Podcasts about lincoln project

Mea Culpa welcomes back Rick Wilson, longtime Republican political strategist, turned Lincoln Project co-founder, and zealous anti-Trump activist. His regular column with The Daily Beast is a hilarious and spot-on must-read in the political community. Rick's been published in The Washington Post, Politico, The Hill, The London Spectator, Rolling Stone, The New York Daily News, USA Today, The Bulwark and beyond and he's constantly called upon for sharp political insights on the national news networks, including CNN and MSNBC. He's also a fan favorite on Real Time with Bill Maher. A 30-year veteran of politics, Rick got his start in the 1988 Presidential campaign of George Herbert Walker Bush. And since has produced groundbreaking advertising and provided strategic counsel to political campaigns across the nation and around the world. Rick is also a best-selling author, his latest book is “Running against the Devil” and his #1 New York Times, best-seller, “Everything Trump Touches Dies” that defined the Trump era. Michael and Rick dig deep into the upcoming midterms, the January 6th committee and Trump.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson joins us to discuss Markwayne Mullin’s disastrous confirmation hearing.Inside Elections Jacob Rubashkin joins us to break down the nuances of last night’s primary races.Plus, as a bonus, The Brennan Center’s Michael Waldman joins us to talk about how to oppose the SAVE Act.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson joins us to discuss Tucker Carlson saying the CIA is coming for him.Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury joins us to talk about the investigation into Epstein’s Zorro Ranch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mea Culpa welcomes Trygve Olson, a strategist for the Lincoln Project, founder of Viking Strategies which provides clients worldwide with political risk and public affairs solutions. Trygve has spent his career working on elections in over thirty countries. In the United States, he has served in senior leadership positions on three Presidential campaigns, worked on numerous Congressional Elections, and worked for all the central Republican Party's political committees. Olson is a sought-after speaker. He regularly briefs leaders in politics, business, academia, and the media. Micheal and Trygve dig deep into the upcoming Mid Terms, Tish James and DOJ.

Mea Culpa welcomes back Reed Galen, co-founder of The Lincoln Project and an independent political strategist. Reed is a veteran public affairs and political analyst with more than 20 years of experience. Reed has been involved in politics, government, and business at the highest levels. Galen has spent more than a decade advising Fortune 50, 100, and 1000 companies in need of high-level counsel. In addition, Reed served as Deputy Campaign Manager for John McCain's presidential campaign and Deputy Campaign Manager for Arnold Schwarzenegger's successful 2006 re-election campaign. Galen also worked on both President George W. Bush's campaigns and served the Bush Administration at both the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Department of Homeland Security. Michael and Reed dig into the January the Ginni Thomas and the January 6th hearings, DeSantis, Trump, and the DOJ.

Democracy doesn't defend itself—and the road to the 2026 midterms is already a battlefield.In this BigTentUSA spotlight event, legal experts Joyce Vance and Marc Elias, moderated by Reed Galen, broke down the growing threats to free and fair elections and what citizens can do right now to push back. The speakers warned that MAGA-aligned forces are laying the groundwork to challenge election results long before ballots are cast—through lawsuits, state-level rule changes, and coordinated efforts to undermine trust in the system. Elias highlighted how the courts remain a critical front line in protecting voting rights, while Vance emphasized the broader rule-of-law stakes if election subversion tactics succeed. Both stressed that vigilance, legal accountability, and civic engagement are essential in the months ahead.The takeaway was clear: safeguarding democracy in 2026 won't happen automatically—it will require informed citizens, organized communities, and relentless defense of the rules that keep elections free and fair.Visit BigTentUSA's ACT NOW page: https://bigtentusa.org/act-now/ Check out Joyce's Substack:Explore Marc Elias's Democracy Docket: https://www.democracydocket.com/ Learn more about Reed's projects the Union here: https://www.jointheunion.us/ and the Lincoln Project here: https://lincolnproject.us/ ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:Marc Elias is the Firm Chair of Elias Law Group. Marc has successfully argued and won four cases in the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as dozens of cases in state supreme courts and U.S. courts of appeal. In 2020, Marc led the historic legal effort to protect voting rights, winning over 60 lawsuits against MAGA's efforts to suppress the vote. Marc is the founder of Democracy Docket, the leading platform for advocacy and information about voting rights, elections, redistricting and democracy.Joyce White Vance is a Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Alabama, a legal analyst for NBC and MSNBC, and the author of the Civil Discourse newsletter. She co-hosts the podcasts #SistersInLaw and Insider with Preet Bharara. A former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama under President Obama. Joyce lives in Alabama with her husband, retired Judge Robert Vance Jr., their four kids, a collection of pets—and she knits, a lot.Reed Galen is an independent political strategist, co-founder of The Lincoln Project, and currently serves as the President of The Union, a nationwide coalition working to rebuild American democracy from the ground up. The Union brings together volunteers, organizers, and local leaders to support decent, competent candidates at every level of government. Under Reed's leadership, The Union is building the infrastructure needed to show up in all 50 states and strengthen civic engagement nationwide. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bigtentnews.substack.com

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson joins us to discuss Trump finally having to fire officials in his administration. Pro Publica's Doug Bock Clark joins us to talk about his blockbuster reporting on MAGA figures plotting to rig the midterms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Worth Knowing, we take a hard look at the war with Iran through constitutional law, military experience, and economic reality. Joining me is Fred Wellman — Army veteran of Desert Storm and Iraq, former Executive Director of The Lincoln Project, and current congressional candidate in Missouri.We examine:• The contradictory justifications offered by Trump, Marco Rubio, and JD Vance• Claims that Iran was “weeks away” from nuclear capability — despite prior assertions it had been “obliterated” • Whether Congress has abdicated its constitutional war powers• The War Powers Act and what qualifies as an “imminent threat”• The risk of launching military action without a Phase IV (post-conflict) plan• Reports of U.S. forces unprepared for retaliation• Whether this was strategy, pressure from allies, or chaotic decision-making• Why the “rally around the flag” effect is failing• How economic pain, inflation, and distrust are shaping public reactionFred speaks candidly about the burden of leadership, the cost of war, and what responsible oversight should look like from Congress.We also address the uncomfortable truth:Even if this war was launched with flawed reasoning and chaotic execution, it could still produce a positive long-term outcome.But that does not erase the legal and constitutional questions surrounding how it began.Fog of war is inevitable.Fog of contradiction is not.If you care about executive power, military accountability, economic reality, and the future of American democracy — this is a conversation worth hearing.Subscribe for serious political analysis without the outrage machine.#IranWar #Trump #WarPowersAct #FredWellman #USPolitics #Congress #MiddleEast #ExecutivePower #WorthKnowing00:00 Welcome and guest intro00:29 Conflicting war justifications02:40 Regime change and protest fallout04:00 Grudge theory and impossible lies05:33 Uncertainty and glimmers of hope09:23 Fred Wellman joins09:51 Why the strike was reckless11:27 Chaos and troop safety failures13:28 No plan and Iraq lessons14:56 Chat reactions and split MAGA15:51 Why are we doing this18:10 War Powers and cost of war22:40 Campaign plug and opponent24:14 Congress abdication and Truman model30:56 TARP story and independence33:09 Representing Missouri voters34:51 Kitchen table issues and trolls37:02 Real World Economic Pain38:11 Campaign Trail Reality Check40:26 Cost of Living Crisis42:00 American Dream Slipping43:25 Trump Promises vs Reality44:59 Chat Break and Independence47:08 Why Wag the Dog Fails50:25 Congress Missing in Action52:25 Running Against Ann Wagner56:30 Pragmatic Representation Pitch58:06 Wrap Up and Where to Follow01:00:36 Final Message and Thanks

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson joins us to discuss Trump’s attempt to distract from continued scrutiny of the Epstein files by escalating military action abroad, including recent bombing in Iran. The Economist’s Archie Hall about Trump’s disastrous tariff policies — including the fallout from a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down key parts of his tariff agenda and the economic uncertainty that followedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson joins us to discuss the DOJ deleting a file from the Epstein files detailing Ghislaine Maxwell’s alleged blackmail of Donald Trump. Michigan Democratic Senate primary candidate Mallory McMorrow about her run for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mea Culpa welcome's back Joe Trippy. Trippi pioneered bringing politics into the digital age and brings an added digital component to the Lincoln Project arsenal. Trippi has worked for Democrats at every level over 4 decades – from Ted Kennedy, Walter Mondale and managing Howard Dean's groundbreaking presidential campaign in 2004. Trippi has been a media and campaign strategist for dozens of Senate and Gubernatorial campaigns including Jerry Brown's 2010 comeback campaign for Governor of California and Doug Jones' historic Senate victory in Alabama, where Jones became the first Democratic US Senator in Alabama in 25 years. His weekly podcast is “That Trippi Show”. Michael and Joe dive deep into the upcoming midterms and what the democrats need to do to win. 

*Disclaimer* This episode contains strong language Chuck Todd tackles three fast-moving stories shaping the political landscape. First, he digs into the escalating Iran crisis, where the Trump administration has deployed two aircraft carriers, hundreds of fighter jets, and a dozen warships to the Middle East — what Todd calls military adventurism without the consent of Congress. With nuclear talks in Geneva producing no breakthrough and Trump advisers saying there's a 90% chance of kinetic action in the coming weeks, Todd warns that history says hot intervention is coming and that the U.S. may have gone too far to back down, while cautioning that any regime change scenario means America would own the outcome — a lesson the country should have learned from its disastrous track record in Iran. From there, he turns to the Texas Senate race, which he calls an all-timer, breaking down the volatile primaries on both sides: Ken Paxton leading despite millions spent by the GOP establishment to take him down, the tight Crockett-Talarico Democratic primary, and the explosive Colbert-CBS controversy — in which CBS lawyers blocked Colbert from airing a Talarico interview over FCC "equal time" threats, only for the resulting firestorm to generate millions more views on YouTube than it ever would have gotten on broadcast, making Jasmine Crockett the quiet loser in the saga. Todd closes with a sharp critique of crypto's financial coercion of the Democratic Party — pointing to Chuck Schumer reportedly urging Senate Democrats to get on crypto's side after the industry spent heavily to defeat Sherrod Brown — and a Potomac sewage dump that underscores how even basic governance has become hostage to political blame games. Then, George Conway — the conservative lawyer turned leading Trump critic, Lincoln Project co-founder, and now Democratic congressional candidate in New York — joins the Chuck Toddcast for an urgent, no-holds-barred conversation about what he sees as an existential crisis for American constitutional government. Conway, who became a Republican in the 1980s as a "legal conservative" grounded in the Constitution, argues that the party he once joined is now unrecognizable, and that young people have been led to believe conservatism and Trumpism are the same thing. He makes an impassioned case that a third impeachment of Trump isn't just politically justified but a constitutional imperative, warning that Trump is psychologically deteriorating while controlling the military and nuclear arsenal, creating a domestic army through ICE, and presiding over what Conway calls the most corrupt government in America's 250-year history. He points to Mitch McConnell's failure to vote for conviction during the second impeachment trial as the hinge point that could have changed everything — and argues that if impeachment doesn't apply to what Trump has done, the mechanism has no meaning. The conversation goes beyond Trump himself into deeper structural questions about how to repair American democracy. Conway endorses the bipartisan constitutional amendment circulating in the House to nullify presidential pardons — citing Trump intermediaries allegedly being paid for sold pardons — but argues that statutory fixes will be more achievable than amendments, and that Congress needs to codify the old "norms" into enforceable law. He argues that that Democrats should fight fire with fire, with Chuck warning it only feeds whataboutism, and makes the case for incrementalism and welcoming converts rather than saying "I told you so" — pointing to figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene as case studies in evolving away from Trump. Throughout, Conway returns to a central theme: that no positive policy agenda is possible until the current constitutional crisis is resolved, and that America simply cannot survive three more years of a government working to serve one man. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. 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Or https://apply.americanfinancing.net/thechucktoddcast Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:30 GUEST TEASE 03:30 Are we about to go to war with Iran? 04:30 This is military adventurism without consent of congress 05:30 We’ve moved a massive amount of military assets to Middle East 06:45 It’s possible this is all posturing for negotiations 09:00 Does Trump have room to back down, or will it only escalate? 10:00 Will Trump want part of Iran’s oil business in order to back down? 10:30 History says hot military intervention is coming, best not miss 11:30 If we get involved in regime change then we own it 12:30 It feels like we’ve gone too far to back down 14:15 American interventions in Iran have gone terribly in the past 15:00 A democratic Iran would be amazing, but dictating outcomes is hard 15:30 The Texas senate race is becoming an all-timer 17:00 Polls have shown Crockett ahead of Talarico, 17:30 Establishment GOP feels Paxton is unelectable 18:15 Millions have been spent by GOP to beat Paxton, he’s still leading 19:45 Paxton’s numbers have gotten worse in general, not benefiting Cornyn 20:30 Both Talarico & Crockett lead Paxton in recent polls 21:00 Democrats are getting help from GOP softening up their nominee 23:00 What’s the path for Coryn to get to 50% + 1? 24:30 Colbert interview with Talarico yanked by CBS due to FCC threats 25:00 The controversy generated millions more views than it would have 26:30 What the “equal time rule” actually states 27:30 Don’t know if either side, Colbert or CBS is giving the full story 28:30 Jasmine Crockett is the loser here 30:30 The unanswered questions from the Colbert controversy persist 33:00 This controversy has been a massive boon for Talarico 34:45 Chuck Schumer begging senate Dems to get to crypto’s side 35:30 This goes beyond lobbying, this is financial coercion 36:15 Crypto used their money to defeat & make example of Sherrod Brown 38:00 Big money is threatening dissent in politics 40:00 Schumer is saying when opponent has enough money, you must appease 40:45 Trump only wants to point fingers over sewage dump in Potomac 42:00 We can’t deal with disaster only based on politics 43:00 Can we stop the blame game and just fix the problem? 44:00 Lack of local coverage from WaPo has been a glaring issue 53:15 George Conway joins the Chuck ToddCast 54:45 The Republican party is unrecognizable today 55:45 Why George became a Republican in the 80’s 57:15 George was a “legal” conservative based on the Constitution 58:15 Nixon did some not so conservative things because they were popular 59:45 Young people think conservatism & Trumpism are the same thing 1:00:30 The Democratic party is trying to fit a broad coalition under one tent 1:01:15 We can’t have serious policy debates until the current crisis is over 1:02:45 Hating corrupt politicians of all stripes, not just one side 1:03:45 Can’t retire because the last few years have been appalling 1:05:00 The courts aren’t equipped to deal with someone like Trump 1:06:45 Could a third impeachment trial weaken the impeachment process? 1:07:45 Mitch McConnell choked during Trump’s 2nd impeachment trial 1:08:15 If McConnell voted to convict, others would have followed 1:09:15 If we can’t impeach Trump for what he’s done… Then why have impeachment? 1:10:30 Do we want a constitutional government or not? 1:12:15 Impeaching Trump is as constitutional imperative for congress 1:12:45 Trump is deteriorating psychologically and controls military & nukes 1:13:30 Trump is creating his own domestic army with ICE 1:14:15 The Republic, the constitution and rule of law are all on the line 1:15:00 We can’t survive three more years of this 1:16:00 In 250 years, we’ve never seen a government this corrupt 1:17:45 The internet & media only have so much bandwidth, can’t handle Trump 1:19:00 The government is only working to serve one man 1:20:00 If we don’t impeach Trump, we’re throwing out the constitution 1:20:45 Can you convince Hakeem Jeffries to impeach Trump a 3rd team? 1:21:45 Trump & his actions will only get worse in the coming months 1:23:45 American politics has deteriorated due to the weakness of congress 1:24:15 Everything has gone to the courts since congress won’t legislate 1:25:30 Constitutional amendment to nullify pardons introduced in house 1:27:45 Passing amendments is hard, statutory fixes will be easier to pass 1:29:15 Congress gets to set the rules, and has defaulted on responsibility 1:30:00 The old “norms” need to be codified into law 1:31:30 Our backs are against the wall, normal politics don’t apply 1:33:15 Fighting fire with fire feeds into “whataboutism” 1:34:45 Want to go back to an America where the president isn’t a “piece of shit” 1:37:15 Only four people control congress & that’s the problem 1:38:00 What do you say to the voter who supports Trump for policy reasons? 1:39:30 Nobody has done more damage to restriction immigration than Trump 1:40:30 How did the Reagan GOP you joined become Trump acolytes? 1:41:15 Victimhood is clearly the currency of the right 1:43:00 The right’s grievance complex leads them to only oppose the left 1:44:15 The case for incrementalism, democracy is a dialogue 1:45:30 There is a nihilistic animus amongst Trump’s inner circle 1:48:00 Bush has stayed fairly quiet about Trump, should have spoken sooner 1:51:00 The only way to win converts is to welcome them i.e. Marjorie Taylor-Greene 1:52:00 Mike Pence deserves credit for J6, but should have conceded in November 1:53:15 Marjorie Taylor-Greene is a case study in evolving away from Trump 1:55:45 The spirit of democracy requires being to admit you were wrong 1:56:30 Nobody likes to hear “I told you so” - It’s why Trumpism has persisted 1:57:45 What questions do voters ask you that aren’t about Trump? 2:00:30 We can’t do positive things for people until Trump is gone 2:02:30 George Conway makes a persuasive argument for impeachment 2:05:00 History will be kinder if we use the constitution to throw out Trump 2:05:45 Ask Chuck 2:06:00 Why not give Trump accolades in exchange for good policy? 2:08:15 Fresh candidates on the pod restoring a sense of optimism 2:11:00 Did the Inflation Reduction Act include EPA’s ability to regulate air pollution? 2:15:00 Book recommendations for understanding fall of the Ottoman empire? 2:17:30 Which house races are you watching closely and why? 2:19:45 Not as optimistic about passing constitutional amendments 2:22:30 How did the one-term presidents lose if they weren’t politically astute?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Disclaimer* This episode contains strong language George Conway — the conservative lawyer turned leading Trump critic, Lincoln Project co-founder, and now Democratic congressional candidate in New York — joins the Chuck Toddcast for an urgent, no-holds-barred conversation about what he sees as an existential crisis for American constitutional government. Conway, who became a Republican in the 1980s as a "legal conservative" grounded in the Constitution, argues that the party he once joined is now unrecognizable, and that young people have been led to believe conservatism and Trumpism are the same thing. He makes an impassioned case that a third impeachment of Trump isn't just politically justified but a constitutional imperative, warning that Trump is psychologically deteriorating while controlling the military and nuclear arsenal, creating a domestic army through ICE, and presiding over what Conway calls the most corrupt government in America's 250-year history. He points to Mitch McConnell's failure to vote for conviction during the second impeachment trial as the hinge point that could have changed everything — and argues that if impeachment doesn't apply to what Trump has done, the mechanism has no meaning. The conversation goes beyond Trump himself into deeper structural questions about how to repair American democracy. Conway endorses the bipartisan constitutional amendment circulating in the House to nullify presidential pardons — citing Trump intermediaries allegedly being paid for sold pardons — but argues that statutory fixes will be more achievable than amendments, and that Congress needs to codify the old "norms" into enforceable law. He argues that that Democrats should fight fire with fire, with Chuck warning it only feeds whataboutism, and makes the case for incrementalism and welcoming converts rather than saying "I told you so" — pointing to figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene as case studies in evolving away from Trump. Throughout, Conway returns to a central theme: that no positive policy agenda is possible until the current constitutional crisis is resolved, and that America simply cannot survive three more years of a government working to serve one man. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. American Finance Disclaimer: NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1081, for details about credit costs and terms. Or https://apply.americanfinancing.net/thechucktoddcast Timeline: 00:00 George Conway joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:30 The Republican party is unrecognizable today 02:30 Why George became a Republican in the 80’s 04:00 George was a “legal” conservative based on the Constitution 05:00 Nixon did some not so conservative things because they were popular 06:30 Young people think conservatism & Trumpism are the same thing 07:15 The Democratic party is trying to fit a broad coalition under one tent 08:00 We can’t have serious policy debates until the current crisis is over 09:30 Hating corrupt politicians of all stripes, not just one side 10:30 Can’t retire because the last few years have been appalling 11:45 The courts aren’t equipped to deal with someone like Trump 13:30 Could a third impeachment trial weaken the impeachment process? 14:30 Mitch McConnell choked during Trump’s 2nd impeachment trial 15:00 If McConnell voted to convict, others would have followed 16:00 If we can’t impeach Trump for what he’s done… Then why have impeachment? 17:15 Do we want a constitutional government or not? 19:00 Impeaching Trump is as constitutional imperative for congress 19:30 Trump is deteriorating psychologically and controls military & nukes 20:15 Trump is creating his own domestic army with ICE 21:00 The Republic, the constitution and rule of law are all on the line 21:45 We can’t survive three more years of this 22:45 In 250 years, we’ve never seen a government this corrupt 24:30 The internet & media only have so much bandwidth, can’t handle Trump 25:45 The government is only working to serve one man 26:45 If we don’t impeach Trump, we’re throwing out the constitution 27:30 Can you convince Hakeem Jeffries to impeach Trump a 3rd team? 28:30 Trump & his actions will only get worse in the coming months 30:30 American politics has deteriorated due to the weakness of congress 31:00 Everything has gone to the courts since congress won’t legislate 32:15 Constitutional amendment to nullify pardons introduced in house 34:30 Passing amendments is hard, statutory fixes will be easier to pass 36:00 Congress gets to set the rules, and has defaulted on responsibility 36:45 The old “norms” need to be codified into law 38:15 Our backs are against the wall, normal politics don’t apply 40:00 Fighting fire with fire feeds into “whataboutism” 41:30 Want to go back to an America where the president isn’t a “piece of shit” 44:00 Only four people control congress & that’s the problem 44:45 What do you say to the voter who supports Trump for policy reasons? 46:15 Nobody has done more damage to restriction immigration than Trump 47:15 How did the Reagan GOP you joined become Trump acolytes? 48:00 Victimhood is clearly the currency of the right 49:45 The right’s grievance complex leads them to only oppose the left 51:00 The case for incrementalism, democracy is a dialogue 52:15 There is a nihilistic animus amongst Trump’s inner circle 54:45 Bush has stayed fairly quiet about Trump, should have spoken sooner 57:45 The only way to win converts is to welcome them i.e. Marjorie Taylor-Greene 58:45 Mike Pence deserves credit for J6, but should have conceded in November 1:00:00 Marjorie Taylor-Greene is a case study in evolving away from Trump 1:02:30 The spirit of democracy requires being to admit you were wrong 1:03:15 Nobody likes to hear “I told you so” - It’s why Trumpism has persisted 1:04:30 What questions do voters ask you that aren’t about Trump? 1:07:15 We can’t do positive things for people until Trump is goneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson joins us to discuss the effect of the Epstein files on the MAGA coalition.Then we’ll talk to Bob Brooks about his run to be congressman for Pennsylvania’s 7th District.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We welcome back to Mea Cupla Reed Galen, co-founder of The Lincoln Project and an independent political strategist. A veteran public affairs and political analyst with more than 20 years of experience. Michael and Reed dig into the January 6th hearings, gun control, and the upcoming midterms.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson joins us to discuss the Trump administration’s attempt to cover up the murder of Renée Good. The New Yorker’s Jonathan Blitzer about how the Trump administration is weaponizing the legal saga of Democratic Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

February 8, 2026; 7am: Republicans are worried about a Democratic blowout in both chambers of Congress. One race they're focusing on is GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's seat in Georgia, where 21 candidates are already on the ballot. Plus, the only Senate Democrat up for re-election this year is Jon Ossoff, who delivered a fiery speech attacking the Trump administration for being out of touch. MS Now Political Analyst Eugene Robinson and Stuart Stevens, Senior adviser at the Lincoln Project, join “The Weekend” to discuss.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @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.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson examines the fallout from the Epstein files and what Democratic wins in deep-red Texas mean for their midterm chances. Reporter Christopher Mathias details his new book To Catch a Fascist: The Fight to Expose the Radical Right.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After weeks of federal insurgency, Minnesota fought back, and it seems Donald Trump has lost faith in the people running his ICE operation in the state. So where does this leave Trump's ‘ICE patriots'? How do Republicans unite over immigration policies that kill Americans? And where does it leave the far-right agitators in Trump's cabinet? Jonathan Freedland speaks to George Conway, a founding member of the Lincoln Project, who is running for Congress, about what happens next

After weeks of federal insurgency, Minnesota fought back, and it seems Donald Trump has lost faith in the people running his ICE operation in the state. So where does this leave Trump's ‘ICE patriots'? How do Republicans unite over immigration policies that kill Americans? And where does it leave the far-right agitators in Trump's cabinet? Jonathan Freedland speaks to George Conway, a founding member of the Lincoln Project, who is running for Congress, about what happens next

The fallout from the Kevin McCarthy tapes keeps coming. While new texts released by the Jan 6th Committee show the extent to which GOP lawmakers stoked the Insurrection. Lincoln Project advisor Stuart Stevens joins Mea Culpa to say where the GOP bodies are really buried. 

Another wild week in Washington with Kevin McCarthy caught on tape saying he'd tell Trump to resign in the aftermath of the insurrection only to lie about it later. Unfortunately, there's a nasty little tape with McCarthy's voice on it. How is the GOP still winning with everything that we know? The Lincoln Project's Reed Galen joins to give us the answers. 

