Politicology

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at the Ukraine and Israel aid package and whether Mike Johnson might actually be a capable speaker. Then we’ll discuss the anti-Israel encampments at college campuses across the country. Finally, we’ll talk about the “safe space” election and how Joe Biden and Donald Trump are only talking to friendly media Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel:  Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director) Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP; host of The Lobby Pod) Segments this week: (02:32)  Speaker Johnson puts country over crazy (21:40) The anti-Israel encampments at college campuses (40:21) Biden and Trump stick to friendly media [Politicology+] Are you frustrated with non-stop fundraising text messages and emails? For this week’s Politocology+ episode, Zack and Ron dish on a few of the unsavory strategies and tactics campaigns and PACs use to raise money, share information, and skirt rules. Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/ZackCz https://twitter.com/LPDonovan Related reading: Segment 1:  The Atlantic - The Accidental Speaker NYT - How Mike Johnson Got to ‘Yes’ on Aid to Ukraine - The New York Times Politico - How McConnell and Schumer beat hardline conservatives on Ukraine - POLITICO Vanity Fair - The Motion to Vacate Mike Johnson Seems Pretty Darn Motionless | Vanity Fair Segment 2:  NYT - Universities Struggle as Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations Grow The Atlantic - The Unreality of Columbia’s ‘Liberated Zone’ - The Atlantic NYT - Some Jewish Students Are Targeted as Protests Continue at Columbia - The New York Times WP - Biden aims to strike careful balance as college protests spread - The Washington Post FP - Among the Activists Plotting to Disrupt the DNC | The Free Press Segment 3:  Axios - How Biden, Trump favor safe spaces   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this two part series, Journalist and author Byron Tau joins host Ron Steslow to discuss his new book Means of Control: How the Hidden Alliance Of Tech And Government Is creating a New American Surveillance State  Part 2: (02:17) The extensive government data collection Edward Snowden revealed  (09:40) How data vendors bypass privacy reviews within government agencies  (11:50) The role of encryption in safeguarding privacy and the historical context of encryption legalization  (18:40) Government efforts to weaken encryption and what that means for your privacy  (22:45) How foreign governments could misuse data (24:24) The public awareness of this form of surveillance  (26:38) What could legislative reform look like?  (29:37) The influence of advertising and data brokers in shaping privacy  Read Means of Control: How the Hidden Alliance Of Tech And Government Is creating a New American Surveillance State — https://bit.ly/44199hw Follow Ron and Byron  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/ByronTau Email your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, what it means for the Middle East, and the response at home. Then we discuss  how people living above the poverty line are feeling the financial crunch, Donald Trump’s plan to boost inflation, and the IMF’s warning that our deficit spending could upend the global economy.  Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel:  Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) Susan Del Percio  (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert)  Segments this week: (02:40) Iran’s attack (40:18) Financial frustration [Politicology+] Uri Berliner’s resignation from NPR, the lack of viewpoint diversity in media, media activism and biases and the erosion of trust as a result Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/DelPercioS https://twitter.com/HagarChemali Related reading: Segment 1:  Axios - What to know about Iran's attack on Israel CBS News - What Iran launched at Israel in its unprecedented attack, and what made it through the air defenses - CBS News Politico - Has Biden Considered Having an Iran Strategy? - POLITICO AP - Middle East conflicts revive clash between the president and Congress over war powers | AP News ABC News Bay Area - 38 Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested after shutdown of Golden Gate Bridge, I-880 in Oakland, CHP says - ABC7 San Francisco Politico - Democrats fear Netanyahu may have undermined Biden’s image among voters - POLITICO WSJ - Mike Johnson Defies GOP Critics, Setting Up Ukraine-Israel Aid Showdown - WSJ Segment 2:  Politico - Trump trade advisers plot dollar devaluation - POLITICO  WSJ - The Calls for Help Coming From Above the Poverty Line - WSJ CNBC - Fed Chair Powell says there has been a 'lack of further progress' this year on inflation The Financial Times - US deficit poses ‘significant risks’ to global economy, warns IMF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this two part series, Journalist and author Byron Tau joins host Ron Steslow to discuss his new book Means of Control: How the Hidden Alliance Of Tech And Government Is creating a New American Surveillance State  Part 1: (02:36) Byron’s background and why he decided to write this book  (05:15) The Evolution of data brokering  (09:00) Understanding metadata and data collection and how they can identify you  (12:12) The implications for personal privacy  (22:15) The state of privacy rights in the United States  (26:16) The public-private surveillance relationship  (28:43) The shift in Government attitudes toward this type of data  (31:20) How social media changed the data collection game Read Means of Control: How the Hidden Alliance Of Tech And Government Is creating a New American Surveillance State — https://bit.ly/44199hw Follow Ron and Byron  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/ByronTau Email your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at No Labels announcing they won’t field a ticket and the impact RFK Jr. could have, how Trump’s abortion announcement and the Arizona Supreme Court case could impact the election, and Joe Biden tries to cancel student debt…again.  Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel:  Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP; host of The Lobby Pod) Segments this week: (02:05) No Labels and RFK Jr.  (14:47) Abortion (38:20) Student loan debt [Politicology+] The new book misleading people about “white rural rage” and the scapegoating of rural Americans Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell https://twitter.com/LPDonovan Related reading: Segment 1:  Politico -No Labels packs it up, won’t put forth a presidential ticket - POLITICO CNN - RFK Jr. campaign walks back fundraising emails that said January 6 defendants were stripped of constitutional liberties | CNN Politics Politico - RFK Jr. ballot access consultant promotes strategy to throw the election to Trump - POLITICO CNN  - RFK Jr. campaign official attended Jan. 6 ‘Stop the Steal’ rally and wanted ‘favorite President’ Trump to run for third term | CNN Politics Segment 2:  AP - Trump's abortion statement angers conservatives and gives the Biden campaign a new target | AP News CNN  - Trump says he wouldn’t sign federal abortion ban | CNN Politics WP - Arizona’s abortion ruling threatens to upend 2024 races - The Washington Post Segment 3: NYT - What to Know About Biden’s New Student Debt Relief Plan - The New York Times CNBC - Biden administration could start forgiving student debt this year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Molly McKew (writer and lecturer on Russian influence and information warfare) and Chris Zappone (Digital Foreign Editor at The Age and the writer and narrator of the Dark Shining Moment podcast) join host Ron Steslow to discuss the evolution of Russian tactics since 2016 and the vulnerability of American democracy Segments to look forward to: (02:16) The state of the war  in Ukraine  (10:00) The evolution of Russian influence campaigns   (14:37) What Putin wants  (25:14) The democratic mind and future vision   (29:00) America’s role in the world  (46:00) The erosion of trust and manipulation of narratives  (59:10) The importance of national psychological defense  (1:10:00) The impact of social media on trust in media institutions  (1:13:00) Balancing healthy skepticism and toxic cynicism in meaning making institutions  (1:14:45) The challenge of finding reliable sources  (1:18:00) Russia’s goal: America eating itself alive Listen to Dark Shining Moment: https://apple.co/3Jhasz2 Follow Ron, Molly, and Chris on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/MollyMcKew https://twitter.com/chrizap Email your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at one way Republicans could try to legally throw out votes to ensure Trump’s victory, the latest Wall Street Journal polling, and the backlash against DEI  Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel:  Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director) Alex Thompson (National Political Correspondent for Axios) Segments this week: (02:06) Starting the steal (20:10) The WSJ Poll and who benefits from RFK Jr’s run  (30:15) The backlash against DEI   [Politicology+] Lab Leak, the origins of human life, and the push for ideological purity that is stifling scientific inquiry Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/ZackCz https://twitter.com/AlexThomp Related reading: Segment 1:  The Bulwark - ‘Start the Steal’: Trump Once Again Planning to Overturn an Election NYT - Here Is One Way to Steal the Presidential Election WP - GOP scrambles to organize early and mail voting despite Trump’s attacks - The Washington Post Segment 2:  WSJ - Trump Leads Biden in Six of Seven Swing States, WSJ Poll Finds WSJ - Five Takeaways From the WSJ Swing-State Poll AP - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. picks Nicole Shanahan as his running mate for independent White House bid | AP News CNN - RFK Jr. names Silicon Valley attorney Nicole Shanahan as running mate | CNN Politics Axios - Conservative media sours on RFK Jr. as an independent Segment 3: Axios - Behind DEI’s rise and fall NBC News - Oregon re-criminalizes small amounts of hard drugs after 2020 voter initiative is overturned Brianna Wu criticizing progressivism  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Ron Steslow respond to your feedback and answer your questions on our latest mailbag episode.  (01:05) The Bannon Line and how the dynamics of this cycle are different from 2020 (09:00) Why the traditional political spectrum isn’t a useful framework and the rise of populism (17:50) The Fairness Doctrine and the impact of its Removal (25:25) The debate over whether Biden should debate Trump  (30:46) Trump’s takeover of the RNC  (41:31) The Republican Party’s brand  (46:26) Authoritarian Reactionary Christians in American Politics  (50:02) The loss of focus on Community  (1:03:00) The threat of Religious Nationalism Have a question for a future Mailbag episode? Send it over to us at podcast@politicology.com! You can also leave us a voice message at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow Ron, and Mike on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at Trump taking Truth Social public, the ISIS terrorist attack in Moscow, and why you weren’t crazy about how bad inflation was Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel:  Al Cárdenas (Advisor to Presidents Regan and George H.W. Bush) Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) Segments this week: (02:50) Truth Social Goes Public (17:00) ISIS attack in Moscow (36:24) Inflation was bad, you’re not crazy [Politicology+] Ronna McDaniel and the MSNBC  On-Air Uproar Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Check out Oh My World!: https://www.ohmyworld.tv/ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/AlCardenasFL_DC https://twitter.com/HagarChemali Related reading: Segment 1:  CNN - Trump bond lowered to $175 million as he appeals civil fraud judgement in New York | CNN Politics Axios - Truth Social faces harsh reality as a public company Time Magazine - Why Is Trump's Truth Social Worth Billions? Experts Have Theories Segment 2:  Radio Free Europe - Putin Blames 'Radical Islamists' For Concert Massacre, But Still Points To Ukraine, U.S. USA Today - ISIS behind brutal Moscow terror attack, France tells Russia, as Kremlin points to Ukraine AP - US gave advance notice of Moscow attack. What is 'duty to warn'? | AP News Segment 3: The Bulwark - Harvard Economists Confirm You’re Not Crazy: Inflation Was Really Bad (From March 8) Bloomberg - Biden Bets Fed Will Cut Rates Soon as He Pledges Housing Help - Bloomberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you win campaigns in a world awash with lies? And why do candidates and campaigns struggle to “use their normal brains” when those lies happen to start online?  In the second episode of this two-part conversation, join host Ron Steslow, Mike Madrid, and Sasha Issemberg to discuss the way Democratic political campaigns are adjusting to the challenges of the new information landscape, as Sasha’s reveals in his new book The Lie Detectives: In Search of a Playbook for Winning Elections in the Disinformation Age. In part 2: (01:53) What strategists learned about combating disinformation from foreign campaigns  (06:30) How a Brazilian candidate turned a lie about him into a branding opportunity  (17:50)How the Supreme Court in Brazil tried to fight disinformation  (30:00) Who gets to decide what’s a lie online?  (38:17) The use of AI in campaigns and disinformation Read The Lie Detectives: https://www.sashaissenberg.com/the-lie-detectives Read The Victory Lab: https://www.sashaissenberg.com/the-victory-lab Follow Ron, Sasha, and Mike on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/sissenberg https://twitter.com/madrid_mike Email your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at Tuesday’s election results and the warning signs for Trump, whether the impeachment inquiry is backfiring on Republicans, and how to talk about “Christian Nationalism” Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel:  Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director) Susan Del Percio  (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert)  Lanae Erickson (Senior Vice President for Social Policy, Education, and Politics at Third Way) Segments this week: (02:27) Trump’s base weakness (19:00) Impeachment  (31:41) “Christian Nationalism” [Politicology+] Should Biden debate Trump?  Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/ZackCz https://twitter.com/DelPercioS https://twitter.com/LanaeErickson Related reading: Segment 1:  Axios - Trump wins Arizona primary, but Haley takes nearly 19% of the vote - Axios Phoenix The Guardian - Trump predicts ‘bloodbath’ if he loses election and claims ‘Biden beat Obama’ CNN - Pence says he ‘cannot in good conscience’ endorse Trump | CNN Politics USA Today - Mike Pence accuses Donald Trump of 'walking away' from the Constitution after refusing to endorse him Segment 2:  Religion in Public - Christian Nationalism is Both Smear and Savior to Many Christians Matt Taylor Thread on “Smear and Savior”  Matt Taylor Thread on Dusty Deevers speech  Segment 3: Axios - Shouting, accusations, a mask: GOP's Hunter Biden hearing erupts into bickering NBC News - Lev Parnas, ex-Giuliani associate, testified allegations against Bidens are false and 'spread by the Kremlin' Reuters - Democratic lawmaker dons Putin mask, mocks Republicans at Biden impeachment hearing | Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you win campaigns in a world awash with lies? And why do candidates and campaigns struggle to “use their normal brains” when those lies happen start online?  In this two-part conversation, join host Ron Steslow, Mike Madrid, and Sasha Issemberg to discuss the way Democratic political campaigns are adjusting to the challenges of the new information landscape, as Sasha’s reveals in his new book The Lie Detectives: In Search of a Playbook for Winning Elections in the Disinformation Age. In part 1: (02:01) Why Sasha wrote The Lie Detectives (03:33) The evolution of campaign tactics in the early 2000s (04:43) The focus on “disinformation” after the 2016 election  (7:10) The Trump campaign’s strategy to depress turnout in 2016, and the difference between “suppression” and “depression.” (10:36) Strategies for discouraging turnout in 2020  (14:30) How campaigns should decide what wrong information to respond to online (20:31) The generational shift in campaign decision makers (30:18) The shift to calling opponents “liars” Read The Lie Detectives: https://www.sashaissenberg.com/the-lie-detectives Read The Victory Lab: https://www.sashaissenberg.com/the-victory-lab Follow Ron, Sasha, and Mike on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/sissenberg https://twitter.com/madrid_mike Email your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we dive into the nuances of Georgia’s Republican primary, No Labels pushing forward with their plan to draft a presidential candidate, and Donald Trump’s takeover at the RNC Joining Ron Steslow on week’s panel:  Greg Bluestein (Politics Reporter at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution) Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) Segments this week: (02:14) The Georgia primary  (12:25) No Labels (34:34) The RNC Purge [Politicology+] Congress's latest push to ban TikTok Not yet a Politicology+ member? It’s our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with 30% more episodes filled with more strategy, analysis, thoughtful discussion…aaand the occasional piece of hot gossip. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell https://twitter.com/bluestein Related reading: Segment 1:  The Hill - Haley gets 77K votes in Georgia GOP primary after dropping out of race | The Hill AJC - PG A.M.: Takeaways from Georgia’s presidential primaries ABC News - Judge throws out 6 counts of Trump's Georgia election interference indictment - ABC News NYT - For This Rookie Judge, a Pivotal Decision Looms in the Georgia Trump Case - The New York Times Segment 2:  WSJ - No Labels Is Expected to Push Ahead With ‘Unity’ Presidential Ticket - WSJ WSJ - No Labels Considering Georgia Republican Geoff Duncan to Lead ‘Unity’ Presidential Ticket - WSJ Segment 3: Politico - RNC installs new leadership as Trump tightens hold on GOP - POLITICO NYT - Election Updates: Big cuts after Trump’s R.N.C. takeover; Biden goes on offensive. - The New York Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over two decades ago, Ruy Teixeira predicted that America was on its way to a bright blue future, thanks to an inevitable demographic shift that would deliver the Party a dominant, durable political coalition. “Demography is destiny” became the mantra of the Democratic Party—proven out by Obama’s decisive 2008 electoral college win. But then, in 2016, Trump upended that coalition, and, consequently, anti-Trumpism naturally became a defining feature of the Democratic Party. But—beyond its opposition to Trump—what does the Democratic Party stand for today? With the Republican Party infected with extremism and so embarrassingly unable to govern, why aren’t Democrats winning sustainable majorities? And why is the Democratic party still losing ground with some of the core parts of its base? In the second part of this two-part conversation, former Center for American Progress senior fellow Ruy Teixeira joins Ron Steslow to discuss his new book Where Have All the Democrats Gone? The Soul of the Party in the Age of Extremes. In part 2: (01:06 ) The shift towards identity politics and how it’s changing the party’s approach to race and civil rights (08:40) Radical approaches to transgender rights (16:50) The change in environmental policy from responsible stewardship to the more extreme positions of the Green New Deal (41:14) The rise in independent voters, what it really means, and how it should impact political strategy (45:45) Whether it’s even possible for structural reforms in our political system to improve the health of our democracy Read Where Have All the Democrats Gone?: https://bit.ly/3P8hpGm Check out The Liberal Patriot: https://www.liberalpatriot.com/ Follow Ron  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. With the presidential nominations locked up after Super Tuesday, Joe Biden kicked off his 2024 campaign in earnest at his “defiant” State of the Union address.  Also: the Super Tuesday results, Nikki Haley bowing out of the primary and the fight for her supporters.  Joining Ron Steslow on week’s panel:  Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP) Alex Thompson (National Political Correspondent for Axios) Segments this week: (01:50) Joe Biden’s State of the Union address (30:20) Super Tuesday results, Haley dropping out, and Trump’s move to purify the Republican party [Politicology+] Katie Porter claims the California Senate Primary was “rigged by Billionaires”   Not yet a Politicology+ member? It’s our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with 30% more episodes filled with more strategy, analysis, thoughtful discussion…aaand the occasional piece of hot gossip. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Related reading: Segment 1:  The White House - President Biden's State of the Union Address NY Times - 5 Takeaways From Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address - The New York Times Yahoo Finance - What Biden gets wrong about 'price gouging' and 'corporate greed' AP - Fact Focus: Claims Biden administration is secretly flying migrants into the country are unfounded | AP News Segment 2:  NY Times - 5 Takeaways From Super Tuesday: Trump Wins and Haley Exits - The New York Times The Bulwark - Nikki Haley Has Chosen to Be a Tool for Authoritarianism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over two decades ago, Ruy Teixeira predicted that America was on its way to a bright blue future, thanks to an inevitable demographic shift that would deliver the Party a dominant, durable political coalition. “Demography is destiny” became the mantra of the Democratic Party—proven out by Obama’s decisive 2008 electoral college win. But then, in 2016, Trump upended that coalition, and, consequently, anti-Trumpism naturally became a defining feature of the Democratic Party. But—beyond its opposition to Trump—what does the Democratic Party stand for today? With the Republican Party infected with extremism and so embarrassingly unable to govern, why aren’t Democrats winning sustainable majorities? And why is the Democratic party still losing ground with some of the core parts of its base? In this two-part conversation, former Center for American Progress senior fellow Ruy Teixeira joins Ron Steslow to discuss his new book Where Have All the Democrats Gone? The Soul of the Party in the Age of Extremes. In part 1: (01:50 ) Ruy’s background (05:00) How the Democrats became the party of the elites  (10:10)The impact of the 2016 election  (23:23) The importance of working class voters in the Democratic party’s victories  (30:20) The party’s increasingly liberal stance on immigration  Read Where Have All the Democrats Gone?: https://bit.ly/3P8hpGm Check out The Liberal Patriot: https://www.liberalpatriot.com/ Follow Ron  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. What will the protest votes in Michigan mean for the Biden campaign? What major Trump weakness did we see in his 20-point win in South Carolina?  Joining Ron Steslow on week’s panel:  Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder)  Anthony York (Fmr. Senior Communications Advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom)  Segments this week: (02:30) Did the “uncommitted” protest vote against Biden in Michigan backfire?  (13:03) The Republican Primary in South Carolina, what it means for Haley, and Trump’s weaknesses with Republicans (30:00) Crosspressure on IVF and reproductive rights vs border security and immigration  [Politicology+] The bipartisan crypto SuperPAC targeting Katie Porter in the California Senate Primary and the partisan realignment on Wall Street Not yet a Politicology+ member? It’s our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with 30% more episodes filled with more strategy, analysis, thoughtful discussion…aaand the occasional piece of hot gossip. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Check out the LA Times series about Latino politics in L.A.: https://bit.ly/3T1qotI Support Molly’s fundraiser for drones for frontline units in Ukraine:  https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/91MGe8XC8A Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/anthonyyork49 Related reading: Segment 1:  Detroit Free Press - 'Uncommitted' Michigan primary vote results: What happens next for Biden, campaign NPR - The push to vote 'uncommitted' to Biden in Michigan exceeds goal NYT - Hamas Rejects Cease-Fire Proposal, Dashing Biden’s Hopes of Near Term Deal - The New York Times Segment 2:  Politico - Takeaways from Trump's thumping of Haley in South Carolina - POLITICO ABC News - Nikki Haley argues Trump not getting 40% of primary voters is clue he'd lose to Biden - ABC News Axios - “Suicide for our country”: Nikki Haley goes scorched earth on Trump AP - Trump calls himself a ‘proud political dissident’ in CPAC speech Segment 3:  Axios - Scoop: House Democrats plan barrage against GOP on IVF Politico - Alabama said frozen embryos are kids. The GOP isn’t sure what to do about it. - POLITICO Politico - Senate GOP poised to block IVF protection bill - POLITICO NYT - Arrest of Migrant in Georgia Killing Turns City Into Latest Battleground on Immigration - The New York Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever thought about what it means to be anonymous?  