-Integrity Counts, by Brad Raffensperger

In his new book, Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show, Jonathan Karl, ABC News' chief Washington correspondent, details what was really going on in the final months of the Trump administration, and in the aftermath of the 2020 election. What was happening behind-the-scenes as Trump left the White House? How should the press cover a potential 2024 campaign by the former president? Show Notes:-Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show by Jonathan Karl

With all eyes on the Supreme Court today, the gang starts with an explainer of what is happening in the oral arguments of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. What's at stake? Is it as monumental as some are making it out to be? When might we know how the court rules? Plus, a new COVID variant emerges, Russia builds up its military presence near Ukraine, and blue states fail to live up to their own ideals. Show Notes:-SCOTUSblog on Dobbs v. Jackson-TMD on Omicron-U.S., Allies Warn Russia Over Military Buildup Around Ukraine | WSJ-David Ignatius' latest column on Ukraine-Blue States, You're the Problem | NYT-Everyone's Moving to Texas. Here's Why. | NYT

On today's podcast, our hosts discuss how to solve a problem like inflation. Will Biden's Build Back Better Act actually bring down prices? Plus, Sarah and the guys discuss pandemic fatigue driving voters to the GOP, what's going on at the Naval Observatory, and what the Kyle Rittenhouse and Ahmaud Arbery trials tell us about ourselves as a nation. Show Notes:-TMD: “Can the Build Back Better Act Curb Inflation?”-The Sweep: “Dems' Permanent Pandemic Mindset Deepens Midterm Gap”-CNN: “Exasperation and dysfunction: Inside Kamala Harris' frustrating start as vice president”-Harris has a Veep moment-David in The Atlantic: “Kyle Rittenhouse Is No Hero”

On today's episode, Sarah and Steve sit down with Scott Lincicome, senior fellow at the Cato Institute and author of The Dispatch newsletter Capitolism, to discuss the details of our global supply-chain issues. Plus, Lincicome answers questions about inflation, wages, and problems with our labor force participation.    Show Notes: -Make sure you get Capitolism in your inbox -Lincicome's latest Capitolism tackles our supply-chain woes -Lincicome's Capitolism looking at our labor shortage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's show, our hosts discuss issues up-and-down the supply-chain, and the political fallout it brings. Plus, the ripple effects of the House passing the infrastructure package, what we think we know about the 2022 midterms, and the latest news around the Steele dossier. Show Notes: -Lincicome's latest Capitolism tackles our supply-chain woes -Uphill breaks down the bipartisan infrastructure bill -The Sweep digests the election results from last week -Politico: “The Surprising Strategy Behind Youngkin's Stunner”   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode of The Dispatch Podcastis a little bit different than the typical Friday version. Steve interviewed Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse at the Aspen Security Forum on the topic of America's response to the digital revolution across the globe. Among some of the more interesting topics discussed: China and “chuckleheads,” as Sen. Sasse refers to some members of Congress. Sen. Sasse explains why even though the country faces an immense amount of problems he is still optimistic about the future.  Show Notes:  Link to video of the discussion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes the news of the day calls for some good old-fashioned rank punditry and after Tuesday's elections today's Dispatch Podcast does just that. Sarah, David, Jonah, and Declan look at the results not just in Virginia, but New Jersey, Minneapolis, and Buffalo, too. What do the results mean for the 2022 midterms? Anything at all? Our hosts break it all down.    Show Notes: -TMD on election night in America See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's podcast, Sarah and David talk with Ian Prior, executive director of Fight for Schools, to discuss what exactly is happening in Loudoun County, Virginia. Critical race theory in schools? A sexual assault controversy? And how will this all affect the race for governor in Virginia?   Show Notes: -Prior “More Va. Public Schools Using Kids As Guinea Pigs For Critical Race Theory” -French Press “When the State Kinda Sorta Parents Your Child” -The Sweep: Down to the Wire in Virginia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, our hosts discuss a new proposal from Democrats to tax the unrealized capital gains of billionaires. Is it constitutional? Plus, Taiwan and “strategic ambiguity,” the Facebook files, and who will Virginia elect as governor next week?   Show Notes: -The Dispatch: “Washington Should Deter an Attack on Taiwan” -Wall Street Journal “The Facebook Files” -The Sweep: Down to the Wire in Virginia -The Dispatch “President Biden Stumps for Terry McAuliffe” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.