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson examines the fallout from the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.The Brennan Center’s Michael Waldman details their new report on corruption and strategies for curbing it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1.21.2026 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Ala. pushes gerrymandering bill, Trump’s white genocide lies, SCOTUS hears LisaCook case A bill that would allow special primary elections in legislative and congressional races if the U.S. Supreme Court changes how race is applied in redistricting cleared an Alabama Senate committee. The Supreme Court heard arguments on Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. We'll share some of what was said. A new report reveals a disturbing fact about a police department in the south. We'll share more about the study tonight. A House panel voted to hold the Clintons in contempt in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. But Congresswoman Summer Lee is calling out the hypocrisy, noting that Attorney General Pam Bondi has also not responded to a subpoena on the matter. The Lincoln Project dropped a video showing folks that they got exacted what they voted for. And Trump is in Davos, Switzerland...you won't believe some of the things he's said. #BlackStarNetwork partner: Fanbasehttps://www.startengine.com/offering/fanbase This Reg A+ offering is made available through StartEngine Primary, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. This investment is speculative, illiquid, and involves a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. You should read the Offering Circular (https://bit.ly/3VDPKjD) and Risks (https://bit.ly/3ZQzHl0) related to this offering before investing. Download the Black Star Network app at http://www.blackstarnetwork.com! We're on iOS, AppleTV, Android, AndroidTV, Roku, FireTV, XBox and SamsungTV. The #BlackStarNetwork is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On January 20, BigTentUSA hosted a discussion featuring public policy analyst and creator of the Existentialist Republic newsletter Christopher Armitage, and political strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project Reed Galen. The two examined recent developments in ICE enforcement, including the fatal shooting in Minneapolis and the national reaction it sparked. The speakers explored the broader implications for federal immigration operations and public trust, emphasizing that law enforcement — particularly federal agencies — must operate under strict guardrails and be held to higher standards of justice and accountability. They also underscored that lasting change depends on consistent engagement with government representatives, noting that sustained public pressure matters because, ultimately, lawmakers are accountable to voters.The event capped an hour of expert insight paired with practical suggestions for civic engagement at a time of heightened concern about democratic norms, civil liberties, and the rule of law.CALL TO ACTION:Support Joyce Uptown Foodshelf (https://www.joyceuptownfoodshelf.org/)Support MIRAC (https://www.givemn.org/organization/M...)Learn more about Reed's projects the Union here: https://www.jointheunion.us/ and the Lincoln Project here: https://lincolnproject.us/ Check out Christopher's newsletter “The Existentialist Republic”: https://cmarmitage.substack.com/?utm_... About The Speakers:Christopher Armitage is a former law enforcement officer with a background in national security. He now works as a public policy analyst, anti-authoritarian activist, and journalist. His work has been cited by Mother Jones, the Brookings Institute, and Thom Hartman.Reed Galen is an independent political strategist, co-founder of The Lincoln Project, and currently serves as the President of The Union, a nationwide coalition working to rebuild American democracy from the ground up. The Union brings together volunteers, organizers, and local leaders to support decent, competent candidates at every level of government. Under Reed's leadership, The Union is building the infrastructure needed to show up in all 50 states and strengthen civic engagement nationwide. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bigtentnews.substack.com

The Lincoln Project's Rick Wilson examines Trump’s Board of Peace bribe scheme.Journalist Laura Jedeed details the incredibly irresponsible hiring practices ICE is using.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On January 15, leaders from across Utah's civic and political landscape came together for a virtual discussion on how the state's shifting population is influencing organizing and electoral strategy. Katie Wright, Executive Director of the Utah Donor Collaborative, Emma Petty Addams, Co-Executive Director for Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG), and Matt Lyon, Utah Lead for the Rural West Project—joined by moderator Reed Galen, Co-Founder of The Lincoln Project‬ and President of The Union—shared firsthand perspectives on the collaborative work underway to build durable, cross-partisan alliances across urban and rural communities.Throughout the conversation, the speakers underscored the central role of fair political representation in strengthening democracy, pointing to examples of Utahns finding common ground across ideological lines. They highlighted how shared values around accountability, participation, and representation have allowed unlikely partners to work together effectively.The panel also challenged the assumption that meaningful pro-democracy progress is limited to traditionally blue states. Drawing on lessons from Utah, they emphasized that red states should not be written off—arguing instead that sustained organizing, inclusive coalitions, and strategic engagement can and do create openings for democratic reforms, even in places long considered politically out of reach.Learn more about the Utah Donor Collaborative here: https://utahdonorcollaborative.com/ Learn more about MWEG here: https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgove... Learn more about Reed's projects the Union here: https://www.jointheunion.us/ and the Lincoln Project here: https://lincolnproject.us/ ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:Katie Wright is a nonprofit leader focused on connecting human and financial capital to address challenges such as climate change and democracy reform. As Executive Director of the Utah Donor Collaborative, she partners with donors and expert organizations to help transform Utah's political landscape. From 2008 to 2021, she led the Park City Community Foundation, growing it into one of the nation's fastest-growing community foundations while expanding grant-making and community investment. From 2021 to 2025, she led Better Boundaries, advancing fair maps and protecting Utahns' constitutional rights to balanced ballot language and citizen-led reform. Katie is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Morocco, 2005–2007) and holds an MPA from Rutgers University and a B.A. from Colorado College.Emma Petty Addams serves as co-executive director for Mormon Women for Ethical Government. After receiving her bachelor's degree in piano performance at Stanford University, she spent time in Boston and Silicon Valley working in contracts negotiation, corporate transactions and capitalization, and investor relations. In addition, she has built and run large piano studios in California, New Jersey, and Omaha, Nebraska. While seemingly unrelated, these previous career opportunities were excellent preparation for the fast-paced yet methodical and collaborative nature of the work at MWEG. Every time an MWEG member writes an op-ed, speaks out against injustice, or expresses her opinion peacefully on social media, Emma is grateful for the chance to help women contribute their part to the complex multi-voice symphony that is our democracy. Emma currently resides with her husband and three sons in Salt Lake City, Utah.Matt Lyon is the founding and managing partner of Blueprint Public Affairs, Finance Director for the Rural West Project, and leads the Rural West Project's program in Utah. A long time Utah political consultant and operative, Matt was a founder of the Better Boundaries initiative, the Utah Donor Collaborative, Alliance for a Better Utah, and other local and national redistricting efforts. He has run and worked on campaigns for the U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, various state and mayoral efforts and a State Democratic Party.Reed Galen is an independent political strategist, co-founder of The Lincoln Project, and currently serves as the President of The Union, a nationwide coalition working to rebuild American democracy from the ground up. The Union brings together volunteers, organizers, and local leaders to support decent, competent candidates at every level of government. Under Reed's leadership, The Union is building the infrastructure needed to show up in all 50 states and strengthen civic engagement nationwide. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bigtentnews.substack.com

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson examines Kristi Noem’s lies. Illinois Governor Pritzker’s Chief of Staff Anne Caprara details how Democrats can fight back against Trump instead of caving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hits keep on coming as new information shows Trump at the center of several plots to seize voting machines in a desperate attempt to cling to power. Will he unleash his mob into the streets to avoid prison? All this and more as Lincoln Project co-founder and Trump archnemesis George Conway joins Mea Culpa.    To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices The hits keep on coming as new information shows Trump at the center of several plots to seize voting machines in a desperate attempt to cling to power. Will he unleash his mob into the streets to avoid prison? All this and more as Lincoln Project co-founder and Trump archnemesis George Conway joins Mea Culpa.

Join Jim and Greg for the Tuesday 3 Martini Lunch as they break down massive anti-regime protests in Iran and whether the ruling mullahs are finally in real danger, the death of a Republican congressman that tightens the GOP's already slim House majority, and the absurd congressional quest of George Conway.First, they cheer on the widespread protests erupting across Iran after the country's currency suffered a staggering collapse in value. Jim and Greg examine whether this latest wave of unrest has a better chance of toppling the regime than past uprisings, or if the theocratic government will once again respond with brutal crackdowns to stay in power.Next, they mourn the passing of Republican California Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a strong conservative who died at the age of 65. Combined with Monday's resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, House Republicans are left with an even narrower majority. Jim and Greg discuss how that complicates life for GOP leadership and criticize lawmakers who walk away from their seats mid-term for reasons other than serious health issues or scandal.Next, they mourn the passing of Republican California Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a strong conservative who died at the age of 65. Combined with Monday's resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, House Republicans are left with an even narrower majority. Jim and Greg discuss how that complicates life for GOP leadership and scold lawmakers who resign in the middle of their terms for reasons other than failing health or a scandal.Finally, they weigh in on the chaotic Democratic scramble to succeed Rep. Jerry Nadler in New York's 12th Congressional District in Manhattan. Jim and Greg roll their eyes as Lincoln Project alum George Conway attempts to carpetbag his way into Congress, while Jack Schlossberg, grandson of John F. Kennedy,  jumps into the race based on social media controversy and being a Kennedy.Please visit our great sponsors:Visit https://CoastPay.com/3ML to get free gas for a whole day. Terms apply.Try QUO for free, PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you visit https://Quo.com/3ML Stop putting off doctors' appointments—go to https://Zocdoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today!New episodes every weekday. 

In this episode, Mike Madrid, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, joins the discussion to explore the evolution of political ideologies from the Reagan era to the Trump administration. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by traditional conservatives, the impact of populism, and the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson examines Trump’s insane takeover of Venezuela.Then author Brad Meltzer details his new book The Viper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Mike Madrid, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, joins the discussion to explore the evolution of political ideologies from the Reagan era to the Trump administration. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by traditional conservatives, the impact of populism, and the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party.

The hits keep on coming as new information shows Trump at the center of several plots to seize voting machines in a desperate attempt to cling to power. Will he unleash his mob into the streets to avoid prison? All this and more as Lincoln Project co-founder and Trump archnemesis George Conway joins Mea Culpa. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John welcomes lapsed Republican strategist and Lincoln Project cofounder Rick Wilson back to the show to discuss the mounting signs that, less than one full year into his second term in office, Donald Trump has reached his sell-by date – and the implications of Trump's political decline for the MAGA-fied Republican Party. See all the ways bp is investing in America at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bp.com/InvestingInAmerica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson examines Trump’s economic delusions as we enter the holiday season. The New York Times’ Lydia Polgreen details America’s disastrous immigration policy and the toll it’s taking on the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss how being pro-democracy is a big tent coalition. In fact, it is our national identity.   Rick's civic action toolkit recommendations are:  1) Meet your your neighbors, friends, and family in person 2) Be a persuasive voice in your immediate network and build a network of networks   Rick Wilson is co-founder of the Lincoln Project, as well as the host of the Lincoln Project and The Enemies List podcasts. He is a 30 year veteran of national Republican politics, starting with the 1988 presidential campaign of George Herbert Walker Bush, and is now a registered Independent.   Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/   Discover new ways to #BetheSpark:  https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark    Follow Mila on X:  https://x.com/milaatmos    Follow Rick on X:  https://x.com/TheRickWilson    Check out the Lincoln Project: https://lincolnproject.us/    Sponsor:  Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful.   Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight  Credits:  Host: Mila Atmos  Guest: Rick Wilson Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Michael breaks down the Oath Keepers January 6th plot and how it was far worse than anybody realized. The Lincoln Project's Rick Wilson joins Mea Culpa to tell us what it all means.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson examines Trump’s indefensible pardons. Tim Wu details his new book The Age of Extraction: How Tech Platforms Conquered the Economy and Threaten Our Future Prosperity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson examines the numerous corrupt dealings happening inside the Trump White House on the back of U.S. foreign policy. Can’t Win Victory Fund’s Kate Compton Barr details why she’s a Democrat running in a Republican primary for Congress.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson examines the disbanding of DOGE.Then American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten details Trump’s dismantling of the Department of Education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson examines the civil war inside the White House and how Trump’s chief of staff may be on the way out. Author, Michael Steinberger, details his new book, The Philosopher in the Valley: Alex Karp, Palantir, and the Rise of the Surveillance State.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Mea Culpa, I'm joined by Rick Wilson, Lincoln Project co-founder, political strategist, and author, to break down the fallout from the government shutdown. Rick and I dissect the disastrous shutdown “deal” Democratic senators voted for on Sunday, how Trump continues to fool average Americans, and what the discharge petition means for the release of the Epstein files. We dig into the GOP's accelerating slide into authoritarianism and the weaponization of power against ordinary Americans through frozen SNAP benefits and soaring healthcare premiums. This conversation was recorded on Tuesday, November 11th, prior to the government reopening. Thanks to our sponsors: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount plus a $40 bonus gift. Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: shopify.com/COHEN Soul: Go to https://GetSoul.com and use code: COHEN to get 40% OFF your order! Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our favorite internet troll and expert on all things Donald Trump, Rick Wilson of the Lincoln Project, joins us to bash the pedo-protector ring called MAGA.Order our new book, join our Substack, and more by clicking here: https://linktr.ee/ivehaditpodcast.Thank you to our sponsors:This episode is brought to you by Booking.com: Head over to https://booking.com and start your listing today. Get Seen. Get Booked on Booking.com.Apretude by Viiv Healthcare: Learn more at https://APRETUDE.com or call 1-888-240-0340.Dupe: For a limited time, the first 10,000 people who go to https://Dupe.com/Hadit will get 500 Dupe Points instantly.HoneyLove: Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to https://honeylove.com/Hadit! #honeylovepodChewy: Every pet deserves a wish come true. Send your pet's wish to https://Chewy.com/ChewyClaus and it might become a reality. Plus, your wish means Chewy will donate 5 meals to pets in need.Follow Us:I've Had It Podcast: @IvehaditpodcastJennifer Welch: @mizzwelchAngie "Pumps" Sullivan: @pumpspumpspumpsSpecial Guest: Rick Wilson @therickwilsonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson examines how Trump continues to lose the messaging war over the shutdown. The Fight Agency’s Rebecca Katz and Morris Katz detail how Democrats continue to win heading into the midterms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson examines how Trump’s government has become so dysfunctional it can’t even keep airports running. New York Magazine’s Irin Carmon details her new book Unbearable: Five Women and the Perils of Pregnancy in America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson examines Trump receiving an illegal $130 million donation from one of his top donors. Then the DLCC’s Heather Williams details how Democrats win.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson examines Trump’s increasingly unpopular agenda. The New York Times’ Adam Liptak details originalism in the Supreme Court and how it affects the firing of government employees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson joins us to discuss Trump’s increasing hints that he will enact the Insurrection Act. Then we’ll talk to CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin about his new book, 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History—and How It Shattered a Nation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael breaks down the GOP's Senate blockade of the Voter Rights Bill. Next, the GOP's war on wokeness and obsession with critical race theory. Then the news that Trump sought to shutdown SNL for his portrayal. Finally, Tara Setmayer from Lincoln Project's The Breakdown joins Mea Culpa.    To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices Michael breaks down the GOP's Senate blockade of the Voter Rights Bill. Next, the GOP's war on wokeness and obsession with critical race theory. Then the news that Trump sought to shutdown SNL for his portrayal. Finally, Tara Setmayer from Lincoln Project's The Breakdown joins Mea Culpa. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices