Podcast appearances and mentions of david faris

Trump's wading-pool follies offer a needed laugh as the idiocy is high and the stakes are relatively low. Ben riffs. David Faris talks Trump's War in Iran. Years of U.S. blundering and bullying and miscalculations leading to Trump's inability to consider the consequences of bombing Iran. Finally, a few thoughts about George W. Bush, who has most definitely not earned a rehabilitation. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for The Nation. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 10, 2026 is: foible • FOY-bul • noun Foibles are minor flaws or shortcomings in someone's character or behavior. In fencing, foible refers to the weakest part of a sword's blade, between the middle and point. // You have to be able to laugh at your own foibles. See the entry > Examples: "The British sketch comedy troupe Monty Python loved taking aim at contemporary foibles through its twisted and liberal reading of history." — David Faris, The Week, 29 Apr. 2026 Did you know? Many word lovers agree that the pen is mightier than the sword. But be they honed in wit or form, even the sharpest tools in the shed have their flaws. That's where foible comes in handy. Borrowed from French in the 1600s, the word originally referred to the weakest part of a fencing sword, that part being the portion between the middle and the pointed tip. The English foible soon came to be applied not only to weaknesses in blades but also to minor failings in character. Foible ultimately traces back to the Old French term feble, which is also the source of our English adjective feeble.

An antigay commercial by Thomas Massie lets MAGA voters know what he thinks of them. Ben riffs. David adds his thoughts. Also, Kash Patel's payback. Basically, Trump's moved Nixon's plumbers out of the basement and into the front room, where everybody can see them. And, a few words about Trump's orgy of redistricting. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for The Nation. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donald Trump desperately wants the world to recognize his world-historical defeat of Iran. In an extended tirade, Trump raged wildly at a New York Times reporter, insisting his victory is absolute. He claimed the Times is failing, accusing the journalist of being a “fake guy” and declaring his coverage betrays America: “I actually think it's treason.” This is revealing: His insistence on having won reveals that Trump doesn't get that military force alone can't force open the Strait of Hormuz—meaning he doesn't grasp the situation at the most fundamental level, perhaps his biggest failing of all. We talked to political scientist David Faris, who's been writing well on this fiasco. We discuss how Trump got little out of China, why his failures abroad mean more authoritarianism at home, why that combination will do severe long-term damage to America, and how Trump suffers from “dictator envy.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump desperately wants the world to recognize his world-historical defeat of Iran. In an extended tirade, Trump raged wildly at a New York Times reporter, insisting his victory is absolute. He claimed the Times is failing, accusing the journalist of being a “fake guy” and declaring his coverage betrays America: “I actually think it's treason.” This is revealing: His insistence on having won reveals that Trump doesn't get that military force alone can't force open the Strait of Hormuz—meaning he doesn't grasp the situation at the most fundamental level, perhaps his biggest failing of all. We talked to political scientist David Faris, who's been writing well on this fiasco. We discuss how Trump got little out of China, why his failures abroad mean more authoritarianism at home, why that combination will do severe long-term damage to America, and how Trump suffers from “dictator envy.”  Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump desperately wants the world to recognize his world-historical defeat of Iran. In an extended tirade, Trump raged wildly at a New York Times reporter, insisting his victory is absolute. He claimed the Times is failing, accusing the journalist of being a “fake guy” and declaring his coverage betrays America: “I actually think it's treason.” This is revealing: His insistence on having won reveals that Trump doesn't get that military force alone can't force open the Strait of Hormuz—meaning he doesn't grasp the situation at the most fundamental level, perhaps his biggest failing of all. We talked to political scientist David Faris, who's been writing well on this fiasco. We discuss how Trump got little out of China, why his failures abroad mean more authoritarianism at home, why that combination will do severe long-term damage to America, and how Trump suffers from “dictator envy.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In just what might be the most idiotic phase of Trump's presidency—and that's saying a lot—there's the saga of John Phelan's tenure as head of the Navy. Ben riffs. David Faris offers updates on the war in Iran. Also, his advice to Democratic billionaires who want to run for office. And what's going on in Virginia and California. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for The Nation. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump fires Bondi cause she was unable to do the impossible. Ben riffs. David Faris invokes the sour milk metaphor to explain the former AG's rise and fall. And he dissects 50 or so years of deceitful cherry-picking justifications for waging war against Iran. Finally, a word or two about Trump's fall in the polls. And the Farisian theory that Trump's base is a fairly prosperous group of zealots who are more or less exempt from the consequences of his policy. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for the Nation. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

As Trump wages war against Iran, Colman McCarthy, one of America's great pacifists, dies at age 87. Ben riffs. David Faris explains Trump's strategy—or lack thereof. How did we get into this morass? Netanyahu's role in riling up Trump. The junior partner drives the bus. The spillover war in Lebanon. And finally, David makes his senate choice. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for The Nation. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

Trump exonerates himself for everything and anything having to do with Epstein. Ben riffs. David Faris makes sense of the senseless. Including the Supreme Court, Trump's tariff policy and the State of the Union spectacle. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek and The Nation. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Parenti's obit tells it all—“if you stray too far to the left, you're ignored by the mainstream.” Ben riffs. David Faris explicates and annotates the latest NYT headlines. Including…”Trump deletes post with racist video of Obamas after outcry.” How low can Trump go? And “Schumer pressured to support renaming Dulles and Penn Station for Trump.” Also, the Republican spin on Epstein. And BDS and Dan Biss. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek and The Nation. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump Tanks the Dollar After the World Saw a Demented Fool at Davos Rambling Like a Lunatic | The Fight Over State Preemption As Silicon Valley Billionaires Fund a War Chest to Defeat AI Regulation | The Need to Shut Down the Government to Defund ICE Terror

The new year was supposed to be better, so let's hope it's just a case of things always being darkest before the dawn. Ben riffs. David Faris on the murder by ICE of Renee Nicole Good, Venezuela lunacy, and the upcoming midterms. The sad statement of Trump's regime—“people are eager to be told what to do by a strong man.” David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for The Nation. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A NYT headline about Obamacare is a joke even for NYT. Ben riffs. David Faris defends the voters, sorta. As he covers Trump's gas guzzling energy policy, Trump's get rid of healthcare policy. Also, a few words about Hegseth, Fox News and what's it gonna take to win an election. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for The Nation. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump appeals a judge's SNAP ruling. Ben riffs. David Faris gives the good and bad news from Tuesday's elections. The good news—America hate Trump. The bad news—he's still in charge. Also, envy as a political force. Americans are philosophical conservatives and policy liberals. What if SNAP were like Social Security—open to all? Would Donnie and Musk take it? You know they would. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for The Nation and Newsweek. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump sends in the wrecking crew—literally. Ben riffs. David Faris talks about Trump's attack on cities and states whose residents dared to vote for Harris. How to respond? The case for a general strike. The No Kings March. And a few words about Platner v Mills in Maine. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt university. Read his essays in The Nation. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How Blue States Can Defend Themselves Against the Divisive Partisan Warfare Trump is Waging Against Them | The White House is Being Trashed to Build a Massive Monument to the Worst President in Our History | A Report From Kyiv on Whether Europe's Tough Talk on Russia Will Translate Into Action backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.com/ianmastersmedia bsky.app/profile/ianmastersmedia.bsky.social facebook.com/ianmastersmedia

Trump's prosecutorial puppet prosecutes Leticia James. Ben riffs. David Faris runs down the stages of autocracy. We're currently in the competitive authoritarianism phase. Thanks in part to John Roberts and his Supremes. Imagine a president named, oh, Pritzker behaving like Trump. The Gaza truce. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek and The Nation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the government shutdown takes effect, Jon is joined by Roosevelt University Professor and contributing writer at The Nation David Faris, and "The Bulwark Podcast" host Tim Miller to examine Democratic strategy. Together, they explore what Democrats are hoping to achieve through the shutdown, discuss whether the party should rethink its resistance tactics and policy priorities, and consider what it would look like if Democrats embraced the hardball precedents Trump and Republicans have set when they eventually return to power. This podcast episode is brought to you by: GROUND NEWS - Go to https://groundnews.com/stewart to see how any news story is being framed by news outlets around the world and across the political spectrum. Use this link to get 40% off unlimited access with the Vantage Subscription. QUINCE - Keep it classic and cool this fall – go to https://Quince.com/ TWS for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. 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

In the spirit of peace and reconciliation, Ben gives a shoutout to a Tribune editorial. “If Americans cannot speak without fear of being shot, then democracy is dead.” David Faris talks about Charlie Kirk's legacy. Was he the Jordan Klepper of the right? A modern day William F Buckley? A descendent of Joe McCarthy? Is being open minded a sign of political weakness? Do militants on the right believe in free speech for all? Or just for themselves? And more, including a few words about Ezra Klein…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another Governor, Illinois' Pritzker, Stands up to Trump While Democratic Leaders in the House and Senate are MIA | After Trying to Terminate the Fed Chair, Trump Fires the First and Only Black Woman on the Fed, But She is Staying Put | How the U.S. Should Deal With the Way the World is, Not How We Wish It To Be backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.com/ianmastersmedia bsky.app/profile/ianmastersmedia.bsky.social facebook.com/ianmastersmedia

An article in the Nation shows how the best-and-brightest Dems screwed up 2011 redistricting so bad, we're still paying for it. Ben riffs. Then David Faris goes deeper into the topic--as he co-wrote that Nation article with David Daley. In short, everything you need to know about how the game of redistricting. Stick around for a maestro David Faris riff on what Trump is doing to D.C. and why. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Espteingate rises from the swamp--again. Ben riffs. David Faris offers his thoughts. Is there a list of clients? Did Epstein try to blackmail the rich and powerful deviants who flocked to his perverted world? Did he get murdered? Also, the cognitive dissonance of MAGA cultists who simultaneously despise the crimes of Epstein and worship the man who hung with him. Finally, did King Donnie really use the word enigma in a birthday card to Epstein? On a different front--the utterly wretched budget bill. Trump "punishes" the elite by giving them a big tax break. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mainstream Dems seem madder at Mamdani than they are at Trump. Ben riffs. David Faris explains his latest theory, the Trump cycle. And how it applies to the bombing of Iran. Also, the fallacy of bombing as an alternative to negotiation. The MAGA split. The post hoc MAGA rationalization Machine for whatever stupid thing Trump comes up with. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Musk exits stage MAGA. Ben riffs. David Faris sums up the legacy of Musk. Which smells like it sounds. Also, The Big And Beautiful Bill Act. Don't need bill if you have act. But don't tell Trump. And a dissertation on the low-information voter as opposed to the bad-information voter. And the problem with Dems falling in line. David is political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apparently, Trump's nominee for surgeon general is not nutty enough for MAGA. Ben riffs. David Faris explains MAGA's strange double standard on vaccines. They hate Covid shots but are ok with flu shots. If MAGA hates mandates, why are they so passive about the Real ID? Is there any logic to anything MAGA does? A mea culpa about lefty illogic. Speaking of nutty illogic, Trump's recent pronouncement on tariffs. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek. His views are his ownSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The question must be asked--is there a method to Trump's madness? Ben riffs. David Faris explains the theory of escalating to de-escalate. Which is the closest thing to a strategy Trump may have. Then he riffs on, in no particular order, Bill Maher's blues, political correctness, Godwin's Law, Jerome Powell, "liberation day" tariffs and the Black Mirror episode that sums up our times. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek and Slate. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump to CPS--better not talk about race or I'll take away your federal money. Ben riffs. David Faris talks tariffs, Laura Loomer, Wisconsin supreme court race, and the twisted mindset of the president--as he deliberately inflicts pain on Americans because he can. Have Americans lost their ability to update their belief system with new information? David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Netanyahu Renews His War On Gaza, We Challenge the Comfort Zone of What is Happening in Distant Lands | As Musk and Trump Tear Through the Fabric of American Society, the Days of Choosing Between Gutless Liberals and Callous Conservatives are Over | What Kind of Opposition Will Emerge at This Critical Moment For the Survival of American Democracy? backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.com/ianmastersmedia bsky.app/profile/ianmastersmedia.bsky.social facebook.com/ianmastersmedia

Senator Schumer, leader of the senate Dems, rolls over for Trumo on the continuing resolution. Ben riffs. David Faris takes it from there. Explaining why the Dems should have kept the filibuster going. And why their action gives even more power to Trump. And how it all shows the divisions in the Democratic Party and uncertain as to how to deal with the threat of tyranny. He also answers the Benji question. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steve Bannon, Trump's ideological brain, gives the Nazi salute to a bunch of MAGA lovers and Governor Pritzker warns we're looking a little too like Germany in the `30s. Ben riffs. David Faris explores this theme--American voters saw what Trump did on January 6 and voted for him anyway. What does this say about our democracy? David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Looks like Paramount may join Meta and Disney in caving to Trump. Ben riffs. David Faris breaks down the first two weeks of MAGA rule. It's time for Democrats to--ugh, hello--re-think the strategy of timidity. Status quo bias emerges. As people look to midterms for salvation. But that may be too late. Playing it safe won't work either. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this the day of Trump's inauguration, David Faris takes a look at the last days of, what? Biden's presidency? Democracy in America? Both? How did we get here and how do we get out. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Listen to this episode commercial free at https://angryplanetpod.comThis week on Angry Planet writer David Faris joins us to talk about his time in Syria and life in America.David's travels from Lebanon to SyriaWhen people hoped Bashar al-Assad would change SyriaWhat a real totalitarian state feels likeThe nightmare that follows the collapse of a dictatorshipOnce again, the ugly legacy of colonialism rears its headThe post-Assad playersAfter 15 years, everyone is tired of warTurning to domestic politicsDon't panic“Trump will govern very corruptly.”Talking politics with childrenThe Trump Cinematic Universe“We need billionaires to fight billionaires.”The collapse of the liberal intelligentsiaThe McDonald's bombing in BeirutSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/warcollege. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Faris tells you everything you need to know about last week's congressional budget debacle--a spectacle of madness starring Elon Musk as the president and Donald Trump as Musk's loyal sidekick. Trump has the constitutional authority but Musk has the megaphone. Listen and learn about continuing resolutions, debt ceilings, and budget hawks. Also, a few words about lawsuits and self censorship. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris talks pardons. Including Hunter Biden and January 6 insurgents. And he offers advice to Democrats--stop the self-flagellation. It's embarrassing. And counter productive. A few words about Trump's nominees. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris searches for the logic of the voters's decision to elect Trump. And for Trump's decision to nominate Gaetz, Baby Bobby, Hegseth and so on. Good luck, David. Oh, yes—David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Dems swore they wouldn't go back. But back they went—to 2016. David Faris tells you everything you need to know about what went down last Tuesday. While Ben tries to stay sane. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's Not-So-Veiled Threat That "Bad Things Could Happen" If He Loses the Election | The Pernicious GOP Operation Underway by Partisan Vigilantes to Purge Voter Rolls | Kamala May Win Big and She Has to Because Trump's GOP Will Cheat Rather Than Compete

With just a few days before the election, David Faris considers the possibility of American democracy turning into a dystopian horror show. Already you can see the billionaires making the same calculations. Like Jeff Bezos, trying to win over Trump by ordering the Post not to endorse Kamala. And then making up some gobbledygook justification. Call it anticipatory obedience. David also considers the other option, so not all is bleak. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris talks swing states. That is, the concept that only seven states matter in the presidential election and how everything else that follows is insane. As in the media's coverage of MAGA's reaction to hurricanes And the tribal identities of Blue versus Red. And...oh, just listen. Also, a look at senate races in Texas and Nebraska. Is Texas close enough to dream about? David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek and Slate. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris examines the latest election news. Including...the VP debate, the curious Harris strategy, the impact of the economy and Jack Smith's latest filing. Also, a word or two about Jill Stein and the Green Party. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Using Mark Robinson as an example--and, oh, what an example--David Faris explains his reverse coattails theory. Or, how Robinson's presence as MAGA's gubernatorial candidate may swing North Carolina from Trump to Harris. Somehow voters in NC can put up with Trump but not Robinson. Also, hard ball from Nebraska's MAGA crew and nice ball from Maine's Dems. David explains that, too. When will Dems ever learn? And the strategy behind MAGA's hate. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last night was the much-anticipated presidential debate between incumbent vice president Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump. There was no live audience, but the bashing and accusations, one against the other, were all the same.  Trump called Kamala a Marxist. Kamala called Trump a liar. Kamala said Trump is for America's wealthiest. Trump said Kamala is for killing babies at term. Trump said Kamala “wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens in prison.” And Kamala said Trump is simply a disgrace. Of course, they went head-to-head on the normal issues: the economy, tariffs, abortion, China, fracking, policing in America, January 6, foreign policy, and—eating cats!? Not so normal.  If you didn't watch the debate, if you're not on social media, or if you didn't receive memes from your family group chat, let me explain. First, Kamala baited Trump on a question about his campaign rallies. It got under his skin. He fell for it. Which then led him into a long rant about immigrants, which brings us back to the cat thing. Because in his words, immigrants are crossing the border, settling in Ohio, and stealing—and eating—our pets. The moderator fact-checked him: “We have talked to the city manager of Springfield, and there are no credible reports of pets being taken and eaten.” To which Trump responded: “But I saw it on television!” All Kamala needed to do was stand there and smile. As the debate went on, Trump reaffirmed that he thinks he won the 2020 election; He doubled down on the idea that doctors are executing babies after they're born; and he referred to the January 6 rioters as “we.” He also quoted Hungarian autocrat Viktor Orbán. And again, all Kamala needed to do was stand there and keep smiling.  So what does it all mean? What impact will it have? Will independent voters, or swing-state voters, change their mind based on Kamala and Trump's performance? Did Kamala clarify her policy positions and provide the substance that voters want to hear from her other than “joy” and “vibes”? Did the muted mics limit Trump's abrasive demeanor? And most importantly, who won the debate? The answer seems pretty clear. To discuss all this and more is Free Press contributor and opinion editor at Newsweek, Batya Ungar-Sargon; contributing writer at The Week, Newsweek, and Slate, David Faris; and Free Press writer and editor Peter Savodnik. If you liked what you heard from Honestly, the best way to support us is to go to TheFP.com and become a Free Press subscriber today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Faris explains his latest theory—“the Trump cycle”. It couldn't happen without the complicity of the mainstream media. Like the New York Times. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the DNC behind us, David Faris breaks down the race. What worked for the Dems at their convention, what didn't. What did Kamala Harris achieve in her speech. Why do Dems keep calling Bill Clinton to the stage. Trump's return to North Carolina. And the impact of the uncommitted movement. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and columnist for Newsweek and Slate. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An Update From Chicago on the Democratic National Convention | A Presidential Speechwriter on the Delicate Job a President Passing the Baton to His VP | As Bombs Fall on Gaza and Ukraine, Arms Industries Benefit From Tragedy

The Justice Department and more than a dozen states filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple on Thursday for “smothering” the smartphone industry. Among the claims, the suit accused Apple of limiting virtual wallets other than Apple Pay, making chats with Android products less secure, and blocking new apps, all to maintain a monopoly. Apple rejected the claims of the suit and said it would fight it.The New York Times reported this week that the Democratic Party is preparing to mount an aggressive campaign to challenge the presidential ballot-access efforts of third party candidates. And on Thursday, former New Jersey Governor and twice-failed Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie didn't rule out the possibility of running with the centrist party No Labels. David Faris, an associate professor of political science at Roosevelt University, explains how third parties could tip the outcome of this election cycle.And in headlines: Lawmakers on Friday will try to pass a $1.2 trillion package to prevent a partial government shutdown, President Biden canceled nearly $6 billion more in student debt for public service workers, and Reddit made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange.Show Notes:NYT: “Democrats Prepare Aggressive Counter to Third-Party Threats” – https://tinyurl.com/yvbwakghWhat A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday