Podcasts about american politics

Political system of the United States of America

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Best podcasts about american politics

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Latest podcast episodes about american politics

Lever Time
The Movie Trope That Explains American Politics

Lever Time

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 55:15


Perhaps the key to understanding modern American politics isn't an academic think tank report, but instead rambunctious cult classic films, like Caddyshack and Animal House, that pit low-status underdogs against high-status bluebloods, preps, and jocks. In an essay for Politico, author Dan Brooks argues that movies like these hardwired Americans to root for the rude, rule-breaking outsiders over the buttoned-up establishment, and it's shaping how people vote.  Today on Lever Time, David Sirota sits down with Brooks to discuss how the “slobs versus snobs” movie trope can be a metaphor for American political parties, why candidates like Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner may be finding traction with voters, and whether Democrats can ever rewrite their role in this story. Read Brooks' essay here. Get ad-free episodes, bonus content and extended interviews by becoming a member at levernews.com/join. To leave a tip for The Lever, click here. It helps us do this kind of independent journalism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Progressive Voices
Outrage Is America's Favorite Addiction

Progressive Voices

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 59:52


Outrage Is America's Favorite Addiction A simple Pride Month post from HelloFresh sparked outrage, boycotts, angry comments, and endless social media debates. But the real story isn't HelloFresh. It's why so many people seem permanently angry about everything. Why does a Pride post generate thousands of comments demanding a “Straight Pride Month”? Why are immigrants, LGBTQ people, trans people, teachers, homeless people, and other vulnerable groups constantly blamed for problems they didn't create? Somewhere along the way, outrage became an industry. Politicians profit from it. Media outlets profit from it. Influencers profit from it. Entire movements are built around convincing people that someone else is responsible for their frustrations. From Pride Month backlash to election conspiracies to culture-war outrage, we're living in an era where anger often replaces understanding and blame replaces accountability. In this episode, Karel examines the growing culture of grievance, victimhood politics, and why some people seem determined to stay angry no matter what issue dominates the headlines. A

Progressive Voices
The HelloFresh Controversy Reveals A Bigger Problem

Progressive Voices

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 59:35


The HelloFresh Controversy Reveals A Bigger Problem A Pride Month social media post from HelloFresh has sparked outrage, backlash, boycotts, and endless debate. Was it a bad joke? Probably. But the reaction to it may reveal something much bigger about where we are as a society in 2026. After spending 30 minutes discussing the controversy on GB News in the UK, one thing became clear: the conversation isn't really about HelloFresh. It's about LGBTQ visibility, Pride Month, and why so many people are still uncomfortable when queer people are included in mainstream culture. Meanwhile, Elon Musk and Donald Trump continue to push claims and conspiracies that dominate headlines. But are Americans still listening? Why is every election called “rigged” when one side loses and “fair” when the other side wins? And a new poll raises a troubling question: Is American exceptionalism fading? Fewer Americans than ever believe the United States stands above the rest of the world. What happened to the confidence that once defined the country, and what does it say about our future? In this episode, Karel connects the dots between culture wars, political outrage, conspiracy thinking, and a changing America struggling to define itself.

Nightlife
American Insight with Bruce Wolpe

Nightlife

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 17:03


Nightlife takes a deeper perspective than just the news with what is happening in America with Bruce Wolpe, Senior fellow at the US Studies Centre, formerly with the Democratic staff in the US Congress in President Obama's first term.   

The Republican Professor
250th Anniversary of the USA Ep. 6: Dr. Charles C. Thach, Ph.D. on The Creation of The Presidency V

The Republican Professor

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2026 37:20


Episode 6 in the series marking the 250th Anniversary of the USA in this second quarter 2026. We're covering the first several pages of chapter 3: National Executive Power before the US Constitution but after July 4th, 1776. We discuss pp. 45 thru the top of p.53. When the Founders signed their names onto the Declaration of Independence, they were committing a capital crime, and they were signing their own death warrants if they were caught. They took themselves not to be looking for a fight, but rather, refusing any longer to duck the fight that in fact had come to them. And they sought to ground their cause, their reaction, to right reason in the natural law, consistent with Revelation and the Scriptures. They sought to articulate such an argument for their cause in such a way that would be rightly persuasive to any future reader and any of the nations which may inquire as to the source of their actions. Of course, their cause was initially, in large measure, a reaction against abuse of Executive Power. But such a war required itself strong Executive Power. Therein lies the rub: how can Executive Power be strong yet consistent with the principles of Liberty ? We're making a fair use, transformative reading and discussion of Charles C. Thach's doctoral dissertation at Johns Hopkins in 1922 called "The Creation of the Presidency, 1775-1789 made available by Liberty Fund INC in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2007. Go out and get your physical copy today. Follow along. We'd like to thank Liberty Fund for making this material available, and we'd like to thank Charles C. Thach for writing it. This material was required reading in my Ph.D. program in Public Law and American Politics at The Claremont Colleges. It was used on the 6 hour comprehensive exams (6 hours each) and in a course called The Presidency and the Constitution taught by Joseph M. Bessette, who also served on my dissertation committee many years later. The Republican Professor is a pro-correctly-understanding-the-American-Presidency, anti-grade-inflation-plantation podcast. The Republican Professor is produced and hosted by Dr. Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D.

The Health Ranger Report
Bright Videos News, June 5, 2026 - Diesel Crisis Worsens for the West Coast, and A.I. IPOs Target Sucker Investors

The Health Ranger Report

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 112:35


Stay informed on current events, visit www.NaturalNews.com  - California's Diesel Crisis and Refinery Shutdowns (0:04) - Impact of Diesel Shortages on California (10:46) - Economic and Social Implications of the Diesel Crisis (20:21) - Practical Preparations and Solutions (29:18) - The Role of Gold and Silver in Financial Security (38:18) - The Weaponization of Government and Censorship (47:43) - The Parallels Between Left and Right-Wing Censorship (56:19) - Media Influence and Generational Perspectives (1:04:20) - Historical Erasure and Biblical Interpretations (1:12:10) - The Role of the Balfour Declaration and Christian Zionism (1:20:10) - The Impact of Historical Rewriting and Modern Propaganda (1:28:27) - The Role of Trump and the Future of American Politics (1:36:54) - Final Thoughts and Call to Action (1:44:41) Watch more independent videos at http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport  ▶️ Support our mission by shopping at the Health Ranger Store - https://www.healthrangerstore.com ▶️ Check out exclusive deals and special offers at https://rangerdeals.com ▶️ Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html Watch more exclusive videos here:

Keen On Democracy
Good Bobby, Bad Bobby: Evan Thomas on the Greatest Riddle in 20th Century American Politics

Keen On Democracy

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 37:48


“He didn't just say it, he meant it, he felt it — and the combination of the power guy, the ruthless power guy, and the profound idealist was fascinating, and also hard for him.” — Evan Thomas on Bobby Kennedy Who was the greatest riddle in 20th century American political life? Judging from the ever-expanding library of Bobby biographies, Robert Francis Kennedy ranks very high on that list. Indeed, according to Evan Thomas, one of RFK's most acclaimed biographers, this third Kennedy son is, indeed, the most sphinx-like riddle in 20th century America. In his classic 2000 biography, Robert Kennedy: His Life, Thomas unravels the good and the bad Bobby. But, rather than presenting parallel narratives, his portrait treats the Machiavellian and the idealist as the same riddle. Raised by his father to exercise raw power, RFK discovered that mid-century America wasn't living up to its own ideals. The contradiction of the ruthless Kennedy machine politician and the profound idealist was what continues to make him so intriguing to Americans of every political stripe. Bobby concurred with Churchill's dictum that courage is the greatest virtue because, without it, you can't have the other virtues. So he lived a life of ridiculous physical and moral courage — taking insane risks that would terrify ordinary mortals. And, of course, his most insanely courageous act was his last — running for President in 1968 knowing that he was likely to be assassinated. Where have you gone, Bobby Kennedy? A nation turns its lonely eyes to you. Five Takeaways •       The Central Paradox: Power Guy and Idealist in the Same Man: Bobby Kennedy was raised by his father to be the henchman of the Kennedy machine — doing the dirty stuff in Boston politics to keep Jack floating free and grand. He was pretty ruthless about it. At the same time, in mid-century America, he discovered that the country was not living up to its own constitution, and he wanted to make things right, and genuinely felt it. The combination of the machine politician and the profound idealist was what made him so endlessly fascinating. It also made him hard for himself: a man permanently at war with his own nature. •       Courage: The Only Word That Mattered: No word was more important to Bobby Kennedy than courage. Churchill: it's the greatest virtue, because without it you can't have the others. Kennedy believed in physical courage, emotional courage, mental courage. He was a runty little kid at the wrong end of the dinner table — Jack and Joe and Kick at the golden end with the father, Bobby with the nuns and the mum. He got kicked out of prep school for cheating. He was not the athlete, not the golden one. Real courage comes from suffering. It took courage just to overcome being the loser. That was the source. •       Making Up for Missing the War: Physical and Moral Courage: Bobby missed World War Two, basically. He got in at the very end and ended up scraping the deck of a destroyer in the Caribbean, far from combat. His brother Jack is a war hero on steroids — PT boat cut in half by a Japanese destroyer, rescues his men, written about in The New Yorker and Reader's Digest. Joe volunteers for a secret dangerous mission to replicate Jack's glory and dies. Pretty high bar of courage. Bobby spends the rest of his life making up for it — swimming the Colorado River, climbing Mount Kennedy in the Yukon, jumping overboard off the coast of Maine to save Jack's jacket. Sometimes stunts. But increasingly, moral courage — which is the greater thing. •       The Mob, Joe Kennedy, and the Beehive: When Bobby starts poking around in the mob as a Senate aide, J. Edgar Hoover is only too happy to point out: keep going here, you know where it's going to end up. With Joe Kennedy. Bobby's investigation of Giancana and Frank Sinatra starts grazing against his own father. Thomas's reading: whether conscious or unconscious, there is an element of rebellion. Bobby, appointed henchman, doing the dirty stuff for pop, resenting it, starts poking the beehive that might expose him. It never fully landed. But it started. And Hoover used it to blackmail the Kennedys. •       The Ripple of Hope, and RFK Jr. as Tragedy: Bobby's trip to South Africa — apartheid everywhere, the freedom movement barely existing, everybody in prison. His speech: every time somebody does something brave or heroic, it causes a ripple, and that gives you hope. A young Margaret Marshall, later Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, was in the audience. He gave us hope where there was none. That is the ghost Andrew went looking for at Hickory Hill and didn't find. The contrast with RFK Jr. is, for Thomas, simply sad. Poignant. His own family has disavowed him. Caroline Kennedy made a broadcast accusing him of crimes. The idea of Robert Kennedy Jr. is tragic. About the Guest Evan Thomas is an American writer and historian. He was Washington bureau chief of Newsweek for ten years and a writer and editor there for thirty-three years. He is the author of ten books, including Robert Kennedy: His Life (Simon & Schuster, 2000), Being Nixon, Road to Surrender, and, with Walter Isaacson, The Wise Men. He has taught at Harvard and Princeton. His biography of Churchill is forthcoming from Simon & Schuster in December 2026. References: •       Robert Kennedy: His Life by Evan Thomas (Simon & Schuster, 2000). •       The Wise Men by Evan Thomas and Walter Isaacson (Simon & Schuster, 1986) — referenced in the closing. •       Robert Coles — Bobby Kennedy's psychologist friend, referenced in the conversation. •       Hickory Hill, McLean, Virginia — the Kennedy family home Andrew visited on this trip to Washington DC. •       Bobby Kennedy's “Ripple of Hope” speech, University of Cape Town, South Africa, June 6, 1966. About Keen On America Nobody asks more awkward questions than the Anglo-American writer and filmmaker Andrew Keen. In Keen On America, Andrew brings his pointed Transatlantic wit to making sense of the United States — hosting daily interviews about the history and future of this now venerable Republic. With nearly 2,900 episodes since the show launched on TechCrunch in 2010, Keen On America is the most prolific intellectual interview show in the history of podcasting. WebsiteSubstackYouTube

The Colin McEnroe Show
How Marshall McLuhan and Neil Postman can help us break the spell of technology on our lives

The Colin McEnroe Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 50:00


If you listen to The Colin McEnroe Show regularly, you likely know that Colin has been influenced by two media theorists: Marshall McLuhan and Neil Postman. Postman wrote Amusing Ourselves to Death, among other books, and McLuhan is probably most famous for the phrase "The medium is the message," in addition to other influential ideas. This hour, we look at the ideas of McLuhan and Postman, and discuss why they still resonate so much today. GUESTS: Bill Yousman: Professor of Media Studies at Sacred Heart University Megan Garber: Staff Writer at The Atlantic who writes about the intersection of politics and culture. She is the author of On Misdirection: Magic, Mayhem, American Politics. She previously worked for Neiman Journalism Lab and the Columbia Journalism Review Andrew McLuhan: Founder and director of The McLuhan Institute, which was founded to conserve and continue media studies in the McLuhan tradition. He is the son of Eric McLuhan and the grandson of Marshall McLuhan MUSIC FEATURED (in order): Passacaglia by Johan Halvorsen (performed by Grégoire Blanc) Please Mr. Postman by The Marvelettes The Revolution Will Not Be Televised by Gil Scott-Heron Medium is the Massage by Akira the Don, Marshall McLuhan Fish n’ Chip Paper by Elvis Costello Amusing Ourselves to Death by Winston Apple The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Noseletter, an email compendium of merriment, secrets, and ancient wisdom brought to you by The Colin McEnroe Show. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. Colin McEnroe and Dylan Reyes contributed to this show, which originally aired on September 5, 2025.Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The San Francisco Experience
California Primary Results: Talking with Professor Jack Pitney.

The San Francisco Experience

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 33:31


The June 2nd California primaries are just behind us and Professor of American Politics at Claremont McKenna College, Jack Pitney, gives us his analysis. Set up for the November 2026 midterms.

Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson
Donald Trump's Downfall? Iran, Epstein, Charlie Kirk, and the Web Connecting It All

Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 47:04


Today on Uncommon Sense, we're discussing what may be the most consequential political moment of Donald Trump's career. With Trump's approval ratings slipping, the Iran conflict escalating, renewed questions surrounding the Epstein files, and the assassination of Charlie Kirk continuing to reverberate through the conservative movement, many Americans are asking whether these events are isolated, or part of a much larger story.In this episode, I examine the connections I believe may exist between these developments, including my view that the Epstein files may have been used as leverage against powerful political figures and that foreign interests have exerted significant influence over American policy in the Middle East.We'll discuss:Trump's declining support among his baseThe growing controversy surrounding U.S. involvement with IranThe unanswered questions surrounding the Epstein filesThe political impact of Charlie Kirk's assassination and its aftermathWhy I believe these stories intersect in ways the mainstream media refuses to exploreMy goal is not to tell you what to think, but to encourage you to question narratives, follow incentives, and examine who benefits from the decisions being made in Washington.--https://www.bible.com/

american donald trump freedom washington americans washington dc congress iran connecting fbi middle east accountability cia conspiracy theories epstein gop public policy free speech jeffrey epstein charlie kirk current events leaks republican party whistleblowers trump administration doj first amendment downfall diplomacy foreign policy federal government national security international relations us senate critical thinking geopolitics digital media ghislaine maxwell america first new media american politics mainstream media populism lobbying connecting the dots trump supporters american culture turning point usa trump presidency public opinion political violence strategic communications us politics media coverage globalism civil liberties election integrity unanswered questions war and peace regime change house of representatives border security constitutional rights investigative journalism rebuilding trust government spending public perception department of justice approval ratings political philosophy individual rights public trust with trump us foreign policy strategic alliances public figures america today social commentary trade policy national interests middle east conflict independent media political polarization american values political commentator campaign finance news cycle world affairs media manipulation headline news ruling class special interests future of america public discourse policy analysis political debate saving america information warfare constitutional republic political leadership uncommon sense political commentary political corruption power structures difficult questions political strategy political podcast media influence alternative media political influence national politics conservative media conservative movement war powers trending news major issues military strategy leadership crisis political communication military spending intelligence agencies immigration debate trump news middle east policy government accountability political analysis national crisis defense spending maxwell trial conservative leadership podcast discussion conservative politics maga movement news commentary iran tensions foreign influence media narratives government reform defense policy truth seeking interventionism national issues cultural commentary independent journalism government transparency american future government oversight conservative values citizen journalism political reform military intervention neoconservatives peace movement political discussion regional security political extremism cui bono public debate media criticism national conversation political accountability who benefits constitutional government right-wing populism presidential leadership neoconservatism conservative podcast economic nationalism political transformation national debate modern conservatism news and politics perception management political reporting campus activism populist movement political insiders
CUFI Minute
The Rise of Anti-Jewish Hate in American Politics

CUFI Minute

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 5:36


In this episode of CUFI Weekly, as a candidate in a Texas Democratic runoff announced she wanted to “put American Zionists in internment camps,” Kasim examines the growing mainstreaming of antisemitic rhetoric in American discourse and how outrage, hostility, and conspiracy against Israel and the Jewish people are increasingly being used for popularity, influence, and online clout.

Progressive Voices
America at 250: What Exactly Are We Celebrating? | Kitchen Talk With Karel

Progressive Voices

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 59:48


America at 250: What Exactly Are We Celebrating? | Kitchen Talk With Karel America is about to celebrate its 250th birthday… but what exactly are we celebrating? This week, a massive American flag was draped across Hoover Dam to launch the America 250 festivities. But as drought, climate change, political division, attacks on civil rights, and economic anxiety continue to reshape the country, Karel asks the uncomfortable question many Americans are quietly thinking: Is America truly something to celebrate right now? Broadcasting from the kitchen, Karel mixes food, commentary, politics, history, and real talk as he prepares soup and dives into the contradictions of modern America. From the drying of Lake Mead to the growing divide in the nation, this episode of Kitchen Talk is part cooking show, part social commentary, and completely unfiltered. What does patriotism even mean in 2026? And can a country celebrate freedom while so many feel left behind? Support the show at Patreon: patreon.com/reallykarel Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/reallykarel Watch live Monday through Thursday at 10:30am PST. #America250, #FourthOfJuly, #AmericanPolitics, #KitchenTalk, #TheKarelShow, #HooverDam, #LakeMead, #ClimateChange, #PoliticalCommentary, #CurrentEvents, #ProgressiveTalk, #America, #USPolitics, #Drought, #LasVegas, #NewsCommentary, #LiberalTalk, #CivilRights, #AmericanHistory, #Patriotism, #CookingShow, #SoupRecipe, #Politics, #SocialCommentary, #YouTubePodcast, #IndependentMedia, #PoliticalDiscussion, #CultureWar, #RealTalk, #Podcast https://youtube.com/live/zVAPT8CDAMg

The Chuck ToddCast: Meet the Press
Chuck's Commentary - Why The Sun Belt Could Realign American Politics + Dems Have A Path To The Majority… If They're Willing To Take It

The Chuck ToddCast: Meet the Press

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 76:00 Transcription Available


Chuck Todd uses the fallout from the Texas runoff to identify a much bigger pattern emerging across the Sun Belt — and argues we may be watching a generational realignment of American politics in real time. For decades, Southern states moved steadily from blue to red, with the Sun Belt providing the demographic engine of every Republican majority and Democrats traditionally finding their path to power through the upper Midwest. But Trump's GOP has now moved so far right that it's quietly opening the door for Democrats across the South — the blue shift we've seen in Georgia over the past decade is starting to happen in Texas, and the Trump brand has badly complicated things for the centrist voters who used to keep these states reliably Republican. Chuck argues that successful Southern Republican governors of the past spent enormous energy doing coalition management — keeping their activist wing at bay while delivering for swing voters — but Republicans misread their recent electoral dominance and started catering exclusively to their base instead.The data is clear: election deniers consistently lose in Georgia, and when every single issue becomes a loyalty test, you bleed exactly the kind of voters you need to actually win. But Chuck’s larger argument is that Democrats are blowing the opportunity. He argues the Democratic path back to power is genuinely simple — economic inequality and the concentration of corporate power are causing virtually all of America's ills, and there's a coherent coalition waiting to be built around those issues — but progressives behave like they've already won the intellectual argument and refuse to do the actual work of persuasion. There's no "pure" way to win, Chuck says: winning coalitions are inherently messy, both party bases want movement politics, but the actual electorate consistently rewards coalition politics. Americans increasingly dislike both parties for very different reasons — moderate voters think Democrats are weak and Republicans are too extreme — and what they're actually hungry for is a coalition that is stable and visibly capable of governing. Finally, he answers listeners' questions in the "Ask Chuck" segment. Predict the action all the way through the finals. Sign up now for your twenty-five dollar bonus on https://fanduel.com/predicts Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 0:15 Fallout from Texas runoff - We’re seeing a pattern in the Sun Belt 1:00 For decades, southern states have been transitioning from blue to red 2:00 Sun belt states have powered the Republican majority 3:15 Democrats path to power used to be the midwest, now is moving south 4:00 Republicans move to the right has created Dem opportunities in Sun Belt 5:30 The shift to blue we’ve seen in Georgia is starting to happen in Texas 6:30 The Trump brand has complicated things for centrist voters in the south 7:15 Will Ken Paxton be the Mark Robinson of Texas? 8:15 Southern governors were able to keep their activist wing at bay 9:45 GOP leaders in the south had to perform coalition management 11:00 Republicans misunderstood election dominance, then catered to base 12:00 Florida GOP has purged most of its institutional wing 13:15 Loudest activists have set the tone for the Republican party 14:00 Arizona GOP went way too far to the right, less competitive now 16:00 Election deniers have consistently lost in Georgia 17:00 When every issue becomes a loyalty test, you bleed voters 18:15 Texas election will test if the Texas GOP went too far right 20:15 Dems path to power is simple, but have to be willing to take it 22:00 Economic inequality & concentration of power are causing all of our ills 22:30 Progressives behave like they’ve won the intellectual argument 23:15 It’s hard to convince most dedicated supporters what the winning path is 24:15 Republicans are losing due to Trump’s purging of the party 26:30 There’s no “pure” way to win, winning coalitions are messy 27:45 Both bases want movement politics, electorate rewards coalition politics 29:15 Americans increasingly dislike both parties for different reasons 31:15 Base Democrats are taking the wrong lessons from Trump 32:00 Moderate voters think Dems are weak, and GOP is too extreme 33:15 Voters want a coalition that’s stable and capable of governing 35:30 Biden governed differently than he campaign and voters punished him 41:30 Ask Chuck 41:45 Taking the high road in politics doesn’t always work, worth the trade off? 47:15 How do you see election results in 2026 shaping the gerrymandering fight? 50:15 Are presidential approval polls too limited or not comprehensive enough? 54:30 Do you see a path forward for people who believe in healing our politics? 1:01:15 Would it make sense to draw districts without humans involved using metrics? 1:08:45 Is expanding the house realistic considering politics & public perception?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chuck ToddCast: Meet the Press
Full Episode - Why The Sun Belt Could Realign American Politics + Imagining the Worst to Prevent It From Happening

The Chuck ToddCast: Meet the Press

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 116:40 Transcription Available


Chuck Todd uses the fallout from the Texas runoff to identify a much bigger pattern emerging across the Sun Belt — and argues we may be watching a generational realignment of American politics in real time. For decades, Southern states moved steadily from blue to red, with the Sun Belt providing the demographic engine of every Republican majority and Democrats traditionally finding their path to power through the upper Midwest. But Trump's GOP has now moved so far right that it's quietly opening the door for Democrats across the South — the blue shift we've seen in Georgia over the past decade is starting to happen in Texas, and the Trump brand has badly complicated things for the centrist voters who used to keep these states reliably Republican. Chuck argues that successful Southern Republican governors of the past spent enormous energy doing coalition management — keeping their activist wing at bay while delivering for swing voters — but Republicans misread their recent electoral dominance and started catering exclusively to their base instead.The data is clear: election deniers consistently lose in Georgia, and when every single issue becomes a loyalty test, you bleed exactly the kind of voters you need to actually win. But Chuck’s larger argument is that Democrats are blowing the opportunity. He argues the Democratic path back to power is genuinely simple — economic inequality and the concentration of corporate power are causing virtually all of America's ills, and there's a coherent coalition waiting to be built around those issues — but progressives behave like they've already won the intellectual argument and refuse to do the actual work of persuasion. There's no "pure" way to win, Chuck says: winning coalitions are inherently messy, both party bases want movement politics, but the actual electorate consistently rewards coalition politics. Americans increasingly dislike both parties for very different reasons — moderate voters think Democrats are weak and Republicans are too extreme — and what they're actually hungry for is a coalition that is stable and visibly capable of governing. Then, novelist Elliot Ackerman and retired Admiral James Stavridis — the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander — join the Chuck Toddcast to discuss their new novel 2084 and to deliver some deeply uncomfortable warnings about where war, technology, and great-power competition are actually headed. The duo, whose previous collaboration 2034 imagined a U.S.-China war, are quick to clarify that their work isn't predictive fiction — it's cautionary fiction, written from the conviction that major disasters almost always stem from a failure of imagination, and that the only way to prevent the worst-case scenarios is to seriously imagine them first. Ackerman and Stavridis argue that war has fundamentally changed, that superpowers are now uniquely vulnerable to asymmetric warfare, and that victors are made or unmade by their willingness to adapt to new technologies — pointing to the Ukraine war as a real-time revolution in drone combat and AI-driven battlefield decision-making. They raise the hardest moral question facing modern militaries: do you always need a human in the loop of the kill chain, and if not, who is morally responsible when something goes wrong? Different countries are answering that question in different ways, with profoundly different ethical and strategic consequences. The conversation broadens into the deeper structural concerns animating 2084. Ackerman and Stavridis warn that one of the gravest threats to the international order is the rise of corporations whose power is beginning to rival that of nation-states — and they argue the defining feature of a nation-state has always been its monopoly on violence, meaning governments will eventually be forced to ensure corporations can't apply violence at scale (a fight that has already begun in subtle ways). They flag Trump's recent summit with Xi Jinping as a massive win for China, with Xi clearly presenting himself as the senior partner while Trump walked away with very little — and the meeting was particularly catastrophic for Taiwan, whose strategic standing has now been visibly weakened. The authors discuss whether democracy will remain the defining feature of America going forward, whether the country can overcome its current internal divisions, and how human patterns of warfare repeat themselves across centuries even as the technology evolves. They make the case that the 1983 film War Games was prescient and overdue for a reboot, that military action against Cuba would be nothing like Venezuela — politically much tougher given the engaged Cuban-American community in Florida, and economically far more expensive on the reconstruction side — and that Venezuela itself has the natural resources to one day become "the Dubai of the Caribbean" if its politics ever stabilize. Their bottom-line warning is the one most worth sitting with: the war between the United States and China is the one we all hope to avoid, and the only way to make sure it never happens is to take seriously the possibility that it could. Finally, he answers listeners' questions in the "Ask Chuck" segment. Predict the action all the way through the finals. Sign up now for your twenty-five dollar bonus on https://fanduel.com/predicts Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:00 Fallout from Texas runoff - We’re seeing a pattern in the Sun Belt 03:45 For decades,southern states have been transitioning from blue to red 04:45 Sun belt states have powered the Republican majority 06:00 Democrats path to power used to be the midwest, now is moving south 06:45 Republicans move to the right has created Dem opportunities in Sun Belt 08:15 The shift to blue we’ve seen in Georgia is starting to happen in Texas 09:15 The Trump brand has complicated things for centrist voters in the south 10:00 Will Ken Paxton be the Mark Robinson of Texas? 11:00 Southern governors were able to keep their activist wing at bay 12:30 GOP leaders in the south had to perform coalition management 13:45 Republicans misunderstood election dominance, then catered to base 14:45 Florida GOP has purged most of its institutional wing 16:00 Loudest activists have set the tone for the Republican party 16:45 Arizona GOP went way too far to the right, less competitive now 18:45 Election deniers have consistently lost in Georgia 19:45 When every issue becomes a loyalty test, you bleed voters 21:00 Texas election will test if the Texas GOP went too far right 23:00 Dems path to power is simple, but have to be willing to take it 24:45 Economic inequality & concentration of power are causing all of our ills 25:15 Progressives behave like they’ve won the intellectual argument 26:00 It’s hard to convince most dedicated supporters what the winning path is 27:00 Republicans are losing due to Trump’s purging of the party 29:15 There’s no “pure” way to win, winning coalitions are messy 30:30 Both bases want movement politics, electorate rewards coalition politics 32:00 Americans increasingly dislike both parties for different reasons 34:00 Base Democrats are taking the wrong lessons from Trump 34:45 Moderate voters think Dems are weak, and GOP is too extreme 36:00 Voters want a coalition that’s stable and capable of governing 38:15 Biden governed differently than he campaign and voters punished him 44:30 Elliot Ackerman & Admiral James Stavridis join the Chuck ToddCast 45:30 2084 is not predictive fiction, it’s cautionary fiction 46:30 Major disasters come from a failure of imagination 47:45 Planned the arc of multiple books in advance 49:00 You can’t be too dystopian or too pollyannish 50:00 War has changed and superpowers are vulnerable to asymmetric war 50:45 Victors are made by adapting to new technologies 51:15 Ukraine war has revolutionized fighting with drones and AI 52:00 War is terrible and drones risk “gamifying” it 53:30 Questions surround whether humans must be involved in “kill chain” 55:15 Always having a human in the loop may not always be best option 56:15 AI tools have moral questions that countries answer differently 57:30 The risk of corporations being more powerful than nation states 58:45 Nation states will ensure that corporations can’t apply violence at scale 59:45 Defining feature of a nation state is a monopoly on violence 1:02:30 Book predicts that Greenland will be growing wine due to climate change 1:03:00 War between U.S. and China is the one we all hope to avoid 1:03:30 Trump’s summit with Xi was a massive with for Xi and China 1:04:00 Xi seemed like the senior partner, Trump got very little 1:04:45 The summit was terrible for Taiwan 1:06:00 2034 started with the thesis of the U.S. and China going to war 1:08:15 Will democracy remain the defining feature of America? 1:08:45 Can America overcome the big divisions in the nation? 1:10:15 War is something humans have engaged in & you can see patterns emerge 1:12:30 Other war books served as cautionary fiction & inspiration for the book 1:14:45 The movie “War Games” needs a reboot, it was prescient 1:16:00 Military action against Cuba won’t be like Venezuela, will be much tougher 1:17:00 The Cuban American community in Florida would be very engaged 1:18:15 Venezuela has the resources to be Dubai on the Caribbean 1:18:45 Reconstruction of Cuba would be wildly expensive 1:19:30 What is your next project? 1:20:00 Don’t need to read the earlier books to read 2084, they stand on their own 1:22:15 Ask Chuck 1:22:30 Taking the high road in politics doesn’t always work, worth the trade off? 1:28:00 How do you see election results in 2026 shaping the gerrymandering fight? 1:31:00 Are presidential approval polls too limited or not comprehensive enough? 1:35:15 Do you see a path forward for people who believe in healing our politics? 1:42:00 Would it make sense to draw districts without humans involved using metrics? 1:49:30 Is expanding the house realistic considering politics & public perception?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Republican Professor
250th Anniversary of the USA Ep. 5: Dr. Charles Thach, Ph.D. on The Creation of The Presidency III

The Republican Professor

Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 90:34


Episode 5 in the series marking the 250th Anniversary of the USA in this second quarter 2026. It should have been episode 4 because we accidentally skipped a ten page section between pp. 23- 33 last time that should have been episode 4, but we will just have those two sections out of chronological order and move on. Today we are doing those pages: pp. 23 -- 33 we had skipped accidentally last time, and then going from where we left off last time on page 40 through to the end of the chapter at p. 44. So, we're discussing pp. 23 through 33, then pp. 40 through 44 to the end of Chapter 2. When the Founders signed their names onto the Declaration of Independence, they were committing a capital crime, and they were signing their own death warrants if they were caught. They took themselves not to be looking for a fight, but rather, refusing any longer to duck the fight that in fact had come to them. And they sought to ground their cause, their reaction, to right reason in the natural law, consistent with Revelation and the Scriptures. They sought to articulate such an argument for their cause in such a way that would be rightly persuasive to any future reader and any of the nations which may inquire as to the source of their actions. Of course, their cause was initially, in large measure, a reaction against Executive Power. But such a war required itself strong Executive Power. Therein lies the rub: how can Executive Power be strong yet consistent with the principles of Liberty ? We're making a fair use, transformative reading and discussion of Charles C. Thach's doctoral dissertation at Johns Hopkins in 1922 called "The Creation of the Presidency, 1775-1789 made available by Liberty Fund INC in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2007. Go out and get your physical copy today. Follow along. We'd like to thank Liberty Fund for making this material available, and we'd like to thank Charles C. Thach for writing it. This material was required reading in my Ph.D. program in Public Law and American Politics at The Claremont Colleges. It was used on the 6 hour comprehensive exams (6 hours each) and in a course called The Presidency and the Constitution taught by Joseph M. Bessette, who also served on my dissertation committee many years later. The Republican Professor is a pro-correctly-understanding-the-American-Presidency, anti-grade-inflation-plantation podcast. The Republican Professor is produced and hosted by Dr. Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D.

Hub Dialogues
Mark Halperin on Trump, Iran, and the future of American politics

Hub Dialogues

Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 54:09


This special episode of Hub Dialogues features publisher Rudyard Griffiths in conversation with veteran American journalist and political commentator Mark Halperin. He was the political director of ABC News, founded the influential political newsletter The Note, and co-authored the bestselling election books Game Change and Double Down with John Heilemann. He is also the founder of the interactive media platform 2WAY.Halperin discusses the Trump administration's Iran strategy and domestic political challenges. He also examines President Trump's decision-making process, the influence of his inner circle including Marco Rubio and JD Vance, and the miscalculations surrounding the Iran conflict. Finally, Halperin analyzes how the war threatens Republican prospects in the upcoming midterms, explores potential Democratic and Republican 2028 presidential candidates, and considers whether a post-Trump America might return to traditional norms or remain fundamentally transformed.This conversation was held on May 21st at Toronto's Gardiner Museum.Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content:https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple)https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify)Watch a video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanadaFollow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS:Amal Attar-Guzman - Producer and Sound EditorRudyard Griffiths - Host Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Books in American Politics
Oscar Winberg, "Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics" (UNC Press, 2025)

New Books in American Politics

Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 50:45


Political historian Oscar Winberg has a fascinating new book titled Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics. This book weaves together quite a few different threads in examining the historical context in which the television show, All In The Family, landed on American television screens. Archie Bunker for President examines why this particular sitcom was a kind of inflection point within U.S. politics, within the media landscape at the time and moving forward, and how television production shifted and changed around this one particular television series. Winberg also lays out the path from the early 1970s, when All in the Family first aired, to our contemporary political moment, when celebrity and politics seem to be inescapably intertwined. As Winberg notes in our conversation, television as an entity is inherently conservative, since the functional model was about appealing to the lowest common denominator so that advertisers would be willing to pay for time during shows. In order to reach the most viewers, at least in the age of network television, the television series needed to appeal to the largest market possible, and not “turn off” viewers. What happens in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the television show All in the Family is that this dynamic shifts, and the case is made that it isn't about reaching the most people, but about reaching the people who have the means and inclination to purchase what the advertisers are selling. This is part of the pitch that Norman Lear makes, that CBS executive Bob Wood finally decides to gamble on by greenlighting All in the Family. The dynamic inside the show itself is to focus on politics: to have the characters within the series discuss different political issues, and engage with the impacts of these issues, from women's rights and reproductive health to homosexuality to racism and the anti-war movement. In designing All in the Family with Archie Bunker (played by Carroll O'Conner) clearly defined as a conservative and as a bigot, and with Archie's daughter, Gloria Stivic (played by Sally Struthers) and son in law, Mike Stivic (played by Rob Reiner), as liberals and politically active, the show embedded politics within the narrative. Edith Bunker, played by Jean Stapleton, was an enthusiastic supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, which was making its way through the ratification process while the series was airing, providing yet another avenue for political discussion within the show's structure. There were quite a few other shows that were developed at the same time as All in the Family that took up similarly political themes in iconic ways, from the Mary Tyler Moore Show to M*A*S*H to Maude. Political conversations were the fabric of these shows in much the same way as in All in the Family, where characters find themselves experiencing dimensions of politics in their lives and they discuss this with friends and family within the narrative construction. This also translated to Americans discussing these shows with each other at dinner, or at the “water cooler”, or at the beauty parlor or barbershop. Given the structure of television in the 1970s and 1980s, before cable and streaming services, options were more limited options, and many of these shows had great writers, actors, and showrunners. This was “appointment television” because there was no way to record or otherwise go back and watch the episode. Episodes were only available at their regularly scheduled time and day—which also meant that lots and lots of Americans were watching the same show at the same time. In some sense, Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics is not only about how one television show remade American politics, but also about how All in the Family remade American television, opening up the networks to developing and airing television shows that integrate politics (of all kinds) into the narratives. There is still quite a lot of television, particularly network television, that is pitched to the broadest possible audience, but the narratives in police procedurals or hospital-centered series or sitcoms integrate different dimensions of politics into their storylines in ways that had not been done before All in the Family. Lilly J. Goren is a professor of political science at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New Books Network
Oscar Winberg, "Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics" (UNC Press, 2025)

New Books Network

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 50:45


Political historian Oscar Winberg has a fascinating new book titled Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics. This book weaves together quite a few different threads in examining the historical context in which the television show, All In The Family, landed on American television screens. Archie Bunker for President examines why this particular sitcom was a kind of inflection point within U.S. politics, within the media landscape at the time and moving forward, and how television production shifted and changed around this one particular television series. Winberg also lays out the path from the early 1970s, when All in the Family first aired, to our contemporary political moment, when celebrity and politics seem to be inescapably intertwined. As Winberg notes in our conversation, television as an entity is inherently conservative, since the functional model was about appealing to the lowest common denominator so that advertisers would be willing to pay for time during shows. In order to reach the most viewers, at least in the age of network television, the television series needed to appeal to the largest market possible, and not “turn off” viewers. What happens in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the television show All in the Family is that this dynamic shifts, and the case is made that it isn't about reaching the most people, but about reaching the people who have the means and inclination to purchase what the advertisers are selling. This is part of the pitch that Norman Lear makes, that CBS executive Bob Wood finally decides to gamble on by greenlighting All in the Family. The dynamic inside the show itself is to focus on politics: to have the characters within the series discuss different political issues, and engage with the impacts of these issues, from women's rights and reproductive health to homosexuality to racism and the anti-war movement. In designing All in the Family with Archie Bunker (played by Carroll O'Conner) clearly defined as a conservative and as a bigot, and with Archie's daughter, Gloria Stivic (played by Sally Struthers) and son in law, Mike Stivic (played by Rob Reiner), as liberals and politically active, the show embedded politics within the narrative. Edith Bunker, played by Jean Stapleton, was an enthusiastic supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, which was making its way through the ratification process while the series was airing, providing yet another avenue for political discussion within the show's structure. There were quite a few other shows that were developed at the same time as All in the Family that took up similarly political themes in iconic ways, from the Mary Tyler Moore Show to M*A*S*H to Maude. Political conversations were the fabric of these shows in much the same way as in All in the Family, where characters find themselves experiencing dimensions of politics in their lives and they discuss this with friends and family within the narrative construction. This also translated to Americans discussing these shows with each other at dinner, or at the “water cooler”, or at the beauty parlor or barbershop. Given the structure of television in the 1970s and 1980s, before cable and streaming services, options were more limited options, and many of these shows had great writers, actors, and showrunners. This was “appointment television” because there was no way to record or otherwise go back and watch the episode. Episodes were only available at their regularly scheduled time and day—which also meant that lots and lots of Americans were watching the same show at the same time. In some sense, Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics is not only about how one television show remade American politics, but also about how All in the Family remade American television, opening up the networks to developing and airing television shows that integrate politics (of all kinds) into the narratives. There is still quite a lot of television, particularly network television, that is pitched to the broadest possible audience, but the narratives in police procedurals or hospital-centered series or sitcoms integrate different dimensions of politics into their storylines in ways that had not been done before All in the Family. Lilly J. Goren is a professor of political science at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer
America 250 and the Return of Christian Nationalism with Keri Ladner, PhD

In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 57:18


A conversation about power, fear, nationalism, and the rewriting of American history.Keri Ladner joins Frank Schaeffer for a conversation about the rise of Christian nationalism and the mythology surrounding America's founding.They discuss the Religious Right, the Seven Mountain Mandate, January 6th, white extremism, and the growing influence of authoritarian politics inside evangelical culture.The conversation also turns toward immigration, fear, nationalism, neo-confederacy, and the role of powerful tech figures shaped by apartheid-era politics and ideology who are reshaping public life in America and beyond._____LINKSKeri Ladner on SubstackAmerican Dominion: The Rise and Radicalization of a New Christendom on Bookshop_____I have had the pleasure of talking to some of the leading authors, artists, activists, and change-makers of our time on this podcast, and I want to personally thank you for subscribing, listening, and sharing 100-plus episodes over 100,000 times.Please subscribe to this Podcast, In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer, on your favorite platform, and to my Substack, It Has to Be Said. Thanks! Every subscription helps create, build, sustain and put voice to this movement for truth. Subscribe to It Has to Be Said. The Gospel of Zip will be released in print and on Amazon Kindle, and as a full video on YouTube and Substack that you can watch or listen to for free.Support the show_____In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer is a production of the George Bailey Morality in Public Life Fellowship. It is hosted by Frank Schaeffer, author of The Gospel of Zip.Learn more at https://www.thegospelofzip.com/Follow Frank on Substack, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube.https://frankschaeffer.substack.comhttps://www.facebook.com/frank.schaeffer.16https://twitter.com/Frank_Schaefferhttps://www.instagram.com/frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.threads.net/@frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.tiktok.com/@frank_schaefferhttps://www.youtube.com/c/FrankSchaefferYouTubeIn Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer Podcast

New Books in Political Science
Oscar Winberg, "Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics" (UNC Press, 2025)

New Books in Political Science

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 51:45


Political historian Oscar Winberg has a fascinating new book titled Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics. This book weaves together quite a few different threads in examining the historical context in which the television show, All In The Family, landed on American television screens. Archie Bunker for President examines why this particular sitcom was a kind of inflection point within U.S. politics, within the media landscape at the time and moving forward, and how television production shifted and changed around this one particular television series. Winberg also lays out the path from the early 1970s, when All in the Family first aired, to our contemporary political moment, when celebrity and politics seem to be inescapably intertwined. As Winberg notes in our conversation, television as an entity is inherently conservative, since the functional model was about appealing to the lowest common denominator so that advertisers would be willing to pay for time during shows. In order to reach the most viewers, at least in the age of network television, the television series needed to appeal to the largest market possible, and not “turn off” viewers. What happens in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the television show All in the Family is that this dynamic shifts, and the case is made that it isn't about reaching the most people, but about reaching the people who have the means and inclination to purchase what the advertisers are selling. This is part of the pitch that Norman Lear makes, that CBS executive Bob Wood finally decides to gamble on by greenlighting All in the Family. The dynamic inside the show itself is to focus on politics: to have the characters within the series discuss different political issues, and engage with the impacts of these issues, from women's rights and reproductive health to homosexuality to racism and the anti-war movement. In designing All in the Family with Archie Bunker (played by Carroll O'Conner) clearly defined as a conservative and as a bigot, and with Archie's daughter, Gloria Stivic (played by Sally Struthers) and son in law, Mike Stivic (played by Rob Reiner), as liberals and politically active, the show embedded politics within the narrative. Edith Bunker, played by Jean Stapleton, was an enthusiastic supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, which was making its way through the ratification process while the series was airing, providing yet another avenue for political discussion within the show's structure. There were quite a few other shows that were developed at the same time as All in the Family that took up similarly political themes in iconic ways, from the Mary Tyler Moore Show to M*A*S*H to Maude. Political conversations were the fabric of these shows in much the same way as in All in the Family, where characters find themselves experiencing dimensions of politics in their lives and they discuss this with friends and family within the narrative construction. This also translated to Americans discussing these shows with each other at dinner, or at the “water cooler”, or at the beauty parlor or barbershop. Given the structure of television in the 1970s and 1980s, before cable and streaming services, options were more limited options, and many of these shows had great writers, actors, and showrunners. This was “appointment television” because there was no way to record or otherwise go back and watch the episode. Episodes were only available at their regularly scheduled time and day—which also meant that lots and lots of Americans were watching the same show at the same time. In some sense, Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics is not only about how one television show remade American politics, but also about how All in the Family remade American television, opening up the networks to developing and airing television shows that integrate politics (of all kinds) into the narratives. There is still quite a lot of television, particularly network television, that is pitched to the broadest possible audience, but the narratives in police procedurals or hospital-centered series or sitcoms integrate different dimensions of politics into their storylines in ways that had not been done before All in the Family. Lilly J. Goren is a professor of political science at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

New Books in Film
Oscar Winberg, "Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics" (UNC Press, 2025)

New Books in Film

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 50:45


Political historian Oscar Winberg has a fascinating new book titled Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics. This book weaves together quite a few different threads in examining the historical context in which the television show, All In The Family, landed on American television screens. Archie Bunker for President examines why this particular sitcom was a kind of inflection point within U.S. politics, within the media landscape at the time and moving forward, and how television production shifted and changed around this one particular television series. Winberg also lays out the path from the early 1970s, when All in the Family first aired, to our contemporary political moment, when celebrity and politics seem to be inescapably intertwined. As Winberg notes in our conversation, television as an entity is inherently conservative, since the functional model was about appealing to the lowest common denominator so that advertisers would be willing to pay for time during shows. In order to reach the most viewers, at least in the age of network television, the television series needed to appeal to the largest market possible, and not “turn off” viewers. What happens in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the television show All in the Family is that this dynamic shifts, and the case is made that it isn't about reaching the most people, but about reaching the people who have the means and inclination to purchase what the advertisers are selling. This is part of the pitch that Norman Lear makes, that CBS executive Bob Wood finally decides to gamble on by greenlighting All in the Family. The dynamic inside the show itself is to focus on politics: to have the characters within the series discuss different political issues, and engage with the impacts of these issues, from women's rights and reproductive health to homosexuality to racism and the anti-war movement. In designing All in the Family with Archie Bunker (played by Carroll O'Conner) clearly defined as a conservative and as a bigot, and with Archie's daughter, Gloria Stivic (played by Sally Struthers) and son in law, Mike Stivic (played by Rob Reiner), as liberals and politically active, the show embedded politics within the narrative. Edith Bunker, played by Jean Stapleton, was an enthusiastic supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, which was making its way through the ratification process while the series was airing, providing yet another avenue for political discussion within the show's structure. There were quite a few other shows that were developed at the same time as All in the Family that took up similarly political themes in iconic ways, from the Mary Tyler Moore Show to M*A*S*H to Maude. Political conversations were the fabric of these shows in much the same way as in All in the Family, where characters find themselves experiencing dimensions of politics in their lives and they discuss this with friends and family within the narrative construction. This also translated to Americans discussing these shows with each other at dinner, or at the “water cooler”, or at the beauty parlor or barbershop. Given the structure of television in the 1970s and 1980s, before cable and streaming services, options were more limited options, and many of these shows had great writers, actors, and showrunners. This was “appointment television” because there was no way to record or otherwise go back and watch the episode. Episodes were only available at their regularly scheduled time and day—which also meant that lots and lots of Americans were watching the same show at the same time. In some sense, Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics is not only about how one television show remade American politics, but also about how All in the Family remade American television, opening up the networks to developing and airing television shows that integrate politics (of all kinds) into the narratives. There is still quite a lot of television, particularly network television, that is pitched to the broadest possible audience, but the narratives in police procedurals or hospital-centered series or sitcoms integrate different dimensions of politics into their storylines in ways that had not been done before All in the Family. Lilly J. Goren is a professor of political science at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/film

New Books in Communications
Oscar Winberg, "Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics" (UNC Press, 2025)

New Books in Communications

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 50:45


Political historian Oscar Winberg has a fascinating new book titled Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics. This book weaves together quite a few different threads in examining the historical context in which the television show, All In The Family, landed on American television screens. Archie Bunker for President examines why this particular sitcom was a kind of inflection point within U.S. politics, within the media landscape at the time and moving forward, and how television production shifted and changed around this one particular television series. Winberg also lays out the path from the early 1970s, when All in the Family first aired, to our contemporary political moment, when celebrity and politics seem to be inescapably intertwined. As Winberg notes in our conversation, television as an entity is inherently conservative, since the functional model was about appealing to the lowest common denominator so that advertisers would be willing to pay for time during shows. In order to reach the most viewers, at least in the age of network television, the television series needed to appeal to the largest market possible, and not “turn off” viewers. What happens in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the television show All in the Family is that this dynamic shifts, and the case is made that it isn't about reaching the most people, but about reaching the people who have the means and inclination to purchase what the advertisers are selling. This is part of the pitch that Norman Lear makes, that CBS executive Bob Wood finally decides to gamble on by greenlighting All in the Family. The dynamic inside the show itself is to focus on politics: to have the characters within the series discuss different political issues, and engage with the impacts of these issues, from women's rights and reproductive health to homosexuality to racism and the anti-war movement. In designing All in the Family with Archie Bunker (played by Carroll O'Conner) clearly defined as a conservative and as a bigot, and with Archie's daughter, Gloria Stivic (played by Sally Struthers) and son in law, Mike Stivic (played by Rob Reiner), as liberals and politically active, the show embedded politics within the narrative. Edith Bunker, played by Jean Stapleton, was an enthusiastic supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, which was making its way through the ratification process while the series was airing, providing yet another avenue for political discussion within the show's structure. There were quite a few other shows that were developed at the same time as All in the Family that took up similarly political themes in iconic ways, from the Mary Tyler Moore Show to M*A*S*H to Maude. Political conversations were the fabric of these shows in much the same way as in All in the Family, where characters find themselves experiencing dimensions of politics in their lives and they discuss this with friends and family within the narrative construction. This also translated to Americans discussing these shows with each other at dinner, or at the “water cooler”, or at the beauty parlor or barbershop. Given the structure of television in the 1970s and 1980s, before cable and streaming services, options were more limited options, and many of these shows had great writers, actors, and showrunners. This was “appointment television” because there was no way to record or otherwise go back and watch the episode. Episodes were only available at their regularly scheduled time and day—which also meant that lots and lots of Americans were watching the same show at the same time. In some sense, Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics is not only about how one television show remade American politics, but also about how All in the Family remade American television, opening up the networks to developing and airing television shows that integrate politics (of all kinds) into the narratives. There is still quite a lot of television, particularly network television, that is pitched to the broadest possible audience, but the narratives in police procedurals or hospital-centered series or sitcoms integrate different dimensions of politics into their storylines in ways that had not been done before All in the Family. Lilly J. Goren is a professor of political science at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/communications

UNC Press Presents Podcast
Oscar Winberg, "Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics" (UNC Press, 2025)

UNC Press Presents Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 50:45


Political historian Oscar Winberg has a fascinating new book titled Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics. This book weaves together quite a few different threads in examining the historical context in which the television show, All In The Family, landed on American television screens. Archie Bunker for President examines why this particular sitcom was a kind of inflection point within U.S. politics, within the media landscape at the time and moving forward, and how television production shifted and changed around this one particular television series. Winberg also lays out the path from the early 1970s, when All in the Family first aired, to our contemporary political moment, when celebrity and politics seem to be inescapably intertwined. As Winberg notes in our conversation, television as an entity is inherently conservative, since the functional model was about appealing to the lowest common denominator so that advertisers would be willing to pay for time during shows. In order to reach the most viewers, at least in the age of network television, the television series needed to appeal to the largest market possible, and not “turn off” viewers. What happens in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the television show All in the Family is that this dynamic shifts, and the case is made that it isn't about reaching the most people, but about reaching the people who have the means and inclination to purchase what the advertisers are selling. This is part of the pitch that Norman Lear makes, that CBS executive Bob Wood finally decides to gamble on by greenlighting All in the Family. The dynamic inside the show itself is to focus on politics: to have the characters within the series discuss different political issues, and engage with the impacts of these issues, from women's rights and reproductive health to homosexuality to racism and the anti-war movement. In designing All in the Family with Archie Bunker (played by Carroll O'Conner) clearly defined as a conservative and as a bigot, and with Archie's daughter, Gloria Stivic (played by Sally Struthers) and son in law, Mike Stivic (played by Rob Reiner), as liberals and politically active, the show embedded politics within the narrative. Edith Bunker, played by Jean Stapleton, was an enthusiastic supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, which was making its way through the ratification process while the series was airing, providing yet another avenue for political discussion within the show's structure. There were quite a few other shows that were developed at the same time as All in the Family that took up similarly political themes in iconic ways, from the Mary Tyler Moore Show to M*A*S*H to Maude. Political conversations were the fabric of these shows in much the same way as in All in the Family, where characters find themselves experiencing dimensions of politics in their lives and they discuss this with friends and family within the narrative construction. This also translated to Americans discussing these shows with each other at dinner, or at the “water cooler”, or at the beauty parlor or barbershop. Given the structure of television in the 1970s and 1980s, before cable and streaming services, options were more limited options, and many of these shows had great writers, actors, and showrunners. This was “appointment television” because there was no way to record or otherwise go back and watch the episode. Episodes were only available at their regularly scheduled time and day—which also meant that lots and lots of Americans were watching the same show at the same time. In some sense, Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics is not only about how one television show remade American politics, but also about how All in the Family remade American television, opening up the networks to developing and airing television shows that integrate politics (of all kinds) into the narratives. There is still quite a lot of television, particularly network television, that is pitched to the broadest possible audience, but the narratives in police procedurals or hospital-centered series or sitcoms integrate different dimensions of politics into their storylines in ways that had not been done before All in the Family. Lilly J. Goren is a professor of political science at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI.

New Books in Popular Culture
Oscar Winberg, "Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics" (UNC Press, 2025)

New Books in Popular Culture

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 50:45


Political historian Oscar Winberg has a fascinating new book titled Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics. This book weaves together quite a few different threads in examining the historical context in which the television show, All In The Family, landed on American television screens. Archie Bunker for President examines why this particular sitcom was a kind of inflection point within U.S. politics, within the media landscape at the time and moving forward, and how television production shifted and changed around this one particular television series. Winberg also lays out the path from the early 1970s, when All in the Family first aired, to our contemporary political moment, when celebrity and politics seem to be inescapably intertwined. As Winberg notes in our conversation, television as an entity is inherently conservative, since the functional model was about appealing to the lowest common denominator so that advertisers would be willing to pay for time during shows. In order to reach the most viewers, at least in the age of network television, the television series needed to appeal to the largest market possible, and not “turn off” viewers. What happens in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the television show All in the Family is that this dynamic shifts, and the case is made that it isn't about reaching the most people, but about reaching the people who have the means and inclination to purchase what the advertisers are selling. This is part of the pitch that Norman Lear makes, that CBS executive Bob Wood finally decides to gamble on by greenlighting All in the Family. The dynamic inside the show itself is to focus on politics: to have the characters within the series discuss different political issues, and engage with the impacts of these issues, from women's rights and reproductive health to homosexuality to racism and the anti-war movement. In designing All in the Family with Archie Bunker (played by Carroll O'Conner) clearly defined as a conservative and as a bigot, and with Archie's daughter, Gloria Stivic (played by Sally Struthers) and son in law, Mike Stivic (played by Rob Reiner), as liberals and politically active, the show embedded politics within the narrative. Edith Bunker, played by Jean Stapleton, was an enthusiastic supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, which was making its way through the ratification process while the series was airing, providing yet another avenue for political discussion within the show's structure. There were quite a few other shows that were developed at the same time as All in the Family that took up similarly political themes in iconic ways, from the Mary Tyler Moore Show to M*A*S*H to Maude. Political conversations were the fabric of these shows in much the same way as in All in the Family, where characters find themselves experiencing dimensions of politics in their lives and they discuss this with friends and family within the narrative construction. This also translated to Americans discussing these shows with each other at dinner, or at the “water cooler”, or at the beauty parlor or barbershop. Given the structure of television in the 1970s and 1980s, before cable and streaming services, options were more limited options, and many of these shows had great writers, actors, and showrunners. This was “appointment television” because there was no way to record or otherwise go back and watch the episode. Episodes were only available at their regularly scheduled time and day—which also meant that lots and lots of Americans were watching the same show at the same time. In some sense, Archie Bunker for President: How One Television Show Remade American Politics is not only about how one television show remade American politics, but also about how All in the Family remade American television, opening up the networks to developing and airing television shows that integrate politics (of all kinds) into the narratives. There is still quite a lot of television, particularly network television, that is pitched to the broadest possible audience, but the narratives in police procedurals or hospital-centered series or sitcoms integrate different dimensions of politics into their storylines in ways that had not been done before All in the Family. Lilly J. Goren is a professor of political science at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/popular-culture

Dave's Head
Hip Hop, Truth, and America's Broken Culture

Dave's Head

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 135:32


Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson
Thomas Massie, Foreign Influence, Epstein Files & The Fight for America

Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 46:06


On today's episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, we discuss the political attacks surrounding Thomas Massie, growing concerns over foreign lobbying influence in American politics, and why millions of Americans feel their government no longer represents them.We also discuss the continued secrecy surrounding the Epstein case and why the American people are demanding full transparency, the complete unredacted Epstein files, and lawful accountability for every individual involved regardless of status or political connections.As corruption, manipulation, and moral decay continue spreading through powerful institutions, Americans must hold tightly to their God-given Constitutional rights, speak truth boldly, and refuse to surrender their freedoms out of fear.Truth matters. Justice matters. And no one should be above the law.--https://www.bible.com/

america god american americans truth epstein files spiritual warfare censorship capitol hill free speech jeffrey epstein first amendment federal government constitutional second amendment culture war patriotism faith over fear american politics populism family values justice system trump supporters bill of rights biblical worldview freedom fighters us politics civil liberties media bias biblical truth election integrity speaking truth constitutional rights truth seekers thomas massie department of justice one nation under god social commentary anti corruption biblical justice independent media ethical leadership protecting children american values media manipulation faith and politics american heritage political discourse government overreach freedom of religion christian values political debate saving america american identity conservative christians constitutional republic freethought uncommon sense political commentary political corruption political podcast justice reform political influence conservative media conservative movement reaction podcast government accountability freedom movement cultural analysis foreign influence cultural commentary government transparency spiritual crisis anti establishment constitutional freedoms citizen journalism political reform independent journalist conservative women civic responsibility truth movement moral decline restoring america liberty movement moral leadership middle east politics grassroots movement narrative control judeo christian values government ethics conservative podcast christianity and culture conservative christianity independent voices patriotic americans populist movement political breakdown faith based podcast
The Chuck ToddCast: Meet the Press
Interview Only w/ Lamar Alexander - A Statesman's Warning About Where American Politics Is Headed

The Chuck ToddCast: Meet the Press

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 69:03 Transcription Available


Former Senator, Tennessee Governor, and Education Secretary Lamar Alexander joins the Chuck Toddcast to discuss his new memoir The Education of a Senator and an offer his extraordinary perspective on American politics shaped by five decades in public life — including the surreal experience of being sworn in as governor under emergency circumstances because his predecessor was openly selling pardons for cash and eventually went to prison for selling whiskey licenses. (For listeners absorbing the news of Trump's modern pardon market, the historical echoes are impossible to miss.) Alexander shares stories that capture an entirely different era: how he had to govern in a bipartisan manner from day one to handle the scandal he inherited, how an inquiry surfaced about springing MLK's killer from prison, and how Southern governors of his generation had to drag their states out of the 1950s and into something resembling modernity. Alexander argues that style matters enormously in politics — and reveals that he predicted Trump's presidency years before it happened, because he saw clearly that American politics was being consumed by money and media in ways that disincentivized actual legislating. He walks through his theory of education reform, defends "No Child Left Behind"'s standards-based approach, and offers the wonkish but fascinating idea he once pitched to Reagan: have states and the federal government swap administration of Medicaid and K-12 education. The conversation broadens into Alexander's diagnosis of what's gone wrong with American politics and the path back. He argues that partisan primaries have created more ideologically extreme candidates than the system can absorb, and that people will always find ways around campaign finance limits — meaning the real fix has to be structural. Alexander offers a remarkable assessment of recent presidents: governor is the best preparation for the presidency, Carter didn't understand Washington when he arrived but Clinton did, and George W. Bush was the most "normal guy" of the modern era. He reflects on his famous healthcare debates with Obama (both gave each other notes afterwards rather than playing for spectacle), shares his concerns about state budgets becoming dangerously reliant on vice taxes, and asks the question no Republican can answer honestly anymore: could you propose raising the gas tax in today's GOP? Alexander is candid about Trump's mixed legacy — the party had become ossified and Trump did break it open, but pardoning the January 6th rioters was a profound error because the peaceful transfer of power is the single most important element of American democracy. He warns that we lack genuine two-party competition right now, that the next Republican nominee needs a fundamentally different temperament than Trump, and that the lack of character and morality in modern politics may be dissuading exactly the kind of people we most need to run. Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Refresh your wardrobe with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/chuck for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Sen. Lamar Alexander joins The Chuck ToddCast 01:30 Being a senator vs. being a governor 02:30 There are always 8-10 senators that are better than the rest 03:15 Ted Kennedy was an incredibly effective senator 04:45 The governor he succeeded was selling pardons for cash 06:30 The prior governor eventually went to jail for selling whiskey licenses 08:15 There was an inquiry about springing MLK Jr.’s killer from prison 09:30 Had to work in a bipartisan manner on day 1 to handle the scandal 10:30 Southern governors had to bring southern states out of the 50’s 12:45 How would you update & modernize public education? 14:15 Mississippi has had great success emphasizing phonics 15:00 Schools are best governed community by community 15:30 Don’t need a Dept. of Education for higher ed 16:00 Federal money should allow money to follow low income students 16:45 You need advocacy but not management from Washington 17:30 Hard to argue with standards created by “No Child Left Behind” 19:00 If you’re entering politics it should be to accomplish something 20:00 Goal isn’t necessarily bipartisanship, it’s to get a result 21:00 Style matters in politics 22:15 Politics has become all money and media - Predicted Trump as president 23:00 The digital democracy doesn’t provide incentive for legislating 24:30 Money has consumed our politics, how do we fix it? 25:45 NC senate race could be the first billion dollar senate race 26:15 People always find a way around campaign finance limits 28:00 John Kerry was first pres. candidate to spend huge sums of personal $ 29:45 Why couldn’t John Baker get traction but George Bush did? 31:00 Governor is the best job to prepare you for the presidency 32:00 Carter didn’t understand D.C. when he got there, Clinton did 32:45 George W. Bush was the most “normal guy” out of recent presidents 34:30 Debate with Obama over healthcare gave both sides a platform for their views 35:45 Didn’t want to over debate Obama for spectacle, give him notes afterwards 36:30 Proposed states swapping Medicaid admin for K-12 admin to Reagan 37;45 Medicaid was cramping states ability to effectively manage public ed 38:15 Vice taxes have been relied on as a way to pad state government budgets 39:30 Are we too reliant on vices to fund state budgets? 40:45 Could you propose a raise to gas tax in today’s GOP? 42:15 Where is the Republican party headed in the post-Trump era? 43:00 Partisan primaries created more ideologically extreme candidates 45:15 Most national politicians from Tennessee came from eastern TN 45:45 Elements of Trumpism were emerging in early 2000’s GOP politics 47:45 GOP needs to nominate someone with a different temperament than Trump 48:30 Lack of character and morality in modern politics 49:30 Politics has caused ruptures in families, might dissuade good people from running 51:00 Trump has been both good & bad for the GOP - The party had become ossified 52:00 Trump made a major error in pardoning the J6 rioters 52:45 The peaceful transfer of power is the most important element of democracy 54:00 Washington shouldn’t operate on a pay to play basis 55:45 When did you first connect with Doug Bailey? 57:45 What advice did you get from Bailey when you were governor? 1:00:00 Purpose of memoir was to explain the goals he had as a public servant 1:01:15 The republic will survive, but we have work to do to make it survive 1:02:30 We suffer from a lack of two party competitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chuck ToddCast: Meet the Press
Full Episode - Trump Made The Midterms MUCH Harder For Republicans + A Statesman's Warning About Where American Politics Is Headed

The Chuck ToddCast: Meet the Press

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 136:20 Transcription Available


Chuck Todd walks through a primary night that should make every elected Republican break out in a cold sweat — Democrats outvoted Republicans by 100,000 votes in Georgia. He argues we now have a fully formed "woke right" — and Trump is leading it. The man who built his political brand on refusing to conform to anyone's mindset has become the most aggressive cancel culture warrior in American politics, ending the careers of Republicans who cross him. The downstream consequences are catastrophic for the GOP: Republicans will now have to dump enormous money into Texas to defend a seat that was supposed to be safe, and Texas joins North Carolina and Ohio as an expensive trio Republicans will struggle to defend. Trump appears either clueless or in denial that he's systematically setting his own party up for massive failure, but Chuck notes a "YOLO caucus" is quietly emerging among Senate Republicans who know they're toast and may act more independently. He closes with a moving tribute to Barney Frank, who died at 86 after 32 years in Congress — the architect of Dodd-Frank, the first openly gay member of Congress, who came out in 1987 at the height of the AIDS crisis and endured Gingrich-era homophobia that he felt punished him beyond what any straight politician would have faced. Frank's parting message to today's Democrats sits at the center of Todd's episode and arguably explains why the party keeps losing winnable elections: "Don't litmus test yourselves into oblivion." Then. former Senator, Tennessee Governor, and Education Secretary Lamar Alexander joins the Chuck Toddcast to discuss his new memoir The Education of a Senator and an offer his extraordinary perspective on American politics shaped by five decades in public life — including the surreal experience of being sworn in as governor under emergency circumstances because his predecessor was openly selling pardons for cash and eventually went to prison for selling whiskey licenses. (For listeners absorbing the news of Trump's modern pardon market, the historical echoes are impossible to miss.) Alexander shares stories that capture an entirely different era: how he had to govern in a bipartisan manner from day one to handle the scandal he inherited, how an inquiry surfaced about springing MLK's killer from prison, and how Southern governors of his generation had to drag their states out of the 1950s and into something resembling modernity. Alexander argues that style matters enormously in politics — and reveals that he predicted Trump's presidency years before it happened, because he saw clearly that American politics was being consumed by money and media in ways that disincentivized actual legislating. He walks through his theory of education reform, defends "No Child Left Behind"'s standards-based approach, and offers the wonkish but fascinating idea he once pitched to Reagan: have states and the federal government swap administration of Medicaid and K-12 education. The conversation broadens into Alexander's diagnosis of what's gone wrong with American politics and the path back. He argues that partisan primaries have created more ideologically extreme candidates than the system can absorb, and that people will always find ways around campaign finance limits — meaning the real fix has to be structural. Alexander offers a remarkable assessment of recent presidents: governor is the best preparation for the presidency, Carter didn't understand Washington when he arrived but Clinton did, and George W. Bush was the most "normal guy" of the modern era. He reflects on his famous healthcare debates with Obama (both gave each other notes afterwards rather than playing for spectacle), shares his concerns about state budgets becoming dangerously reliant on vice taxes, and asks the question no Republican can answer honestly anymore: could you propose raising the gas tax in today's GOP? Alexander is candid about Trump's mixed legacy — the party had become ossified and Trump did break it open, but pardoning the January 6th rioters was a profound error because the peaceful transfer of power is the single most important element of American democracy. He warns that we lack genuine two-party competition right now, that the next Republican nominee needs a fundamentally different temperament than Trump, and that the lack of character and morality in modern politics may be dissuading exactly the kind of people we most need to run. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Predict the action all the way through the finals. Sign up now for your twenty-five dollar bonus on https://fanduel.com/predicts Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Refresh your wardrobe with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/chuck for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 02:30 Georgia Republican senate race headed to runoff 04:00 Democrats outvoted Republicans by 100k votes in Georgia 05:30 Breakdown of primary results from Idaho 06:00 An independent has a better chance to win in Idaho than a Dem 06:30 Brad Little was able to stand up to Trump & survive 07:00 You can’t oppose Trump and be a Republican in good standing 08:00 We now have a “woke right” that Trump is leading 08:45 Trump’s initial appeal was not having to conform to a certain mindset 09:30 Cancel culture is now Trump targeting any Republican who crosses him 10:45 Republicans can’t oppose taxpayer funding for Trump’s ballroom 11:30 Trump is as defensive about Epstein as he was about Russia 12:45 There’s a lot of circumstantial evidence with Trump/Epstein 13:15 Trump angry that Lauren Boebert won’t drop Epstein 14:00 Ken Paxton’s election denialism is what won him Trump’s support 15:15 Cassidy and Cornyn supported 90% of Trump’s agenda…wasn’t enough 15:45 Elected Republicans know that Trump can end their career in a primary 17:00 It’s Trump’s party but he’s setting it up for massive failure 17:45 GOP senators relieved they don’t have to vote for ballroom funding 18:15 There’s a growing YOLO caucus in the Republican senate 19:15 Republicans will have to spend way more money in Texas now 20:00 Cornyn has raised $400m for Republicans 22:15 Trump seems clueless or in denial that the GOP is set up to fail in the fall 23:45 Paxton is so corrupt he belongs nowhere near political power 24:15 Talarico can beat Paxton, but it will be close 25:00 Trump doesn’t usually spend money that doesn’t help Trump 26:30 Republicans are now playing defense…do they concede NC? 28:30 Texas, NC and Ohio become an expensive trio for GOP to defend 29:00 Several other potential Democratic senate pickups 35:00 Barney Frank passes away at 86, served in congress 32 years 37:15 Dodd-Frank has stood the test of time 37:45 Frank was a barrier breaker as first openly gay member of congress 38:15 Frank came out in 1987 at the height of the AIDS crisis 39:30 Republicans led by Gingrich used Frank’s sexuality as a cudgel 40:45 Frank felt overly punished because he was a gay man 43:00 Frank had to work in a place where homophobia was rampant 44:00 Frank’s closing message to Dems - “Don’t litmus test yourselves into oblivion” 45:30 Frank was a larger public figure than he gets credit for 49:00 Sen. Lamar Alexander joins The Chuck ToddCast 50:30 Being a senator vs. being a governor 51:30 There are always 8-10 senators that are better than the rest 52:15 Ted Kennedy was an incredibly effective senator 53:45 The governor he succeeded was selling pardons for cash 55:30 The prior governor eventually went to jail for selling whiskey licenses 57:15 There was an inquiry about springing MLK Jr.’s killer from prison 58:30 Had to work in a bipartisan manner on day 1 to handle the scandal 59:30 Southern governors had to bring southern states out of the 50’s 1:01:45 How would you update & modernize public education? 1:03:15 Mississippi has had great success emphasizing phonics 1:04:00 Schools are best governed community by community 1:04:30 Don’t need a Dept. of Education for higher ed 1:05:00 Federal money should allow money to follow low income students 1:05:45 You need advocacy but not management from Washington 1:06:30 Hard to argue with standards created by “No Child Left Behind” 1:08:00 If you’re entering politics it should be to accomplish something 1:09:00 Goal isn’t necessarily bipartisanship, it’s to get a result 1:10:00 Style matters in politics 1:11:15 Politics has become all money and media - Predicted Trump as president 1:12:00 The digital democracy doesn’t provide incentive for legislating 1:13:30 Money has consumed our politics, how do we fix it? 1:14:45 NC senate race could be the first billion dollar senate race 1:15:15 People always find a way around campaign finance limits 1:17:00 John Kerry was first pres. candidate to spend huge sums of personal $ 1:18:45 Why couldn’t John Baker get traction but George Bush did? 1:20:00 Governor is the best job to prepare you for the presidency 1:21:00 Carter didn’t understand D.C. when he got there, Clinton did 1:21:45 George W. Bush was the most “normal guy” out of recent presidents 1:23:30 Debate with Obama over healthcare gave both sides a platform for their views 1:24:45 Didn’t want to over debate Obama for spectacle, give him notes afterwards 1:25:30 Proposed states swapping Medicaid admin for K-12 admin to Reagan 1:26:45 Medicaid was cramping states ability to effectively manage public ed 1:27:15 Vice taxes have been relied on as a way to pad state government budgets 1:28:30 Are we too reliant on vices to fund state budgets? 1:29:45 Could you propose a raise to gas tax in today’s GOP? 1:31:15 Where is the Republican party headed in the post-Trump era? 1:32:00 Partisan primaries created more ideologically extreme candidates 1:34:15 Most national politicians from Tennessee came from eastern TN 1:34:45 Elements of Trumpism were emerging in early 2000’s GOP politics 1:36:45 GOP needs to nominate someone with a different temperament than Trump 1:37:30 Lack of character and morality in modern politics 1:38:30 Politics has caused ruptures in families, might dissuade good people from running 1:40:00 Trump has been both good & bad for the GOP - The party had become ossified 1:41:00 Trump made a major error in pardoning the J6 rioters 1:41:45 The peaceful transfer of power is the most important element of democracy 1:43:00 Washington shouldn’t operate on a pay to play basis 1:44:45 When did you first connect with Doug Bailey? 1:46:45 What advice did you get from Bailey when you were governor? 1:49:00 Purpose of memoir was to explain the goals he had as a public servant 1:50:15 The republic will survive, but we have work to do to make it survive 1:51:30 We suffer from a lack of two party competition 1:53:15 Ask Chuck 1:53:30 Is it possible the U.S. ever defaults on the national debt? 1:57:45 Is there a scenario where states coordinate gerrymandering reforms? 2:01:15 Are Dems in a no win scenario when it comes to redistricting? 2:06:30 Any chance senators like Cornyn or Cassidy could break ranks? 2:11:15 How can you say don’t fight fire with fire to people whose rights are threatened?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Opperman Report
Crimes and Cover-ups in American Politics: 1776-1963 by Donald Jeffries

The Opperman Report

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 60:18 Transcription Available


Crimes and Cover-ups in American P The history that the textbooks left out.For far too long, American history has been left in the unreliable hands of those that author Donald Jeffries refers to as the court historians. Crimes and Cover-ups in American Politics: 1776-1963 fights back by scrutinizing the accepted history of everything from the American War of Independence to the establishment reputation of Thomas Jefferson and the other Founding Fathers, the Civil War, the Lincoln assassination, both World Wars, US government experimentation on prisoners, mental patients, innocent children and whole populated areas, the Lindbergh baby kidnapping and much, much more. Secular saints like Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt are examined in a critical way they seldom have been.Jeffries spares no one and nothing in this explosive new book. The atrocities of Union troops during the Civil War, and Allied troops during World War II, are documented in great detail. The Nuremberg Trials are presented as the antithesis of justice. In the follow-up to his previous, bestselling book Hidden History: An Expose of Modern Crimes, Conspiracies, and Cover-Ups in American Politics, Jeffries demonstrates that crimes, corruption, and conspiracies didn't start with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.History should be much more than cardboard villains and impossibly unrealistic heroes. Thanks to the efforts of the court historians, most Americans are historically illiterate. Crimes and Cover-ups in American Politics: 1776-1963 is a bold attempt at setting the record straight. olitics: 1776-1963Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft & Amy Jacobson
They Couldn't Buy My Vote, So They Bought The Seat

Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft & Amy Jacobson

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 144:52


0:30 - Massie concession: they couldn't buy my vote so they bought the seat 13:00 - Paxton endorsement 31:59 - San Diego mosque shootings 48:17 - Newly elected chair of the Illinois Republican Party, Bob Grogan, says communication is the key to reshaping the Illinois GOP - "we need to be louder and clearer with what we have to offer" 01:09:17 - President of Center of the American Experiment and contributor to Powerline, John Hinderaker, follows the Minnesota fraud money trail and asks whether it leads back to Ilhan Omar. Get John’s latest at powerlineblog.com 01:29:11 - Noted economist Stephen Moore weighs in on voter ID, calling it an “80/20 issue” and saying, “Let Democrats explain why they don’t want it.” Get more Steve @StephenMoore 01:47:41 - Jack Roth Senior Fellow in American Politics at the Claremont Institute and former director of policy planning at the Department of State, Michael Anton, looks back at "The Flight 93 Election" 10 years later. Michael has two books coming out this summer! Dispatches from the Late Republic – available 6/30 & Studies in Machiavellian Political Philosophy – available 8/18 02:02:44 - UFO files 02:09:48 - $1.7B lawfare fundSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Progressive Voices
Trump's DOJ Is Paying Jan. 6 Defendants?! America's Justice System Is Breaking Down

Progressive Voices

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 59:22


Trump's DOJ Is Paying Jan. 6 Defendants?! America's Justice System Is Breaking Down The headlines sound unbelievable, but they're real. Reports now claim DOJ officials told GOP allies that major payouts were coming for January 6 defendants. At the same time, Trump's Justice Department settlements are reportedly protecting him — and even members of his family — from IRS actions tied to old tax issues and audits. So what message does this send to America? Break the law, become powerful enough, and the system protects you instead of prosecuting you? Karel breaks down why this moment feels less like democracy and more like authoritarianism rewarded. Congress seems frozen. The courts move slowly. And Trump continues turning grievance, chaos, and sedition into profit and power. Plus: • Ebola and Hantavirus fears are rising again — can Americans still trust public health institutions after COVID? • Is the CDC prepared for another real pandemic? • The Mandalorian & Grogu are dominating the box office, but has Star Wars evolved…or completely lost its magic? Politics, culture, media, and reality collide on today's Karel Cast. Support the show at Patreon.com/ReallyKarel Subscribe at YouTube.com/ReallyKarel #Trump, #January6, #DOJ, #Politics, #BreakingNews, #TrumpNews, #Jan6, #Fascism, #Democracy, #Corruption, #IRS, #Congress, #SupremeCourt, #CDC, #Pandemic, #Ebola, #Hantavirus, #StarWars, #Mandalorian, #Grogu, #PoliticalCommentary, #CurrentEvents, #NewsAnalysis, #TheKarelCast, #AmericanPolitics, #Media, #Authoritarianism, #JusticeSystem, #DemocracyCrisis, #YouTubePolitics https://youtube.com/live/N1CR0zlLBHE

The Republican Professor
250th Anniversary of the USA Ep. 4: Dr. Charles C. Thach, Ph.D. on The Creation of The Presidency IV

The Republican Professor

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 61:39


Episode 4 in the series marking the 250th Anniversary of the USA in this second quarter 2026. It should have been episode 5 because we accidentally skipped a ten page section between pp. 23- 33 that should have been episode 4, but we will just have those two section out of chronological order and move on. When the Founders signed their names onto the Declaration of Independence, they were committing a capital crime, and they were signing their own death warrants if they were caught. They took themselves not to be looking for a fight, but rather, refusing any longer to duck the fight that in fact had come to them. And they sought to ground their cause, their reaction, to right reason in the natural law, consistent with Revelation and the Scriptures. They sought to articulate such an argument for their cause in such a way that would be rightly persuasive to any future reader and any of the nations which may inquire as to the source of their actions. Of course, their cause was initially, in large measure, a reaction against Executive Power. But such a war require itself strong Executive Power. Therein lies the rub: how can Executive Power be strong yet consistent with the principles of Liberty ? We're making a fair use, transformative reading and discussion of Charles C. Thach's doctoral dissertation at Johns Hopkins in 1922 called "The Creation of the Presidency, 1775-1789 made available by Liberty Fund INC in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2007. Go out and get your physical copy today. Follow along. We'd like to thank Liberty Fund for making this material available, and we'd like to thank Charles C. Thach for writing it. We are discussing in this second episode of Thach's thought the first third of his second chapter, entitled "State Executive Experience 1776 to 1787," through the top of his page 40 starting, mistakenly actually, at the top of p. 33. We were supposed to start on the top of p. 23 and continue there from last time, but we didn't. I made a mistake. Don't worry, we will fill in the incredibly valuable discussion of the material in pp. 23 through p. 33 at the top. This material was required reading in my Ph.D. program in Public Law and American Politics at The Claremont Colleges. It was used on the 6 hour comprehensive exams (6 hours each) and in a course called The Presidency and the Constitution taught by Joseph M. Bessette, who also served on my dissertation committee many years later. The Republican Professor is a pro-correctly-understanding-the-American-Presidency, anti-grade-inflation-plantation podcast. The Republican Professor is produced and hosted by Dr. Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D.

Progressive Voices
Children Are Listening: Hate Speech, Trump & America's Growing Violence Problem

Progressive Voices

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 59:51


Children Are Listening: Hate Speech, Trump & America's Growing Violence Problem Two teenagers carried out a horrifying hate crime at a mosque in San Diego, killing three people. But the bigger question is: where does this kind of hatred come from? Children are not born hating Muslims, LGBTQ people, immigrants, or people of color. They learn it — from adults, media, politicians, social media, and the culture around them. Today, hate speech is treated like entertainment. Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, racism — people dismiss it as “just opinions,” until violence happens. Then everyone acts shocked. But words matter, especially when young people are listening. And no public figure in America has normalized division and cruelty more than Donald Trump. Whether it's immigrants, LGBTQ people, Muslims, or political enemies, the message spreads far beyond rallies and cable news. The children are listening. And sometimes, they act. Plus: The Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas is shutting down, and the reason says a lot about America's economy. Businesses are increasingly abandoning average Americans and focusing only on wealthier consumers. What does that say about where the country is headed? The Karel Cast dives into politics, culture, media, and the stories shaping our lives — with honesty, humor, and humanity. Support the show at Patreon.com/ReallyKarel Watch and subscribe at YouTube.com/ReallyKarel #Trump, #HateCrime, #Islamophobia, #MosqueAttack, #SanDiego, #Politics, #BreakingNews, #LGBTQ, #TransRights, #Homophobia, #Racism, #SocialMedia, #DonaldTrump, #Violence, #NewsCommentary, #CurrentEvents, #TheKarelCast, #ProgressiveTalk, #MediaCriticism, #AmericanPolitics, #CultureWars, #Equality, #HumanRights, #LasVegas, #HeartAttackGrill, #Economy, #MiddleClass, #PoliticalCommentary, #Podcast, #YouTubePolitics, #LGBTQ, #Vegan, #LasVegas, #EmberDoes_Vegas

Stinchfield with Grant Stinchfield
Trump Just Proved He Still Owns American Politics

Stinchfield with Grant Stinchfield

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 57:47


Today on Stinchfield, the mainstream media keeps pushing the fantasy that President Trump is losing his grip on MAGA. But the voters are telling a completely different story. Trump’s endorsement is now the single most powerful force in American politics and the political establishment is terrified of it. Just look at the stunning primary defeat of anti Trump Republican Senator Bill Cassidy. Another so called Republican who turned his back on Trump and the America First movement has now paid the political price. And Congressman Thomas Massie may be next on the chopping block as MAGA voters demand loyalty and results, not grandstanding and sabotage from inside the GOP. Meanwhile, the obsession with UFO disclosures is heating up fast. Is this really about transparency or is this becoming the new Epstein files distraction designed to consume the public? We’ll break down the timing, the motives, and why so many in Washington suddenly want you looking to the skies. Plus, our body language expert joins us to analyze the fascinating interactions between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping. Who projected strength? Who appeared uncomfortable? And what hidden signals may reveal where the U.S. China relationship is really headed.

Just Ask the Question Podcast
Just Ask the Press - Gerrymandering, Justice Thomas, and the Epstein Note

Just Ask the Question Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 71:29


In this episode, we unpack a whirlwind week of legal battles, political maneuvers, and international tensions, highlighting key developments affecting democracy and global stability. Stay tuned as we break down the implications of redistricting chaos, Epstein's mysterious notes, and escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Key Topics: Virginia Supreme Court decision on district gerrymandering and its procedural challenges The political fallout from court rulings on redistricting efforts across states The controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's purported suicide note and conspiracy theories The ongoing US-Iran tensions including recent naval skirmishes and diplomatic efforts The state of the US economy under Trump, including job reports and inflation concerns The integrity of the Supreme Court and its role in partisan politics The influence of race, progressivism, and historical context in current judicial and political debates Media coverage, censorship, and the transparency of military and governmental actions Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction: News overview and importance of the week's topics (02:00) - Virginia Supreme Court decision stalling redistricting efforts (04:00) - Gerrymandering's impact on midterm elections and political landscape (06:00) - Court's procedural errors and the partisan battleground (09:00) - The potential realignment of Southern districts and racial implications (11:00) - The court's stance on partisan gerrymandering; political expert insights (13:00) - The Supreme Court's energy: politically motivated yet legally balanced? (15:00) - Justice Thomas's speech on progressivism and American governmental shifts (17:00) - The dangerous rhetoric about race, progressivism, and their historical narrative (19:00) - Epstein's suicide note: authenticity, conspiracy theories, and media response (23:00) - The bizarre and cryptic contents of Epstein's alleged note and legal questions (26:00) - The significance of Epstein's death: truth, cover-ups, and public trust (30:00) - Tensions with Iran: naval skirmishes, diplomacy, and strategic questions (37:00) - War or no war? The confusing nature of recent US-Iran military activity (40:00) - US economic reports: job growth, inflation, and political spins (43:00) - The disconnection between job numbers and everyday economic reality (44:00) - Gas prices, grocery costs, and the public's economic skepticism (48:00) - Political narratives about taxing the wealthy and social reforms (50:00) - The impact of political pandering on local and national elections (54:00) - The looming scandal: legal repercussions for Trump administration figures (61:00) - The potential prosecutions, cover-ups, and post-presidency consequences (66:00) - The importance of accountability and truth commissions in American democracy (69:00) - Closing remarks: reflections on justice, truth, and upcoming political battles Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Beached White Male Podcast with Ken Kemp
S7E17 Peter Wehner on Pete Hegseth's Troubled Soul

The Beached White Male Podcast with Ken Kemp

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 61:36


Send us Fan MailNEW EPISODE - I'm so pleased to welcome back my friend Peter Wehner —  political thinker, former White House speechwriter, regular contributor to The Atlantic and The New York Times, and one of the most thoughtful Christian voices speaking into America's moral and political turmoil.Peter joins me to discuss four remarkable recent *essays that confront some of the darkest and most urgent questions facing our nation right now. Together, we explore the rise of militant Christian nationalism, the theology and rhetoric surrounding Pete Hegseth, and the dangerous fusion of political grievance, religious certainty, and the language of holy war.Peter examines how biblical texts — especially the imprecatory Psalms — are being weaponized to justify aggression, vengeance, and even bloodlust in modern political life. We talk about the influence of figures like Douglas Wilson, the appeal to “King David” spirituality, and why many respected biblical scholars insist that the conquest ethic of the Old Testament cannot be used as a model for Christian political action today. As Peter argues, the Sermon on the Mount stands as a direct repudiation of that worldview.We also step back from the headlines to reflect on our deeply fractured culture — our polarization, loneliness, loss of community, and longing for what the Hebrew Scriptures call shalom. Along the way, we draw wisdom from voices like Desmond Tutu, Rowan Williams, and David Bentley Hart.This is an honest, sobering, and ultimately hopeful conversation about faith, power, truth, and the soul of America. I hope you'll join us.*See SHOW NOTES for Pete's four recent essays.Support the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you!Ken's Substack PageThe Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

The 21st Show
A look into the nuances of Catholicism and American politics amid President Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo

The 21st Show

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026


As President Trump criticizes Pope Leo for his position on the Iran war, it begs the question if religious leaders should be vocal about political issues.

Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson
None of Us Are Fine: Epstein, Power, and Zero Accountability

Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 49:24


Know Your Enemy
Reasons To Believe [Teaser]

Know Your Enemy

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 4:34


Listen to the rest of this premium episode by subscribing at patreon.com/knowyourenemy. REMINDER: COME SEE KYE x MIKE DUNCAN LIVE IN NYC Given the string of recent episodes that, in various ways, grappled with religion we wanted to take a step back and offer a rather personal conversation about believing in God, or not, and what difference it might makes. The discussion begins by revisiting when we first met over a decade ago and talked a lot about faith, then ranges widely, including: atheism vs agnosticism, W.H. Auden, why we're not experiencing a religious revival in the United States (but could be soon), and more. Sources: Christopher Beha, Why I Am Not an Atheist (2026) Edward Mendelson, "The Secret Auden," New York Review of Books, March 20, 2014 David Martin, w/ a reply from Edward Mendelson, "Why Auden Married," New York Review of Books, April 24, 2014 Matthew Sitman, "Saving Calvin from Clichés: An Interview with Marilynne Robinson," Commonweal, Oct 5, 2017 Ryan Burge, "Religion Has Become A Luxury Good For The Middle Class, Married College Graduate With Children," Religion Unplugged, July 12, 2023 Daniel Cox, "The Illusion of America's Religious Revival," American Storylines, Nov 13, 2025 Walker Percy, Lost in the Cosmos: The Last Self-Help Book (1983) — The Message in the Bottle: How Queer Man Is, How Queer Language Is, and What One Has to Do with the Other (1975) The Living Thoughts of Kierkegaard, edited & with an introduction by W.H. Auden (1999) W.H. Auden, "In Praise of Limestone," in Nones (1951) "Jill Lepore on Nationalism, Populism, and the State of America," EconTalk, April 15, 2019

Book Cult
StoryTime 69

Book Cult

Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2026 30:26 Transcription Available


I mean she is a dedicated Wife. Todays storytime we are talking Forbidden Loveseat, a fun little story about a woman who loves her husband so much that she becomes his secret desire...a couch! Yes, it is about a certain Vice President and a certain rumor about him and a certain piece of furniture so like warning on that.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/book-cult--5718878/support.

Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy
#1788 Monthly-ish Mix: The America That Almost Was—Empire Abroad, Control at Home, and the Long Arc of Resistance

Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 277:57


Air Date: 05/01/2026 The Monthly-ish Mix™ is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! This month we open with Jesse Jackson's death as a reckoning with the multiracial coalition America chose not to build, trace the American playbook from the 1953 Iran coup to Cuba to the current war on Iran, examine how the same logic of control operates at home through AI monopolies, sports money, and captured courts, and close with the religious and labor traditions that have always driven change — plus Orbán's defeat in Hungary as proof that authoritarian projects don't last forever. Full Show Notes Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube! Be part of the show! Leave a voice message, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! PART 1: AMERICA, CONTESTED (00:01:19) #1775 - Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Coalition and the Remaking of American Politics (00:23:12) #1776 - Trump's Pharaoh Complex, Our Flawed Constitution, and the 250th Anniversary PART 2: THE AMERICAN WAY (00:45:27) #1777 - How Christian Nationalism, Oil, and Zionism Built The War Against Iran (01:06:48) #1782 - Cuba's Crisis: Trump's Deadly Embargo, Blackouts, and Dream of Regime Change (01:29:45) #1785 - Iran and the Chain Reaction: The War Nobody Thought Through (Or, Bomb First, Think Never) PART 3: CONTROLLING THE GAME (01:51:40) #1778 - AI, the Pentagon, Labor and Capitalism: The Fight Over Who Controls the Future (02:15:29) #1781 - Your Team Is a Hedge Fund Now: How Gambling and Billionaires Captured American Sports 02:29:38) #1783 - The Ideology of a Cancer Cell: AI, Surveillance, and Silicon Valley's Psychopath Problem (02:51:36) #1784 - Who Gets to Be American, Who Gets to Vote, and Who Decides PART 4: HISTORY'S ENGINE (03:17:49) #1779 - Community After God: Why the Left Needs What Church Provided (03:43:07) #1780 - Cynicism Is a Scab: Hope, Solidarity, and the Labor Fight That Never Stopped (04:09:26) #1786 - Defeating Viktor Orbán in Hungary and the Authoritarian Playbook Worldwide   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads

The Wright Report
30 APR 2026: Supreme Court Rules, Dems Melt Down: Why American Politics Will Never Be the Same // Global: Trump Goes Long on Iran / Oil Shocker in the UAE / China Warning / UK Jews Targeted / Mexico Corruption

The Wright Report

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 26:16


Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this episode of The Wright Report, Bryan breaks down a major Supreme Court decision that could permanently reshape American politics by stripping Democrats of 12 to 20 House seats through a new interpretation of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and the end of race-based congressional district protections. He explains how the ruling could dramatically benefit Republicans in Louisiana, Florida, Virginia, Texas, and beyond, while forcing Democrats into political panic as they scramble to preserve long-held advantages built through redistricting. Bryan argues this may be one of the biggest political developments of his lifetime, with major consequences for the House, the Electoral College, and the long-term balance of power in Washington. Plus, Bryan delivers major global updates, including President Trump's long-game strategy in Iran through economic blockade and naval pressure in the Strait of Hormuz, a surprise decision by the UAE to leave OPEC, and a stark warning from a top U.S. Marine general that China is no longer a "near-peer" adversary but a full military equal. He also covers rising anti-Jewish violence in the UK tied to Iranian influence and a remarkable DOJ case charging the sitting governor of Mexico's Sinaloa state for alleged cartel corruption.   "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32     Keywords: Supreme Court Voting Rights Act ruling 2026 House seats Democrats Republicans, Louisiana redistricting Section 2 Voting Rights Act racial maps decision, Florida Virginia Texas GOP congressional maps House control 2026, Trump Iran blockade Strait of Hormuz economic pressure strategy, UAE leaves OPEC oil prices Middle East energy shock, China military equal US Marine General warning Taiwan war readiness, UK anti semitism Iranian martyr brigade warning Jews London attacks, Sinaloa governor DOJ cartel corruption charges Mexico 2026, Bryan Dean Wright podcast, The Wright Report  

Aufhebunga Bunga
/547/ What Are the Politics of Stagnation? ft. Dylan Riley

Aufhebunga Bunga

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 80:41


On political capitalism and divided workers. Sociology professor at UC Berkeley, Dylan Riley, talks to Alex and Lee about economic stagnation, the state propping up capitalism, and class politics. What is "political capitalism"? And is it true that plunder and predation matter more now than exploitation? Why hasn't the ruling class purged the system through mass bankruptcies and unemployment? How does Chinese state capitalism fit into the story of stagnation and excess capacity? What is the difference between economic interests and class interests? How is the working class divided today? Is there a way out of the impasse? What possibility is there of a pro-growth politics? –> For more like this, subscribe: patreon.com/bungacast

On with Kara Swisher
Life After Trump: Astead Herndon On What's Next for American Politics

On with Kara Swisher

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2026 59:57


Political journalist Astead Herndon is using his new Vox podcast America, Actually with Astead Herndon to ask what feels like an unfathomable question: What does our country look like after President Trump; and can we even talk about politics without putting him at the center?  As we head towards its first truly open presidential election since 2016, Kara and Astead talk about the ways politics has changed in the last decade, and what it takes to attract voters today. They discuss the growing disillusionment and splintering amongst Trump's base and toss around predictions about who might in the GOP be in line to replace him. And they analyze the structural impediments that could blunt a Democratic wave in the midterms and beyond. Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Bluesky @onwithkaraswisher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Presidencies of the United States
How Civil War Memory Became a Hidden Weapon in American Politics with Tim Galsworthy

Presidencies of the United States

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2026 56:29


Year(s) Discussed: 1960-1975 In a landscape where Confederate flags, Lincoln quotes, and Civil War symbols are woven into modern politics, how did history become a tool for political identity and culture wars? Historian Tim Galsworthy uncovers for us the surprising ways Civil War memory has shaped the Republican Party and American politics from 1960 through the first half of the 1970s - from Eisenhower's cautious leadership to Goldwater's subtle references and the strategic use of Lincoln's legacy. Discover in our conversation in this episode how these historical narratives influence today's polarization, racial dynamics, and campaign strategies. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

theAnalysis.news
A Rupture in American Politics?

theAnalysis.news

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 2:49


Next week, Paul Jay talks with historian Gerald Horne about what may be a genuine rupture in U.S. political life.Unlike Iraq in 2003, the elite consensus has fractured. The right is divided, corporate America is nervous, mainstream media is using the words “war crimes,” and polls show most Americans want no part of this war. The Israeli genocide in Gaza already cracked a consensus that held for decades— has the Iran war shattered it? Can the progressive left seize the opening?Leave your questions below— Paul may raise them with Gerald on air. Subscribe and join us next week on theAnalysis.news.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

VERITAS w/ Mel Fabregas | [Non-Member Feed] | Subscribe at http://www.VeritasRadio.com/subscribe.html to listen to all parts.

Let me ask you something. What if the presidents your history textbook told you were the greatest ones, Lincoln, Wilson, Roosevelt, were ranked that high precisely because they were the most useful to the people who write the rankings? What if the scorched earth tactics American soldiers carried out across Mexico, the American South, the Philippines, Dresden, and Fallujah were never aberrations, never the fog of war, never isolated incidents, but standing orders that got passed down from one conflict to the next and never rescinded? What if the man history handed you as the father of the New Deal was simultaneously building the first modern censorship apparatus in American political history, pressuring radio stations, newspaper editors, and magazine publishers to remove anyone who dared criticize his administration? Donald Jeffries has been asking those questions since he was a teenager sitting in Mark Lane's townhouse, lobbying Congress to reopen the Kennedy assassination investigation. That was the mid-1970s. He never stopped. In the 50 years since, he has built a body of work that no establishment institution will acknowledge and that hundreds of thousands of people have sought out anyway. Ten books. Hidden History. Survival of the Richest. Crimes and Cover-Ups in American Politics with a foreword by Ron Paul. Bullyocracy. On Borrowed Fame. Pipe the Bimbo in Red, his deep investigation into the New Orleans network at the center of the Kennedy assassination, co-written with the foremost expert on the medical evidence in the case. And now American Memory Hole: How the Court Historians Promote Disinformation, published by Skyhorse in 2024, the most comprehensive reckoning with what the official historical record actually is and who it actually serves. Tonight we go to the U.S.-Mexican War, where American troops first turned civilian targeting into official doctrine. We go to the Civil War, where primary source letters from Union officers brag about the gold and silver they stole from Southern women on the march to the sea. We go to Woodrow Wilson, the first public eugenicist in American political history, whose physician in charge of forced sterilization programs later appeared inside a Nazi concentration camp. We go to World War I, reframed not as a response to the death of Archduke Ferdinand but as a currency war that elevated the dollar above the British pound and killed millions of men to do it. We go to Joseph McCarthy, the man history handed you as a villain, stripped tonight of the Hollywood blacklisting he had nothing to do with, restored as a decorated combat veteran, as the first public figure to say Roosevelt knew Pearl Harbor was coming, as a man who died at 48 in a naval hospital with no autopsy and no explanation that holds up. We go to James Forrestal, the first prominent critic of Israel, pushed out of a window at Bethesda Naval Hospital, with McCarthy publicly naming it as murder, before McCarthy checked into that same hospital and never came back out. And we go to Dallas. To the document McGeorge Bundy drafted on the day of the assassination, before the president was dead, reversing Kennedy's Vietnam withdrawal order. To the 9:39 PM phone call in the JFK Jr. case, confirmed on unedited Coast Guard footage and then scrubbed from the official record. To the New Orleans network of Dean Andrews and Clay Shaw and David Ferrie, and the ground-level conspiracy that Jim Garrison spent his career and reputation trying to expose.

Post Corona
How will the Iran War shape American Politics? - with Ross Douthat

Post Corona

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 43:28


Subscribe to Inside Call me Back. ____ Subscribe to Ark News Daily ____ Will the Iran War reshape American politics? How could it affect the future of U.S -Israel relations? Dan is joined by New York Times columnist Ross Douthat to examine how the Iran War is influencing both parties. They unpack why support for the war tracks with support for President Trump, why protests have been surprisingly muted, and how the war is accelerating existing political trends. Listen to Ross' podcast Interesting Times with Ross Douthat In this episode: - Where American public opinion on the Iran War stands today - Why there's been little protest compared to past wars - How the war is accelerating political trends, not transforming them - The growing divide on Israel within the Democratic coalition - The emerging fracture on the right over intervention and Israel - The generational divide among younger conservatives - Whether the far left and far right could align politically - What “just war” theory is and why it matters now - What this all means for the future of the Republican Party This episode was sponsored by United Hatzalah. Donate today at IsraelRescue.org/CallMeBack. Add this number to your phone right now if you live in Israel – 1221, and for those visiting it's 972-2-5-383838. More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What's Your Number? Watch Call me Back on YouTube Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Adaam James Levin-Areddy, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo

The Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed
Call Me Back: How will the Iran War shape American Politics? – with Ross Douthat

The Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 44:48


Will the Iran War reshape American politics? How could it affect the future of U.S -Israel relations? Dan is joined by New York Times columnist Ross Douthat to examine how the Iran War is influencing both parties. They unpack why support for the war tracks with support for President Trump, why protests have been surprisingly […]