Podcast appearances and mentions of Ben Rhodes

Ben Rhodes served as one of Barack Obama's closest foreign-policy aides, holding the role of Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting from 2009 to 2017. He acted as the lead negotiator in secret talks that normalised U.S.–Cuba relations and was central in building political support for the Iran nuclear deal. Since leaving government, Rhodes has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump and his efforts to dismantle Obama's foreign policy legacy, moves Rhodes argues have destabilised the world and left America vulnerable.;  In June 2026 Rhodes came to Intelligence Squared to make sense of America in 2026 and chart a path back to its democratic ideals. Drawing on his new book All We Say: A History of the United States in Fifteen Speeches, Rhodes traced the long battle over what it means to be American — from Benjamin Franklin's case for compromise to the culture war speeches that foreshadowed Donald Trump. He revealed the extraordinary power that words and oratory have had in redirecting the nation, and asked what they might still achieve at a time when American identity, and truth itself, is fiercely contested. This is the first instalment of a two-part episode. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events  ...  Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this Summer Friday, we've put together some of our favorite recent interviews, including: Ben Rhodes, contributing opinion writer for the New York Times, co-host of "Pod Save the World," an advisor to former president Barack Obama and the author of All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches (Random House, 2026), talks about his new book that tells the history of the United States and its central conflicts  through public speeches, from Benjamin Franklin to Donald Trump. Robinson Meyer, founding executive editor of Heatmap, talks about the DSA's evolving relationship to the Green New Deal and climate policy in general, as its members keep winning elections in big cities. WNYC has been targeted by scammers who posed as hosts, and offered authors interviews -- for a fee (which WNYC would never do). Rachel Tobac, co-founder and CEO of Social Proof Security, and Kenneth Atkins, assistant director of IT and data security at WNYC, talk about how to spot sneaky online phishing scams, and how to deal if you fall for it. Jeffrey Winters, professor of political science at Northwestern University and the director of the Equality Development and Globalization Studies Program at Northwestern's Buffett Institute for Global Affairs and the author of The Blind Spot: How Oligarchs Dominate Our Democracies (Scribner, 2026), talks about the history of oligarchy, how to fight it, and why it maintains power in a democracy. Meghan Sullivan, professor of philosophy at Notre Dame and founder of the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good, offers her take on the contemporary context for belief, or doubt, in God as religious affiliation largely declines in the U.S.   These interviews were lightly polished up and edited for time, the original versions are available here: Speeches as a Key to American Identity (June 8, 2026) What the DSA's Popularity Means for Climate Policy (July 7, 2026) How to Avoid Sneaky Phishing Scams (May 5, 2026) When Voters Support Oligarchs (May 26, 2026) How Belief in God Has Changed (May 20, 2026)   Photo: Whimbrel on the beach at Fort Tilden beach, Queens. Rare shorebird for this location, 24 September 2021 (Remydee1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thursday, July 23, 2026; 8pm: Tonight, the Saudi nuclear deal comes after the Trump family cashes in. Plus, wild new reporting reveals the billions Donald Trump Jr. is raking in. Then, Trump's Justice Department retracts subpoenas targeting The New York Times as Democrats prepare for whatever Trump may be planning in November. Want more of Chris? Download and follow his podcast, “Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes podcast” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This special episode features the full Munk Debate on Trump's America, held before a live audience of 3,000 at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall in May 2025.The debate resolution was: Be it Resolved, this is America's golden ageArguing in favour of the motion was the political consultant, pollster and senior counselor to President Trump during his first term in office, Kellyanne Conway. Her debate partner was the President of the right-wing think tank the Heritage Foundation, and the architect of Project 2025, Kevin Roberts. Arguing against the motion was the New York Times columnist, podcaster, bestselling author, and one of America's most influential commentators, Ezra Klein. His debate partner was Ben Rhodes, who served as President Obama's senior advisor and is the co-host of the popular current affairs podcast Pod Save the World.Become a Munk Donor ($50 annually) to get 72-hour advanced access to the full length editions of Friday Focus and Munk Dialogues. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to be American? Who gets to decide?  Americans have debated those questions for 250 years. The issue of what it means to be an American shaped the compromises in the Constitution and the arguments we've been having ever since—spawning abolitionism, secession, and civil war; populism, mass migration, and global leadership; movements for reform and the backlashes to them.  Former Obama speechwriter Ben Rhodes has examined the speeches of 15 people that shaped and reflected the argument Americans have been having from our founding to the present day's heated divisions.  Rhodes has traced the history of our battle over identity. The result is a revealing portrait of America itself: a nation divided between two stories—one of inheritance, power, and exclusion; the other of equality, striving, and belonging. Drawing on a decade writing for Barack Obama, Rhodes also shows us how words can redirect a nation, what makes a speech enduring, and why oratory is a unique form of persuasion in American democracy.  From Benjamin Franklin's call for compromise at the Constitutional Convention, to Alexander Stephens' case for white supremacy as the cornerstone of the Confederacy; from Martin Luther King's dream of true equality to Donald Trump's rallying cry against democracy itself, these speeches remind us that history is a living argument. At a time when American identity—and truth—is contested, Rhodes comes to Commonwealth Club World Affairs to offer a fresh and powerful look at who we really are and who we could still become. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former national security adviser and cohost of Pod Save the World Ben Rhodes joins to discuss the conspiracy of an informal agreement between superpowers to stay out of each other's spheres. In this episode: (00:00) Intro (3:15) Spheres of influence (21:55) Marco Rubio running Venezuela? (29:11) Let's talk about drones (38:45) Ben Rhodes's top conspiracies (43:59) Tips for the paranoid (48:58) The death of Lindsey Graham (51:42) Terrorists and AI (54:20) Waymo calls police on teens (55:46) The MSG celebrity “risk” list (1:00:00) Zara's dangerous pants Hosts: Jason Concepcion and Tyler Parker Guest: Ben Rhodes Producers: Donnie Beacham and Justin Sayles Art direction: David Shoemaker Motion graphics and animations: Chris Calleton Engineering: Sarah Reddy Set design: Hannah Leiken and Jonathan Ratliff Additional support: Dae Shik Kim Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

July 15, 2026; 5pm: Rachel Maddow joins Nicolle Wallace to discuss Trump's moves to stop any change that might slow down ICE's mass deportation scheme, which has resulted in two deadly shootings in the span of just a week. Later, Ben Rhodes and John Heilemann join Nicolle to unpack Trump's willingness to plunge the U.S. military deeper into war with Iran just weeks after a supposed ceasefire. For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewh To listen to this show and other MS NOW podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ben Rhodes will discuss the party's future, why Democrats lost the presidential election to Trump, and his new book, "All We Say: The Battle for American Identity."

What does Trump's shocking red card intervention reveal about how he wields power? Why doesn't his corruption seem to hurt him politically, despite adding $2.2 billion to his wealth in a single year in office, while so many Americans struggle to get by? Is Germany's firewall against the far right about to fall – and is the billionaire owner of the Telegraph pushing it over? Join Alastair and Mehdi Hasan as they answer all these questions and more.  __________ Enjoy Rory and Alastair's interview with Ben Rhodes by searching ‘Leading' on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. Go deeper into the world of The Rest Is Politics by signing up for our free newsletter HERE, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis and weekend reads from Alastair and Rory. Summer sale is here: get an annual membership for an extra 20% off with code SUMMER26. That's ad-free listening, every bonus episode, and full access to our exclusive members' series. Sale ends August 31st, so grab it before summer's over. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus. Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair's miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, exclusive newsletters, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. Stop overpaying for energy. Switch at fuseenergy.com/politics and get a free TRIP+ subscription. Sponsored by Lloyds. Get the account that offers more. You've earned it. See how Lloyds can help you make the most of your money. Search Lloyds Premier. £15 per month fee refunded when you meet the eligibility criteria. T&Cs apply. UK residents, aged 18+.

Is Farage's shock by-election gamble a Trumpian trick to bury the scandal over his finances? Why has the Murdoch press finally turned on Britain's most protected politician? Can Andy Burnham beat the media machine that swallowed Keir Starmer? Join Alastair and Mehdi Hasan as they answer all these questions and more in this week's edition of Question Time. __________ Enjoy Rory and Alastair's interview with Ben Rhodes by searching ‘Leading' on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. Go deeper into the world of The Rest Is Politics by signing up for our free newsletter HERE, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis and weekend reads from Alastair and Rory. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus. Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair's miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, exclusive newsletters, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. Stop overpaying for energy. Switch at fuseenergy.com/politics and get a free TRIP+ subscription.Sponsored by Lloyds. Get the account that offers more. You've earned it. See how Lloyds can help you make the most of your money. Search Lloyds Premier. £15 per month fee refunded when you meet the eligibility criteria. T&Cs apply. UK residents, aged 18+.

What does the gap between American foreign policy rhetoric and reality reveal about the failures of its military interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Iran? In an age of algorithm-driven political polarisation, can authentic political speech still break through, or has social media made Trump-style fragmentation impossible to overcome? Is Donald Trump an anomaly in American politics, or part of a recurring historical cycle - and what does this suggest about America's future? Alastair and Rory are joined by Ben Rhodes, Barack Obama's former speechwriter and Deputy National Security advisor, to answer all of these questions and more. __________ Go deeper into the world of The Rest Is Politics by signing up for our free newsletter HERE, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis and weekend reads from Alastair and Rory. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus. Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair's miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, exclusive newsletters, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. Search IG.com to find out more and/or Look for IG in your app store. Barack Obama's 2009 ⁠speech⁠ on a 'New Strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan', as mentioned by Rory. __________ Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @restispolitics Email: therestispolitics@goalhanger.com __________ Social Producer: Celine Charles Video Editor: Josh Smith, Caroline Kaye Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen General Manager: Tom Whiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it mean to be American? That's the question that animates Ben Rhodes's new book “All We Say: The Battle for American Identity.” Drawing on 15 speeches spanning more than two centuries, the former Obama speechwriter and national security adviser looks at how they shaped and reflected competing visions over race, democracy, belonging and power. We talk to Rhodes about the speeches he chose and what they say about American identity today. Guests: Ben Rhodes, author, "All We Say: The Battle for American Identity;" deputy national security advisor and speechwriter under President Obama Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit smokeempodcast.substack.comAre you proud of America? It can be a complicated question. Sarah and Nancy tackle the topic of patriotism and whether American is an unfinished experiment or a beautiful place unlike any other country. (But wait: Why can't it be both?) We talk about a Tom Hanks-produced Netflix series on the nation's founding, The American Experiment, which shows how much in-fighting and compromise were part of the country's creation. The series also introduces us to a peg-legged lady killer who wrote much of the Constitution (Gouverneur Morris) and confirms that Alexander Hamilton was, indeed, a hottie. Nancy just moved into her new pad, so you'll have to excuse a) the slight echo and b) the three (?) different times she had to leave to attend to a mover. Also discussed:* True or False: Sarah is a flower girl at Taylor Swift's wedding* True or False: Semiquincentennial is a real word* Happy graduation, Megan!* The downward mobility of college grads* That time Sarah doubled-down on becoming un-hireable* American Dream: Beautiful or unfinished? Let's debate!* “They tried to take away football”* JD Vance, Ben Rhodes, Zohran Mamdani, Al Gore* “What's a buggy whip?”* The Scots love Boston* Croats > Brits* James Madison isn't black???* George Washington: Amazing man, maybe not the most fun at the kegger* Writers who get our love: Emily Yoffe, Pamela Colloff, William Finnegan* How to make Nancy swoon? Tell her you know her bylinePlus, Avocado toast and doomsday, Sarah at the World Cup, Nancy only does the “F” in Marry, Fuck, Kill, and much more!REMINDER: First Sunday Zoom, July 5, 8pm ET/5pm PT.Also two questions: Are you in college? And do you cover your heart during the National Anthem? Let know in the comments or — even better — tell us yourself on Sunday.Do you hate America, or are you willing to become a paid subscriber?

With America's 250th birthday just days away, two books ask the same urgent question from very different angles: what does it mean to be American—and are we living up to our own ideals? In All We Say, former Obama speechwriter Ben Rhodes traces the battle for American identity through fifteen defining speeches, from Benjamin Franklin to Donald Trump. And in The Flag Was Still There, M. Todd Bennett and David McKean revisit the state of the union every fifty years, finding a through line of resilience even in our most fractured moments.

My guest in this week's Book Club podcast is the former Obama speechwriter Ben Rhodes, talking about his new book All We Say: A History of the United States in 15 Speeches. Ben tells me why a debate between two visions of what makes the US special has been playing out since the nation's conception, what Frederick Douglass has to say to the America of the 21st century, and why Ben Franklin didn't think the constitution was sacred.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest in this week's Book Club podcast is the former Obama speechwriter Ben Rhodes, talking about his new book All We Say: A History of the United States in 15 Speeches. Ben tells me why a debate between two visions of what makes the US special has been playing out since the nation's conception, what Frederick Douglass has to say to the America of the 21st century, and why Ben Franklin didn't think the constitution was sacred. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcastsContact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the White House situation room, to shaping the Obama administration's national security communication - few people have had a closer view of the forces shaping modern America than Ben Rhodes.As Barack Obama's speechwriter and Deputy National Security Adviser, Rhodes helped craft some of the defining messages of the Obama era and played a central role in major foreign policy decisions, including the Iran nuclear deal. Now, in his new book All We Say, he argues that speeches reveal the enduring battle over American identity, who belongs, who holds power, and what kind of country America wants to be.In this episode of Ways to Change the World, Krishnan Guru-Murthy talks to Ben about why Donald Trump succeeded where others failed, whether speeches still matter in the age of social media, the backlash to Barack Obama, the rise of populism, and the lessons history offers for today's political turmoil.They also discuss Gaza, Israel, Iran, the future of the Democratic Party, and whether politics has lost the ability to tell a compelling story about where society is heading next.

As Ben Rhodes says on this week's episode, “we're in a revolutionary moment globally”. Joining Nish and Coco from sister show Pod Save the World, Ben shares (and despairs) about the state of UK and US politics, and tells us what we can take from the Democrats' disaster of 2024. Isn't it time that progressives got their own populist?Plus, we hear about Ben's new book, ‘All We Say', tracing American history through some of its most famous–and infamous–speeches. We talk to him about the similarities between Britain and America both losing their way when it comes to national identity, and how our leaders need to tell it like it is. We can handle the truth! Also on the show, New Statesman Editor Tom McTague dissects Starmer's swan song, his last minute decision not to challenge Burnham for leadership, and sets out why it all went wrong for a man who won a landslide victory less than two years ago. USEFUL LINKSGrab a copy of Ben's new book, All We Say: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/470622/all-we-say-by-rhodes-ben/9781847928887 Ailbhe Rea's recent piece in the New Statesman: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/labour/2026/06/what-happens-now Tom McTague's interview with Keir Starmer: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2025/06/what-keir-starmer-cant-say GUESTS Ben Rhodes Tom McTague CHECK OUT THESE DEALS FROM OUR SPONSORS SAILY: https://www.saily.com/podsave HRF Power Plays: Search Power Plays wherever you get your podcasts.VANTA: https://www.vanta.com/PSTUKWISE: https://www.wise.comBT: Search ‘Why BT' to find out more.Pod Save the UK is an Intelligence Squared production for Crooked Media.Get in touch - contact us via email: podsavetheuk@crooked.com we'd love to hear from you as we plan to do a mailbag episode soon: end any questions, thoughts, or musings our way!Like and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK Instagram: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/podsavetheuk.crooked.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk X: https://x.com/podsavetheuk

Today on The Gist, we explore the collapse of the bipartisan affordable housing package on Capitol Hill. Then, former Obama deputy national security adviser and chief speechwriter Ben Rhodes returns for the conclusion of his conversation on All We Say: The Battle for American Identity, A History in 15 Speeches. Rhodes reacts to historical audio from nuclear negotiator Wendy Sherman to define the explicit red lines of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, detailing how negotiated limitations and sweeping supply chain inspections remain superior to the temporary setbacks of military strikes. Finally, in the spiel, a look at the New York primary and why newly elected congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier represents a low for the party. Produced by Corey Wara Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig Do you have questions or comments, or just want to say hello? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com For full Pesca content and updates, check out our website at https://www.mikepesca.com/⁠ For ad-free content or to become a Pesca Plus subscriber, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ For Mike's daily takes on Substack, subscribe to The Gist List https://mikepesca.substack.com/ Follow us on Social Media:⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pescagist/ X https://x.com/pescami TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@pescagist To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠sales@amplitudemediapartners.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There was something of a political earthquake in New York overnight. Three left wing Democratic candidates, endorsed by Mamdani, sweeping out established Congressional characters and hailing in a new era of progressive politics in the Big Apple.Mamdani's political stardust shows little sign of waning - is he now the most powerful figure in his party? And what does that mean for the future of the Dems?We speak to Ben Rhodes, one of Barack Obama's closest aides during his presidency, and author of a new book 'All We Can Say' - a history of America through political speeches - about the magic of Mamdani, and the malice of Donald Trump.The News Agents USA is a Global Production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Today on The Gist, lack of civic information and public debates available to voters ahead of the New York state assembly primary elections. Then, former Obama deputy national security adviser and chief speechwriter Ben Rhodes joins the show to discuss his new book, All We Say: The Battle for American Identity, A History in 15 Speeches. He breaks down how historical icons from Seneca Chief Red Jacket to Abraham Lincoln used the power of rhetoric to push for progressive change without resorting to moral purity tests. Rhodes critiques the modern political landscape, explaining how the online left's reliance on shaming has backfired compared to the unyielding optimism of early Obama campaigns. Produced by Corey Wara Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig Do you have questions or comments, or just want to say hello? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com For full Pesca content and updates, check out our website at https://www.mikepesca.com/⁠ For ad-free content or to become a Pesca Plus subscriber, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ For Mike's daily takes on Substack, subscribe to The Gist List https://mikepesca.substack.com/ Follow us on Social Media:⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pescagist/ X https://x.com/pescami TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@pescagist To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠sales@amplitudemediapartners.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On tonight's premiere of the 11th Hour with Ali Velshi, Trump says he's made a deal to end the war with Iran, but it's extremely short on details. Plus, Ali is at the big board with a preview of what's at stake in tomorrow's primaries. And, the stories that remind us you can always find light despite a lot of darkness. David Rohde, Jason Stanley, Ben Rhodes, Keisha Lance Bottoms, and V Spehar join the discussion. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ben Rhodes is a writer on U.S. and global politics. A contributor to the New York Times and MSNOW, and co-host of Pod Save the World, Ben has authored two New York Times bestsellers - After the Fall and The World As It Is: A Memoir of the Obama White House. His latest book, All We Say, is a sweeping look at the battle over American identity and the questions, “What does it mean to be American? Who gets to decide?” through reflections on landmark speeches in American history.  Rhodes previously served as speechwriter and Deputy National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama. On June 9, 2026, Ben Rhodes came to the Sydney Goldstein Theater in San Francisco to be interviewed on stage by Jelani Cobb, an acclaimed historian, staff writer at the New Yorker, and Dean of Columbia Journalism School. 

A head-spinning week as Iran and the United States trade blows and mull peace deals, on the sidelines Europe is feeling the pain and calling for a permanent end to the conflict. Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin has been an outspoken critic of America's involvement in the Middle East and he joins Christiane from Paris to discuss the state of play. And, as the cycle of strikes and fragile truces continues, former Deputy National Security Adviser to President Barack Obama, Ben Rhodes offers his insight. He shares his predictions for post-war Iran and discusses his new book "All We Say" which traces fifteen significant American speeches, from Benjamin Franklin to Donald Trump. Then, a new opera in Kyiv tells the story of three Ukrainian women and their fight to bring their abducted children home. Christiane's report on "Mothers of Kherson" and the families torn apart by Russia. Plus, from rivals to friends. 18-time Grand Slam Tennis Champions Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert reflect on their shared battle against cancer, explored in their new documentary "The Final Set." From the Amanpour archives, we mark 35 years since Boris Yeltsin became Russia's first democractically elected president. A look back at Christiane's report from Paris during Yeltsin's trip to France as leader during a brief era of hope in Russia's relationship with Europe. Air date: June 13th, 2026 Guests: Dominique de Villepin Ben Rhodes Martina Navratilova & Chris Evert Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The levels of corruption Americans are witnessing are both historic and astounding. This week, Alex speaks to ProPublica reporter Robert Faturechi, who broke the story that the Department of Defense gave a $620,000,000 loan to a company affiliated with Donald Trump Jr. Then she's joined by Pod Save the World host Ben Rhodes to talk about how everything from the UFC cage match on the White House lawn, to Ivanka Trump's island development in Albania are indicative of the unprecedented grift, and limitless appetite for self enrichment of the Trump family. Be sure to pick up a copy of Ben's new book, All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History of the United States in 15 Speeches.

President Donald Trump has changed a lot about American foreign policy – and to many, America itself. But a lot of the issues facing this country were around long before he became president. Ben Rhodes' new book, All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches, tells the story of this country through speeches by figures like Ben Franklin, Martin Luther King, and yes, Donald Trump. We spoke with Ben about what those speeches reveal about being American, and what Trump's actions in Iran can tell us about his presidency and our country.And in headlines, President Trump continues to whiplash in Iran talks, we have a new pick for the Director of National Intelligence, and Kash Patel prepares the FBI for the World Cup.Show Notes: Check out Ben's book – https://tinyurl.com/pxpr6t8c Call Congress – 202-224-3121 Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/y4y2e9jy What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcast Follow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/ For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday

What does it mean to be American? That's the question that animates Ben Rhodes's new book “All We Say: The Battle for American Identity.” Drawing on 15 speeches spanning more than two centuries, the former Obama speechwriter and national security adviser looks at how they shaped and reflected competing visions over race, democracy, belonging and power. We talk to Rhodes about the speeches he chose and what they say about American identity today. Guests: Ben Rhodes, author, "All We Say: The Battle for American Identity;" deputy national security advisor and speechwriter under President Obama Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Rhodes, contributing opinion writer for the New York Times, co-host of Pod Save the World, an advisor to former president Barack Obama and the author of All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches (Random House, 2026), talks about his new book that tells the history of the United States and its central conflicts through public speeches, from Benjamin Franklin to Donald Trump. Photo: U.S. President Barack Obama speaks to supporters during his farewell speech at McCormick Place on January 10, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Darren Hauck/Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Speeches have an important history in the United States, not only for their historical impact, but for their role in shaping a national identity. On Today's Show:Ben Rhodes, contributor to MS NOW, the co-chair of National Security Action and an advisor to former president Barack Obama and the author of All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches (Random House, 2026), talks about his new book that tells the history of the United States and its central conflicts through public speeches, from Benjamin Franklin to Donald Trump. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the Iran nuclear deal to the shifting dynamics in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, dive into the week's global issues with Fareed Zakaria. Special guests include Ben Rhodes and top experts on geopolitical tensions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama, speaks with Joanna Coles about why he believes Donald Trump is repeating the mistakes the Obama administration spent years trying to avoid, from Iran and the Strait of Hormuz to the unraveling of decades of American diplomacy. Drawing on his firsthand role in the Iran nuclear negotiations and the reopening of relations with Cuba, Rhodes explains how complex deals are actually made, why expertise matters in moments of crisis, and what happens when governments ignore it. He also reflects on Trump's transformation of the White House, the growing influence of tech billionaires, the future of Democratic leadership, and the deeper battle over America's identity that inspired his new book, All We Say. Rhodes offers a rare insider's view of diplomacy, power, and the long-term consequences of decisions that could reshape the global order for years to come. Recover smarter with Lifepro—get $20 OFF the Waver Vibration Plate and free shipping at https://lifeprofitness.com with code DAILYBEAST at checkout. #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comBen is a writer and political adviser. He served as a deputy national security advisor and speechwriter to Obama for both terms. He's currently a co-host of “Pod Save the World,” a contributing opinion writer for the NYT, and a contributor for MS NOW. He's the author of After the Fall and The World as It Is, and his new book is All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches. We avoided saying anything that might upset the Ellisons. Enjoy!For two clips of the episode — on AIPAC opposing the JCPOA, and our latest catastrophe in the Middle East — head to our YouTube page.Other topics: raised in NYC by a Methodist dad from small-town Texas and a Jewish mom whose relatives died in the Holocaust; lots of political debate growing up; Hemingway and Fitzgerald as formative writers; Orwell; Graham Greene and the brokenness of the world; Obama's sense of realism; Lee Hamilton a key mentor; moving to DC after 9/11 to write about foreign policy; Obama and Crimea; Syria and the refugee crisis; the Paris agreement; Netanyahu's disdain for Obama; the antisemite card; the Iron Dome; the Dish covering the Green Revolution; Hegseth's hubris; the LEGO meme videos; Trump's supervillain statements; the Hormuz debacle; the IDF quartering its soldiers in Palestine; the never-ending settlements; pogroms in the West Bank; the abuse in Israel prisons; the Greenland threat; NATO stepping up to fund Ukraine; the drone revolution; Trump's demagogic genius; Obama's speechmaking; his Peace Prize; Niebuhr; Lincoln's second inaugural; FDR's “Four Freedoms” speech to end isolationism; JFK; the talent of Jon Ossoff; and the disappointments of Obama's post-presidency.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy. Coming up: Tiffany Jenkins on privacy in a liberal democracy, Daniel McCarthy on conservatism, John Gray on Trump's new world, Bob Wright on the evolutionary force of AI, Stephen Grosz on the struggles of love, David Thomson on cinema history, James Verini on Ukraine, John O'Sullivan on Hungary, and Robby George on all our disagreements. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.

In the prologue of “All We Say: The Battle for American Identity” author Ben Rhodes asks two questions that get right to the heart of this battle. What does it mean to be an American? And who gets to decide? As we approach our 250th anniversary, these are questions that many Americans are also deeply contemplating. How have 15 speeches shaped and reflected that debate over history? And can they help us understand our ongoing and evolving search for a national identity? Ben Rhodes, a former national security advisor and speech writer to President Barack Obama, joins The Excerpt to share his insights. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jon sits down with our own Ben Rhodes to talk about how American leaders tell the story of who we are — and who they think we should be — through the speeches they give. The two go through the seminal speeches Ben selected for his new book "All We Say," discussing their power for good (Frederic Douglass on human rights) and evil (Alexander Stephenson on the "moral truth" of white supremacy), and their own memories of writing presidential addresses for Barack Obama when the stakes were highest.

May 31, 2026, 7 AM; Senate Republicans are preparing for a showdown over President Trump's $1.7 billion so called Anti-Weaponization fund, which is part of a roughly $70 billion immigration enforcement reconciliation package. It's unclear how GOP leadership plans to navigate the dissent over the fund within their own party after previous concerns that some Republicans would support Democratic amendments blocking the proposal, effectively gutting the fund. Trump, of course, is likely not happy about all this, especially since he gave a self-imposed June 1st deadline for the GOP to pass the reconciliation package. House Speaker Mike Johnson probably won't be thrilled either and he's got his own hands full. The House will revisit a war powers resolution aimed at reining in President Trump's military operations in Iran, which was previously scrapped after GOP leaders concluded they didn't have enough votes to defeat it. It's expected to pass with a handful of Republican defections. Mychael Schnell and Scott MacFarlane join The Weekend to discuss the discuss the congressional vote, likely to happen this week. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jen Psaki reviews the fresh string of legal failures Donald Trump has suffered, including a federal judge dropping the hammer on Trump's sketchy IRS "settlement" trick to give himself a $1.8 billion slush fund. Former U.S. attorney Preet Bharara joins to share legal insights. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam tells Jen Psaki about Pam Bondi's behind-closed-doors testimony about the Jeffrey Epstein files before the House Overnight Committee, saying she repeatedly placed the burden of how the release of the Epstein files was handled on Donald Trump's former criminal defense lawyer and current acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Jen Psaki points out that despite lots of promises, Donald Trump is repeatedly failing to secure a deal with Iran, and the terms that are reportedly being considered include monetary concessions that are significantly more than Trump and his allies criticized former President Barack Obama for. Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor to President Obama, and Admiral John Kirby (ret.), former NSC coordinator for strategic communications, join to add further insight. And Jen surveys the mess Donald Trump has made of Washington, D.C. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comBill is a historian. He currently teaches at the University of Texas, where he holds the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History. He's the author of more than 30 books, including The First American and Traitor to His Class. His new book is American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington. As part of our occasional series on great Americans, it was time for the OG American. I learned a lot reading the book and talking to Bill.For two clips of the episode — on Washington's humane display of aristocracy, and how he's the antidote to today's politics — head to our YouTube page.Other topics: Bill growing up in a Catholic neighborhood in Portland, Oregon; teaching at a Jesuit high school in his early 20s; the different styles of historians; Washington born into the Virginia gentry; losing his dad at a young age; smallpox as a teen likely making him infertile but protecting him during war; his skill at land surveying; joining Ben Franklin in the Ohio Company of land speculation; British arrogance toward colonists; GW accidentally sparking the French and Indian War; his grudge against the Crown; losing most of his battles but winning both wars; his Dunkirk and his D-Day; a meh tactician but a grand strategist; his wise retreats; absconding to Mount Vernon; Hamilton and LaFayette as surrogate sons; attacking the Brits on Christmas; holding the army together at Valley Forge; the deep loyalty of his men; keeping his ego in check; Shays' Rebellion; GW the key to securing the Constitution; declaring neutrality in European wars; his farewell address; and warning against partisanship.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy. Coming up: Ben Rhodes on Iran and speech-writing, John Gray on Trump's new world, Bob Wright on the evolutionary force of AI, Tiffany Jenkins on privacy in a liberal democracy, Daniel McCarthy on conservatism, Stephen Grosz on the struggles of love, David Thomson on cinema history, and Robby George on all our disagreements. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.

America's a funny place. It's not a country with a fixed geographic or religious identity. We don't have a common story of divine creation. "What we have," writes Ben Rhodes in his new book, ⁠All We Say⁠, "are words." The words of the founding documents, yes — but also "the words of speeches spoken by Americans who call us to be that better version of ourselves." Ben has spent more time with great American speeches than just about anyone. For eight years, he was a speechwriter in the Obama White House, crafting some of the defining oratory of the era. His new book is a 250-year tour through 15 speeches that built the country, challenged it, and raised its sights. He tells us how FDR changed the course of WWII from behind the lectern, how MLK ad-libbed one of the most famous lines in American history, and what Obama's 2008 speech about race can teach today's politicians about storytelling. And he makes the case that America needs great oratory now more than it has in a long time.

Ben Rhodes was a speechwriter and Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama. He spoke with Terry Gross about his experience negotiating with Iran during his time in the White House, and his read of the current conflict. His new book, ‘All We Say,' is a collection of 15 speeches — from Ben Franklin to President Trump — about what it means to be American. He also reflects on collaborating with President Obama on one of his most impactful speeches, like the so-called "race speech." See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Tonight on The Last Word: Ken Paxton defeats Sen. John Cornyn in the Texas GOP primary runoff. Also, the U.S. strikes Iran as Donald Trump says talks are going “nicely.” And Ben Rhodes writes about the battle for American identity in his new book, “All We Say.” Ali Velshi, Texas State Rep. James Talarico, Rep. Adam Smith, and Ben Rhodes join Lawrence O'Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Iranian state media says a possible agreement is under discussion with the US that could end the war. Regardless if and when a deal is reached, the monumental mistrust between America and the Mideast that's been growing for decades won't abate anytime soon. Our first guest knows all about that. Ben Rhodes is a former Deputy National Security Adviser who cowrote President Obama's landmark 2009 Cairo speech. He's just written a new book, "All We Say: The Battle for American Identity."   Also on today's show: Oliver McTernan, Director, Forward Thinking; Ethar El-Katatney, Editor-in-Chief, "Documented"  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wethefifth.com/subscribeCheck out Ben Rhodes new book: All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches-Ben Rhodes, wounded '90s Knicks fan-Are we winning in Iran yet?-what should the President do with Iran right now?-Sanctions suck, mostly-Cuba and the Obama opening-Libya and the regime-change trap-Kosovo worked-ish-Responsibility to protect yourself from over-learning lessons-Rhodes wants institutions, not impulse wars-Is Ben Rhodes Tucker-adjacent?-Soft power, hard questions-Navalny didn't want America's money-When Reagan said “Evil Empire”-Reagan also change his mind-Moynihan accuses Rhodes of America pessimism-Ben says it's because he loves America-Private equity killed the vibes-Nostalgia-nomics-The left-populist temptation-JD Vance talks pretty-National identity without a monoculture-Ben Franklin and the virtue of doubt-Experts are annoying but sometimes usefulRead All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches(Bookshop | Amazon)Prefer to watch & chat live with other members of the Fifdom? This episode premieres over on our YouTube channel at 12PM EST.After 10 years, we've finally found a sponsor we actually like. Ground News pulls coverage of the same story into one place so you can compare headlines across sources and see how framing changes depending on the outlet.Subscribe for 40% off our Vantage plan using our unique link https://groundnews.com/fifth

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on hell breaking loose as Trump faces massive backlash from his top GOP Senator supporters after losing in Iran war. Meiselas then interviews Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor of the United States, on Trump's catastrophic foreign policy. Get “All We Say The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches” by Ben Rhodes: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/717294/all-we-say-by-ben-rhodes/  Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show The Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson joins us to discuss the latest chaos surrounding the Trump administration.Pod Save the World’s Ben Rhodes joins us to talk about his new book, All We Say: The Battle for American Identity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comHarvey is a political philosopher. He's been on the faculty at Harvard since 1962, and he's currently the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Government. His 13 books include Taming the Prince, Manliness, and Machiavelli's Effectual Truth. His new book is The Rise and Fall of Rational Control: The History of Modern Political Philosophy. Harvey was my tutor as a graduate student at Harvard, an overseer of my dissertation, and I was a teaching fellow for the course in modern political thought that his latest book reprises brilliantly. To be honest, my reverence for him made me nervous for this podcast. But his brilliance and dry humor and joie de vivre all came through, and he put me at ease.For two clips of the episode — on the shift from virtue to freedom during the Enlightenment, and how Nietzsche reframed the West — head to our YouTube page.Other topics: raised by New Deal liberals in New Haven and DC; his dad a Yale professor and mom a musician; Leo Strauss an academic mentor; thymos and masculinity; Plato's Apology of Socrates; Aristotle; Aquinas; why democracy leads to tyranny; the humor of Machiavelli; Spinoza and dissent; Locke's Two Treatises; the incest prohibition; Hegel; Hobbes; common sense; Nietzsche and nihilism; deconstructing Christianity; science as a product of “white supremacy”; the sex binary; de Beauvoir's Second Sex; the postmodern view of science; Rawls; AI and human obsolescence; grade inflation; Judith Shklar and her love of Montaigne; Oakeshott; anti-semitism on campus after 10/7; and how moderns set aside the deepest questions.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy. We have some real stars coming up: Ben Rhodes on Iran and speech-writing, HW Brands on the life of George Washington, John Gray on Trump's new world, Bob Wright on the evolutionary force of AI, Tiffany Jenkins on privacy in a liberal democracy, Daniel McCarthy on conservatism, Stephen Grosz on the struggles of love, and Robby George on all our disagreements. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.

Jen Psaki points out that Republicans in Congress are increasingly losing their motivation to follow Donald Trump through his wildly unpopular vanity projects and destructive policies that are hurting Americans. On top of that are the number of lame duck legislators who ran afoul of Trump and lost primaries because of him and not have the rest of their term to exact payback as members of the "Yolo Caucus." Senator Sheldon Whitehouse joins to discuss Trump's slush fund as well as bizarre remarks by Jeff Bezos about income inequality and taxing the rich. Jen Psaki shares video that suggests that Donald Trump was aware of his tax information being leaked months earlier than he claimed in his lawsuit against the IRS, putting him past the statute of limitations for what is ostensibly the basis of his slush fund settlement. Rep. Dan Goldman, former federal prosecutor explains the legal perspective to Jen Psaki and discusses why Trump's slush fund for criminal political allies is legally doomed. Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor to President Barack Obama, talks with Jen Psaki about the Trump administration's clumsy belligerence toward Cuba. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comJerusalem is a journalist and entrepreneur. She's a former staff writer at The Atlantic and a former policy writer and podcaster at Vox. Last year she founded The Argument, a liberal magazine on Substack, where she serves as CEO and editor-in-chief. We went at it on liberalism and how to reform the Democrats.For two clips of the episode — on Biden's biggest mistakes, and how DEI went off the rails — head to our YouTube page.Other topics: born in Ethiopia as an Eritrean Christian; why her father became an atheist then converted back to Christianity; growing up in suburban Maryland and becoming a citizen at age 14; the formative influence of Amartya Sen's The Argumentative Indian; being a Christian in a secular-left bubble; the stagnation in England before Thatcher; imposing liberalism on Iraq; torture under Bush; the long Great Recession; the American Rescue Plan and inflation; Biden ceding order on immigration; Greg Abbott exporting migrants to liberal cities; rural and retired voters most against immigration but least affected; cancel culture; the race card on immigration; the antisemite card on Israel; US aid to Israel; Hormuz and oil prices; Jerome Powell; DEI and the NYT lawsuit; diversity vs quotas; trans issues; the suicide canard; orgasm loss and FGM; opposition to bathroom bills reversed; Bostock; housing policy and abundance; ICE in Minneapolis; JD Vance; Kamala and Hillary; Jon Ossoff; and Keir's cautionary tale for moderate liberals.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy. We have some real stars coming up: Ben Rhodes on Iran and speech-writing, Harvey Mansfield on modernity, HW Brands on the life of George Washington, John Gray on Trump's new world, Bob Wright on the evolutionary force of AI, Tiffany Jenkins on privacy in a liberal democracy, Daniel McCarthy on conservatism, Stephen Grosz on the struggles of love, and Robby George on all our disagreements. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.

As the war with Iran grinds on without clear objectives or an exit strategy, Jon is joined by Ben Rhodes, national security analyst and author of the upcoming book "All We Say.” Together, they assess the current state of the war and its regional fallout, examine how American foreign policy has shaped both the world and our politics since 9/11, and consider what a fundamentally different approach to foreign policy could achieve. Plus, Jon takes listener questions on betting, 86-ing, and pumping gas! This episode is brought to you by: BOMBAS - Head over to https://Bombas.com/WEEKLY and use code WEEKLY for 20% off your first purchase. MAGIC SPOON - https://magicspoon.com/tws MINT MOBILE - Shop plans at https://MintMobile.com/TWS. Follow The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart on social media for more:  > YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weeklyshowpodcast > Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weeklyshowpodcast > TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@weeklyshowpodcast  > X: https://x.com/weeklyshowpod   > BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/theweeklyshowpodcast.com Host/Executive Producer – Jon Stewart Executive Producer – James Dixon Executive Producer – Chris McShane Executive Producer – Caity Gray Lead Producer – Lauren Walker Producer – Brittany Mehmedovic  Producer – Gillian Spear Video Editor & Engineer – Rob Vitolo Audio Editor & Engineer – Nicole Boyce Music by Hansdle Hsu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comAdrian is a journalist and an old friend. We arrived in America on the same plane in 1984 and spent the first few days together in the same hotel room. After more than 20 years writing for The Economist, he became the global business columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. He's the author of several books, including The Aristocracy of Talent, and the co-author of many more with John Micklethwait, including The Right Nation. Adrian's new book is The Revolutionary Center: The Lost Genius of Liberalism. It's a terrific tonic for a philosophy as vital as it is in eclipse.For two clips of the episode — on how Enlightenment ideas got corrupted, and Big Tech's threat to liberalism — head to our YouTube page.Other topics: raised in rural Shropshire; his parents both teachers; his dissertation on the 11-plus (an exam that changed my life); when IQ tests were a liberal cause; Luther and the Reformation; the religious civil wars leading to the Enlightenment; Hobbes as a proto-liberal; the humanism of Erasmus; Montesquieu and the spirit of liberalism; John Stuart Mill and utilitarianism; Isaiah Berlin and pluralism; Graham Wallas and the Great Society; Lippmann; Leo Strauss; Thatcherism; consumerism vs. self-improvement; meritocracy threatened by the left; Foucault's folly; the EU and managerial liberalism; Brooks' bobos; affirmative action and DEI; why liberal democracy in Iraq didn't work; Oakeshott; Schmitt and friend-enemy; Trump's stark illiberalism and neo-royalism; King Charles; Putin ushering in a strongman era; Biden's open borders; the migration crisis and Brexit; the buffoonish Boris; the struggling Starmer; high culture and other upsides to elitism; Abundance; Deneen and post-liberalism; and Europe stepping up for Ukraine.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy. We have some real stars coming up: Ben Rhodes on Iran and speech-writing, Harvey Mansfield on modernity, HW Brands on the life of George Washington, John Gray on Trump's new world, Bob Wright on the evolutionary force of AI, Tiffany Jenkins on privacy in a liberal democracy, Jerusalem Demsas on the state of the left, Daniel McCarthy on conservatism, Stephen Grosz on the struggles of love, and Robby George on pretty much everything. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.

Nicolle Wallace covers the right-wing backlash against the second indictment against James Comey. Fox News regulars like Jonathan Turley and Andrew McCarthy call the charges against Comey an attack on free speech. Comey is charged with threatening Trump's life over an Instagram post of seashell art on the beach. Later, Paul Rieckhoff and Ben Rhodes join Nicolle to discuss Pete Hegseth's appearance on Capitol Hill today where he had to answer for the costly war in Iran. For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewh To listen to this show and other MS NOW podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.