Have you considered what it means that you can walk down the street or go to the grocery store or out to dinner without someone you’ve never met knowing your name, everything you’ve posted online, or your political leanings? Or when you go on a first date with someone, they’d walk in knowing your dating history, your political affiliations, your credit score or what groceries you buy? Advancements in facial recognition and a secretive startup could end privacy as we know it.  In this two-part conversation, New York Times Tech Reporter Kashmir Hill joins host Ron Steslow to discuss privacy, anonymity, facial recognition software and her book Your Face Belongs to Us: A Secretive Startup’s Quest to End Privacy as We Know It. In part 2: (01:40) “Technical sweetness” and the lack of ethical considerations by the people building these new technologies  (12:30) Privacy laws in the U.S. and Europe  (15:24) The trend of law enforcement agencies skirting constitutional protections by buying information from private companies. (27:20) Balancing security and privacy in the age of ubiquitous surveillance (30:50) What the future of privacy might look like  Read Your Face Belongs to Us: https://bit.ly/49qsbQm Follow Ron and Kashmir  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/kashhill Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Last week, Vladimir Putin had his biggest domestic rival, Alexei Navalny murdered in prison. Now Donald Trump is comparing himself to Navalny.  This week’s panel:  Ron Steslow Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director) Segments this week: (02:50) Navalny’s killing; and the Republican impeachment probe takes a big hit (29:04) Donald Trump is selling sneakers to cover his legal bills (39 :00) Trump allies plotting to make Christian nationalism a key part of a second administration [Politicology+] The hearing about whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis can continue prosecuting Trump and the huge blunder in her relationship with the special prosecutor in the case Not yet a Politicology+ member? It’s our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with 30% more episodes filled with more strategy, analysis, thoughtful discussion…aaand the occasional piece of hot gossip. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Check out Oh My World!: https://www.ohmyworld.tv/ Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/ZackCz https://twitter.com/HagarChemali Related reading: Segment 1:  Reuters - What we know about Alexei Navalny's death in Arctic prison | Reuters NBC News- A now-indicted FBI informant was at the 'heart' of the GOP's case against Joe Biden CNN - Alexander Smirnov: Former FBI informant charged with lying about the Bidens’ role in Ukraine business | CNN Politics Axios - Russia arrests Los Angeles woman on treason charges Segment 2:  NBC News - Judge fines Donald Trump more than $350 million, bars him from running businesses in N.Y. for three years Get Trump Sneakers  ABC News - Trump hawks $399 branded shoes at 'Sneaker Con,' a day after a $355 million ruling against him - ABC News Politico - Trump leadership PAC racked up $4.8 million in new legal bills - POLITICO The Dispatch - Navalny’s Death Sheds Light on the Moral Rot of the American Right - Jonah Goldberg - The Dispatch Segment 3:  Politico - Trump allies prepare to infuse ‘Christian nationalism’ in second administration - POLITICO Politico - Mike Johnson invoked God in a GOP presentation on keeping the majority. It didn’t land well. - Live Updates - POLITICO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever thought about what it means to be anonymous?  Have you considered what it means that you can walk down the street or go to the grocery store or out to dinner without someone you’ve never met knowing your name, everything you’ve posted online, or your political leanings? Or when you go on a first date with someone, they’d walk in knowing your dating history, your political affiliations, your credit score or what groceries you buy? Advancements in facial recognition and a secretive startup could end privacy as we know it.  In this two-part conversation, New York Times Tech Reporter Kashmir Hill joins host Ron Steslow to discuss privacy, anonymity, facial recognition software and her book Your Face Belongs to Us: A Secretive Startup’s Quest to End Privacy as We Know It. In part 1: (01:43 ) Ron and Kashmir discuss anonymity and privacy and the erosion of both in our daily lives  (00:00 ) Balancing convenience and privacy  (11:00) The origins of ClearviewAI  (13:30) Genetic determinism in the development of facial recognition  (18:20) Kashmir dives deep into the history of facial recognition software and how it developed.  (22:37) How Facebook crowdsourced training facial recognition technology (25:00) How much privacy should we have and who should be able to use facial recognition software?  Read Your Face Belongs to Us: https://bit.ly/49qsbQm Follow Ron and Kashmir  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/kashhill Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Last week, a Department of Justice special counsel report concluded that Joe Biden should not be charged for his mishandling of classified documents, but the allegations about Biden’s memory have taken center stage. This week’s panel:  Ron Steslow Matt Bennett (Founder & Executive Vice President for Public Affairs at Third Way) Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) Liz Gilbert Cohen (President of the 2020 Democratic National Convention) Segments this week: (03:04) Special Counsel’s report  (24:40) NY-3 Special Election  (44:12) Russia wants to put a nuke in space + the invasive and controversial surveillance program set to expire soon [Politicology+] No Labels’ dubious presidential ticket and their recent letter asking the Justice Department to investigate their critics Not yet a Politicology+ member? It’s our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with 30% more episodes filled with more strategy, analysis, thoughtful discussion…aaand the occasional piece of hot gossip. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Support Molly McKew’s fundraiser for surveillance and communications drones for frontline units in Ukraine:  https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/91MGe8XC8A Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/ThirdWayMattB https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell Related reading: Segment 1:  Axios - Special counsel report questions Biden's memory ABC News - Overwhelming majority of Americans think Biden is too old for another term: POLL - ABC News Fox - Biden's upcoming physical exam will not include a cognitive test, White House says Politico - Biden v. Trump: The battle over who’s too old, too forgetful or too confused - POLITICO Segment 2:  NYT - In New York Win, Democrats Sense a Pivot on Immigration and Border Politics CNBC - Democrats see New York special election win as blueprint for defeating Trump in November NBC News - Pennsylvania Democrats pad narrow state House advantage with special election win Segment 3:  ABC News - GOP warning of 'national security threat' is about Russia wanting nuclear weapon in space: Sources - ABC News CNN - House Intel Chairman announces ‘serious national security threat,’ sources say it is related to Russia | CNN Politics Washington Post - Officials sound alarm about new Russian “space threat” - The Washington Post Roll Call - House delays plans on surveillance program reauthorization vote - Roll Call Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy? What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?” How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon? In this two-part conversation, we dive into these provocative questions with the Rev. Prof. David Gushee (Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University) and discuss his book Defending Democracy From Its Christian Enemies. Segments to look forward to in part 2: (02:12) Christianity in the reactionary politics of France and Germany in the 20th century   (07:54) The allure of authoritarian leaders who promise to fix cultural issues  (13:06) The idealization of a past Christian nation and the ubiquitous use of anti-LGBT rhetoric in policial mobilization (18:20) The difficulty of appealing to authoritarian-leaning Christians and the influence of leaders in those communities (32:30 ) “Covenantal democracy” rooted in the Baptist tradition (35:18) The importance of civic literacy and political ethics education among Christians to inoculate against authoritarian tendencies (40:00) The importance of long-term cultural and interpersonal work to build stronger democratic norms. For more of David’s work visit his website: https://www.davidpgushee.com/ Follow Ron  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy? What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?” How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon? In this two-part conversation, Ron Steslow and Rev. Prof. David Gushee (Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University) discuss these provocative questions and more as they dive into David’s book, Defending Democracy From Its Christian Enemies. In part 1: (04:40) Ron shares a personal note with David about the impact he’s had on Ron’s journey   (07:24) David discussed a few of the transformative moments in his career  (13:08) The historical and current challenges Christianity poses to democratic values  (16:30) Why some Christians are skeptical of democracy and the nuanced reasons behind it (22:02 ) Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity and why it’s a better term for what we’re seeing  than Christian Nationalism  (28:38) How certain Christian groups prioritize their beliefs over democratic norms and values  (34:02) The cycle of secular revolutions followed by religious counter-revolutions  For more of David’s work visit his website: https://www.davidpgushee.com/ Follow Ron  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MAGA makes a mess all over the Capitol, including tanking their own  border deal for Trump. Tucker Carlson goes to the Kremlin to be Putin’s mouthpiece. This week’s panel:  Ron Steslow Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder)  Molly McKew (writer and lecturer on Russian influence and information warfare) Segments this week: (03:00) Republican dysfunction in Congress (27:11) Tucker Carlson interviews Putin and evolving Russian information warfare [Politicology+] The money raised and spent by Super PACs supporting Trump’s primary challengers—what it tells us, and why it matters. Not yet a Politicology+ subscriber? It’s a private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus.  Support Molly’s fundraiser for drones for frontline units in Ukraine:  https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/91MGe8XC8A Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike  https://twitter.com/MollyMcKew Related reading: Segment 1:  CNN - Bipartisan border deal on brink of defeat ahead of key Senate vote | CNN Politics Politico - McConnell faces a growing GOP rebellion after border deal breaks down - POLITICO Axios - Senate Democrats strike fast after GOP’s border deal implosion Axios - House GOP erupts in fury over "embarrassing" and "shameful" defeats Segment 2:  WP - Putin interview with Tucker Carlson shows Kremlin outreach to Trump’s GOP - The Washington Post X - Tucker Carlson on Why he’s interviewing Putin NYT - N.S.A. Installs New Director as U.S. Prepares for Election Influence Operations Read George Conway’s piece about the Trump immunity decision:  The Atlantic - An Airtight Ruling Against Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What sort of person decides to step back from an esteemed career as a civil liberties legal advocate and embark on one of the most exhausting and thankless prospects you can imagine—a bid for congress?  Exactly the sort of person Congress needs at this moment.  Civil Rights Attorney and advocate Joe Cohn returns to Politicology to discuss his decision to run for congress.  Segments to look forward to: (02:06) Why Joe’s running for congress (06:30) What makes him different from the rest of the field   (08:20) His experience in civil rights litigation and legislative advocacy  (14:12) The role of elected officials in depolarization  (20:40) The threats to democracy (25:20) Curbing executive power and encouraging legislative action (37:13) The broken incentive structure in Congress  (47:47) New Jersey Politics and the County Party Line (50:27) Winning in an environment that values spectacle (52:45)Prioritizing reasonableness and dialogue Check out Joe’s website: https://www.joecohnforcongress.com/ Follow Ron and Joe  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/JoeCohnNJ3 Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. On this weekly roundup, Biden praises the border security deal and pledges to “shut down” the border if it passes, an Iranian-backed militia kills three U.S. soldiers in Jordan, and Nikki Haley goes on offense. This week’s panel:  Ron Steslow Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder)  Olivier Knox (veteran politics and foreign policy reporter, most recently at The Washington Post ) Segments this week: (02:35) The border deal (18:00) Iran-backed militias (36:13) Nikki Haley [Politicology+] The MAGA conspiracy theory that the Super Bowl is rigged and Taylor Swift is a PsyOp. Not yet a Politicology+ subscriber? It’s a private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus.  Check out Olivier’s substack: https://olivierknox.substack.com/ Watch Spiritual Warriors: Decoding Christian Nationalism at the Capitol Riot —https://bit.ly/3UqNfl6 Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/OKnox  https://twitter.com/madrid_mike  Related reading: Segment 1:  WP - Lankford defends bipartisan border security bill after attacks by Trump, GOP The Hill - House Republicans poised to torpedo GOP’s best chance in years to pass border bill | The Hill Axios - Bloomberg poll: Biden losing ground to Trump on immigration White House - Statement from President Joe Biden On the Bipartisan Senate Border Security Negotiations | The White House WSJ - A GOP Border Reckoning - WSJ Segment 2:  CNN - Jordan drone attack: Three US troops killed at Tower 22, more than 30 injured | CNN Politics NPR - U.S. identifies the 3 service members killed in drone strike in Jordan : NPR NYT - 3 American Soldiers Killed in Drone Strike in Jordan, U.S. Says Axios - Biden says he's decided how to respond to deadly Jordan attack AP - Iran threatens to respond to any US strikes as Biden weighs how to react to a base attack in Jordan Segment 3:  The Bulwark - An Open Letter to Nikki Haley - by Michael Wood NYT - Nikki Haley Goes After Trump and Biden in ‘Grumpy Old Men’ Campaign - The New York Times Axios - Nikki Haley's coast-to-coast money week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Ron Steslow respond to your feedback and answer your questions on our latest mailbag episode.  (01:35) Lauren Boebert’s district switch  (05:35) Shifting demographics and political alignment in the U.S.  (08:05) The moral and ethical considerations for former Trump supporters and the importance of genuine contrition (27:00) The significance of union endorsements in the current political landscape  (41:10) Global tensions and the interconnection between various forms of warfare, including the potential onset of a world war Have a question for a future Mailbag episode? Send it over to us at podcast@politicology.com! You can also leave us a voice message at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow Ron, and Mike on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hagar Chemali, Mike Madrid, and Ron Steslow discuss AI systems, the fight over whose values are embedded within the technology, what it will say, and what it will be used for. Related reading: Axios - AI's next fight is over whose values it should hold https://www.axios.com/2024/01/24/values-ai-chatgpt-alignment CNBC - OpenAI quietly removes ban on military use of its AI tools https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/16/openai-quietly-removes-ban-on-military-use-of-its-ai-tools.html NBC News - Fake Joe Biden robocall tells New Hampshire Democrats not to vote Tuesday https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/fake-joe-biden-robocall-tells-new-hampshire-democrats-not-vote-tuesday-rcna134984 Axios - OpenAI suspends developer behind Dean Phillips bot https://www.axios.com/2024/01/21/dean-phillips-chat-gpt-ai-bot-suspension Wired - OpenAI Quietly Scrapped a Promise to Disclose Key Documents to the Public | WIRED https://www.wired.com/story/openai-scrapped-promise-disclose-key-documents/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. On this weekly roundup, Biden and Trump win the New Hampshire primaries, the evolving politics of the worsening border crisis, and the “incredibly stark” assessment that Russia could win their war against Ukraine in a matter of weeks.  This week’s panel:  Ron Steslow Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder)  Hagar Chemali (Former spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) Segments this week: (03:00) The New Hampshire Primary (18:37) The Fight Over Border Security (37:47) Ukraine Aid [Politicology+] AI systems, the fight over whose values are embedded within the technology, what it will say, and what it will be used for. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Check out Oh My World!: https://www.ohmyworld.tv/ Read Akhil and Vikram Amar Amicus brief: https://bit.ly/3HxTZFR Send your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/HagarChemali https://twitter.com/madrid_mike Related reading: Segment 1:  ABC News - Haley captures independents and college grads, but Trump base holds fast in NH: Exit poll - ABC News NY Times - New Hampshire Primary: Trump Defeats Haley, but She Vows to Stay in Race - The New York Times CNN - Biden wins New Hampshire primary, CNN projects, with successful write-in campaign Segment 2:  NYTimes  - Opinion | Why Biden Must Collide With the Democratic Party on Immigration - The New York Times CBS News - Americans increasingly see border as crisis, call for tougher measures, CBS News poll finds Politico - Lead GOP negotiator: No border package vote this week, 'very hopeful' on deal text - Live Updates - POLITICO NYTimes - With Border Deal Near, Parole and Money Take Center Stage in Senate Talks ABC News - Supreme Court allows federal agents to remove razor wire Texas placed at border - ABC News The Hill -Chip Roy: Texas should ignore Supreme Court’s border razor wire ruling | The Hill Segment 3:  NBC News - 'Incredibly stark': Biden aides give lawmakers a grim assessment of Ukraine without more aid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We live in a loud world that’s getting louder. We encounter noise all around us—from the chatter of polite conversations, to street noise in a big city, to the constant intrusion of the dings of notifications. But what is all of this noise doing to us, and what does it mean to find quiet in the midst of it?  In fact, what is silence, anyway? How can it affect our minds, our bodies, and our relationships? Harvard and Oxford trained policymaker Justin Zorn and NASA consultant Leigh Marz join host Ron Steslow to discuss their new book, Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise (02:33) Leigh and Justin’s backgrounds  (07:04) Why they began practicing silence in their own lives (12:50) Why silence feels scary (18:30) What is noise?  (22:12) Internal silence is what people think it is (30:19) The connection between noise and rigid thinking (37:27) The historical significance of silence You should read Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise : http://bit.ly/3UIGJU2 FollowJustin, Leigh, and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustinZorn https://twitter.com/LeighMarz https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We live in a loud world that’s getting louder. We encounter noise all around us—from the chatter of polite conversations, to street noise in a big city, to the constant intrusion of the dings of notifications. But what is all of this noise doing to us, and what does it mean to find quiet in the midst of it?  In fact, what is silence, anyway? How can it affect our minds, our bodies, and our relationships? Harvard and Oxford trained policymaker Justin Zorn and NASA consultant Leigh Marz join host Ron Steslow to discuss their new book, Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise (02:38) What we can all learn from how the Amish evaluate new technology (07:25) The attention economy and why it’s not working for us (13:44) Understanding “ma” and how we can use it to resolve conflict (22:14) Using quality over quantity to measure productivity (26:26) Ways to incorporate silence in your everyday life (35:35) Silence and expanded states of consciousness using psychedelics  You should read Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise : http://bit.ly/3UIGJU2 FollowJustin, Leigh, and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustinZorn https://twitter.com/LeighMarz https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. On this weekly roundup, Trump wins the uneventful Iowa caucus, rising tensions in the Middle East, and the dynamics of the Democratic primary This week’s panel:  Ron Steslow Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP) Alex Thompson (National Political Correspondent for Axios) Marc Polymeropoulos (Former CIA Official) Segments this week: (02:20) The Iowa Caucus (08:30) Rising tension in the Middle East (36:46) The Democratic Primary [Politicology+] Davos and the garish display of wealth with growing income inequality.  Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Send your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/LPDonovan https://twitter.com/AlexThomp https://twitter.com/Mpolymer Related reading: Segment 1:  NYTimes - Iowa Caucus Results 2024: Trump Wins - The New York Times CBS News - Iowa caucus turnout for 2024 and how it compares to previous years - CBS News Des Moines Register - Early call of Trump as winner of Iowa Caucuses stirs anger. Here's why it happened Segment 2:  Time - Iran Fires Missiles at Iraq, Syria and Pakistan—What to Know | TIME WSJ - Houthis Turn Their Sights on U.S. Ships, Vow to Keep Attacking Red Sea Targets - WSJ CNN - Iran-backed militia vows more attacks after US Embassy in Iraq comes under fire | CNN Politics Politico - Biden's Yemen strike reignites Congress' battle over war powers - Live Updates - POLITICO Segment 3:  (From Feb, 2023) ABC News — Democrats approve new primary calendar for 2024 - ABC News Miami Herald - 2024 New Hampshire primary has a twist — it doesn't matter for Democrats. Wait, what? NBC News - Inside the 'weird' write-in campaign needed to help Biden win New Hampshire Vox - Democrats’ bizarre New Hampshire primary fight, explained. - Vox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump is facing 91 counts in 4 criminal cases and a host of civil litigation.  In this episode, Michael Zeldin (Former federal prosecutor) joins Ron Steslow to discuss the 4 criminal cases, Trump’s civil fraud trial and more.  Segments to look forward to: (02:03) Overview of the cases and legal troubles   (06:40) Trump’s civil fraud trial in New York  (15:02) The huge damages in Rudy Giluiani’s defamation trail  (19:17) Mark Meadows attempt to move the Georgia case to Federal Court  (24:07) The plea deals in Georgia and what they say about the DA’s case (26:10) What impact the alleged affair between the D.A. and lead prosecutor could have on the case (29:44) The question of presidential immunity  (39:30) How the appellate court decision on immunity could impact the Trump trial timelines (44:47) Fischer v. The United States and how that case could change the federal election subversion case against Trump  (52:52) Some questions the courts will need to answer about Section 3 of the 14th Amendment  Check out Michael’s podcast, That Said: https://bit.ly/3S0n0iA Follow Ron and Michael  on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/MichaelZeldin Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this weekly roundup, the wildcards in the 2024 presidential election and how we’re reading the race, and the politics and policy of the border crisis. This week’s panel:  Ron Steslow Susan Del Percio  (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert)  Lanae Erickson (Senior Vice President for Social Policy, Education, and Politics at Third Way) Frank Sadler (Chief of Staff at Carly Fiorina Enterprises) Segments this week: (02:10) The 2024 Presidential Race (41:28) The border crisis [Politicology+] The  “swatting” hoaxes targeting elected officials, judges, and Special Counsel Jack Smith Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Send your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/DelPercioS Check out Third Way: https://www.thirdway.org/ Related reading: Segment 1:  NYTimes - A Super PAC Forms to Support No Labels - The New York Times The Atlantic - Trump’s Lawyer Walked Into a Trap - The Atlantic CNN - Takeaways from the appeals court hearing on Donald Trump’s immunity claims | CNN Politics ABC News - SCOTUS to consider Trump 14th Amendment ballot disqualification case - ABC News Axios - Biden speech: Trump's "lies brought a mob" to D.C. on Jan. 6 God Made Trump video  Segment 2:  CBS News - Pressured by record migrant crossings, White House weighs tough concession in border talks with Congress - CBS News CBS News - Americans increasingly see border as crisis, call for tougher measures, CBS News poll finds CNN- A border deal to nowhere? House GOP ready to reject Senate compromise on immigration | CNN Politics NY Daily News - Migrants at Floyd Bennett to be evacuated to Brooklyn high school, per Adams' admin order NY Times - Opinion | Why Biden Must Collide With the Democratic Party on Immigration - The New York Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. is monitoring more national security threats  than at any point since World War II and last week, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin went to the hospital because of complications from a recent survey.  But no one told the President for three days.  In this episode, Hagar Chemali (Former spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) joins Ron Steslow to discuss Austin’s hospitalization and the delay in telling the White House. Segments to look forward to: (01:45) Ron sets the stage with a rundown of the timeline of Sec. Austin’s hospitalization and when the White House was informed  (03:13) Hagar breaks down her initial reaction to the news and the political and media uproar (05:00) The role of the Secretary of Defense in national security and what risks Austin’s absence could have posed (06:43) Hagar provides  an overview of the current national security climate, including the rising tension in the Middle East, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the situation in China and Taiwan and places Austin’s hospitalization in this broader context.  (14:11) The standard protocols for handling this situation within government agencies  (33:11) Analyzing the political and public relations fallout from the incident, and how it could impact domestic politics and foreign policy  Check out Oh My World!: https://www.ohmyworld.tv/ Follow Ron and Hagar on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/HagarChemali Email questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. On this weekly roundup, the ongoing immigration crisis, the legal and illegal corruption in Congress, and President Joe Biden’s insurrection pivot.  This week’s panel:  Ron Steslow Liz Gilbert Cohen (President of the 2020 Democratic National Convention) Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP)  Segments this week: (02:23) The border crisis (24:05) Congressional stock trading and Bob Menendez’s corruption charges (45:30) The Biden campaign’s pivot to Trump’s role in the insurrection [Politicology+] Is this the beginning of the end of DEI? Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Send your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/LPDonovan Check out Unusual Whales:  https://twitter.com/unusual_whales Related reading: Segment 1:  The Hill - House GOP to begin 2024 with focus on border | The Hill ABC News - Migrant encounters along southwest border reach all-time high of 302,000 - ABC News Fox News - Migrant encounters at southern border hit record 302K in December, sources say Fox News - Eric Adams says NYC is at ‘breaking point’ as he warns of another surge of migrants from Texas Chicago Sun Times - With Chicago’s migrant crisis worsening, Biden should step up Politico - Opinion | The Root Causes of Congressional Dysfunction - POLITICO Segment 2:  Unusual Whales - The Unusual Whales Congress Trading Report for 2023 ABC News - Citizen watchdogs eye Congress' 'killing it' approach to stock trading - ABC News CNN - Sen. Menendez charged with receiving gifts from Qatar in new allegations in corruption scheme | CNN Politics Segment 3:  Axios - Biden will target Trump in speech at war site on Jan. 6 anniversary Wash Post: Biden campaign amps up focus on Trump, starting with Jan. 6 speech - The Washington Post AP News - 2024 election: Biden will start the year at sites of national trauma | AP News Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michele Gelfand (Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Professor of Psychology by Courtesy at Stanford University) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss culture, social norms, and her book Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World  (01:46) Why she decided to study culture  (04:34) What are tight and loose cultures (06:12) Why tight and loose cultures evolve (10:38) The tradeoffs between tight and loose and how different cultures responded to the Covid pandemic (16:19) Tightness-looseness and willingness to change (19:57) Red and Blue vs Tight and Loose  (30:36) Tightening around core values, even in loose cultures (34:56) Real and manufactured threats  (44:15) How we we can put this framework into action  You should read Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: https://amzn.to/3Qy8DQc To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Follow Michele and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MicheleJGelfand https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. On Monday, Egypt proposed a plan for a long-term ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative  and advisor to the Forward Party) and Zack Czajkowski (Principal at Title Fight) discuss Hamas rejecting the plan and the bias in media coverage about the war.  Then they dive into the plagiarism allegations levied against Harvard President Claudine Gay Next, they discuss the debate around Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and Donald Trump’s eligibility to be president  Segments this week: (02:06) Israel-Hamas (12:30) Harvard Plagiarism Allegations (35:06) Trump’s Ballot Eligibility [Politicology+] Your Phone Is Listening to Every Word You Say Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Send your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell https://twitter.com/ZackCz To learn more about the 14th Amendment argument, listen to these great deep dives on Yale Professor Akhil Amar’s podcast: Amarica's Constitution: The Two Experts on Section Three - Special Guests William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen on Apple Podcasts Amarica's Constitution: The Two Experts, Part Two - Special Guests William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen on Apple Podcasts ‎Amarica's Constitution: An Officer and a President on Apple Podcasts ‎Amarica's Constitution: 2 Experts, 3 Courts, Section 3, Part 3 - Special Guests William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen on Apple Podcasts ‎Amarica's Constitution: The World Turns to Section Three Related reading: Segment 1:  TIME - Egypt Proposes Ceasefire Amid One of the Deadliest Israeli Airstrikes Yet to Hit Gaza Strip Reuters - Hamas, Islamic Jihad reject Gaza gov. overhaul for permanent ceasefire, Egyptian sources say | Reuters Israel National News - New York Times headline falsely claims Gaza war has most Arab deaths in 40 years NYT - Opinion | I Am Gaza City’s Mayor. Our Lives and Culture Are in Rubble. - The New York Times JP - NYT criticized for running op-ed by Hamas-appointed Gaza mayor - The Jerusalem Post Segment 2:  NYT - Harvard Finds More Instances of ‘Duplicative Language’ in Claudine Gay’s Work - The New York Times WP - Opinion | Harvard’s president, Claudine Gay, should resign now - The Washington Post NYT - Opinion | Why Harvard’s Claudine Gay Should Go - The New York Times Jewish Insider - Harvard controversy casts spotlight on Penny Pritzker, former Obama official atop university board Segment 3:  CNN - Michigan Supreme Court rejects ‘insurrectionist ban’ case and keeps Trump on 2024 primary ballot | CNN Politics Politico - Michigan Supreme Court allows Trump to appear on 2024 primary ballot - POLITICO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our digital age, people have grown to see social media platforms as mere tools and applications.  Marcus Collins, the award-winning marketer, former digital strategist for Beyoncé, and author of "For The Culture", argues otherwise.  Join host Ron Steslow as he sits down with Marcus to unravel the deep-seated influence of culture on social media and our daily choices. Marcus elaborates on his assertion that "social media is people" and why understanding this fundamental idea changes our approach to digital platforms. He also delves into the crucial role of culture in hyperpolarization and how it weaves into the fabric of our society. Segments to look forward to: (01:20) How Marcus came to study culture: "I feel like I'm at my best when I'm helping people realize the best version of themselves…” (04:26) The connection between marketing and psychology (08:42) The importance of purpose in advertising: "Start with what you believe and when you start with what you believe people who see the world the way you do go, 'Finally, someone said it. That's my person.'” (17:02) The influence of culture on consumer choice (20:40) The connection between culture and politics (24:00) Case study: How Patagonia leveraged culture to build their brand (30:00) Case study: Donald Trump's cultural strategy in the 2016 election (32:09) Understanding tribes and congregations (37:27)”The brain is a prediction machine”  (40:00) The role of culture in hyperpolarization (42:14) The state of anti-Trump Republicans within the broader Republican culture (44:00) How subcultures develop and operate (50:00) How preaching the gospel can get people to move You Should Read For the Culture: https://amzn.to/3QjLDaH Check out Predictably Rational by Dan Ariely: https://amzn.to/3rPeWHL Follow Ron and Marcus on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/marctothec Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. On Tuesday, the Colorado State Supreme Court ruled Donald Trump is eligible to be on the ballot in the state.  On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Hagar Chemali and Susan Del Percio discuss the ruling and how it will impact the political landscape.  Then they dive into the negotiations over border security, immigration reform and foreign military aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan Next, they discuss the alarming levels of Holocaust denialism among younger Americans and the antisemitism in public schools. Segments this week: (03:30) Colorado Supreme Court Case (25:00) Border security and foreign military aid  (46:10) Alarming levels of Holocaust denialism [Politicology+] Former New York Times Opinion Editor James Bennet’s scathing analysis of The New York Times and their illiberal bias Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Send your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/HagarChemali https://twitter.com/DelPercioS To learn more about the 14th Amendment argument, listen to these great deep dives on Yale Professor Akhil Amar’s podcast: Amarica's Constitution: The Two Experts on Section Three - Special Guests William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen on Apple Podcasts Amarica's Constitution: The Two Experts, Part Two - Special Guests William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen on Apple Podcasts ‎Amarica's Constitution: An Officer and a President on Apple Podcasts ‎Amarica's Constitution: 2 Experts, 3 Courts, Section 3, Part 3 - Special Guests William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen on Apple Podcasts Related reading: Segment 1:  CBS News - Colorado Supreme Court rules Trump is disqualified from presidency for Jan. 6 riot - CBS News The Hill - Dan Patrick suggests taking Biden off ballot in Texas | The Hill Axios - Landmark Trump ruling gives Supreme Court an unexpected New Year's agenda Axios - Congress erupts after court disqualifies Trump from Colorado ballot Segment 2:  NYT - Congress Abandons Ukraine Aid Until Next Year as Border Talks Continue - The New York Times WP - Opinion: A border deal can save Ukraine, aid Israel and Taiwan, and help Biden WP - Opinion | A deal on Ukraine and immigration would show that the center can hold - The Washington Post The Hill - Border Patrol says surge in border crossings is overwhelming its resources | The Hill NBC News - Xi warned Biden during summit that Beijing will reunify Taiwan with China Segment 3:  The Economist - One in five young Americans thinks the Holocaust is a myth FP - How U.S. Public Schools Teach Antisemitism | The Free Press Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hagar Chemali, Susan Del Percio, and Ron Steslow discuss Former New York Times Opinion Editor James Bennet’s scathing analysis of The New York Times and their illiberal bias in The Economist Related reading: The Economist - When the New York Times lost its way https://www.economist.com/1843/2023/12/14/when-the-new-york-times-lost-its-way Judith Miller -I used to work for the New York Times. Former editor is right about paper becoming a 'culture of intolerance' https://judithmiller.com/27403/new-york-times-intolerance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last few months, there’s been a stark change in tone from some of Ukraine’s biggest supporters—there’s a growing pessimism that Ukraine can take back their land from the Russian invaders and win the war. In this insightful episode, host Ron Steslow invites Molly McKew, an expert on Russian influence and information warfare, to discuss the ongoing Ukraine conflict. As we approach nearly 700 days since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, this episode delves into the war's current state, the changing narratives, and the strategic implications for global democracy. Segments to look forward to: (01:27) Understanding the current state of the war (06:50) The change in attitudes toward Ukraine (11:10) The delay in ramping up production capacity for munitions  (15:20) What do the  numbers of  “military capacity” losses  actually mean?  (19:05) Ukraine’s counteroffensive  (25:05) The need for a change in military strategy  (30:13) The domestic political implications if Ukraine doesn’t win (39:00) What Ukraine needs to do to win and what we need to do to help them (49:10) Whether a negotiated settlement is feasible  Follow Ron and Molly  on X: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/MollyMcKew Email questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com.  Can you leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts? It’s a big help 🙏 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Ron Steslow respond to your feedback and answer your questions on our latest mailbag episode.  (01:20) Wendy H. asks “Why isn't anyone talking about the fact that if Trump gets back into office, he will not try to leave once his time is up?” (04:53) Your feedback on our two-part ‘Holy War’ episode and Mike’s reaction to the New Apostolic Reformation  (14:55) Listener Rohanna W. inquires: "What motivates Steve Bannon, and what resources can help understand his goals?" (20:21) John R. asks: "Why don't political leaders like Biden utilize the power of short, aspirational speeches?" (27:11) Your feedback on our two-part ‘Identity Trap’ episode with Yascha Mounk (27:50) John from Augusta shares thoughts on enforcing the 14th Amendment against Trump. (33:55) Ron shares your reviews  Have a question for a future Mailbag episode? Send it over to us at podcast@politicology.com! Follow Ron, and Mike on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Poler Family Professor and chair of the psychology department at Amherst College Dr. Catherine Sanderson joins Ron Steslow to talk about how giving can make you happier.  (02:08) What is happiness and how can we measure it? (08:31) Does giving make you happy or do happy people give more? (10:20) Types of giving and the impact on happiness (14:50) The effect of giving on bad moods (28:58) Gratitude letters The Positive Shift by Dr. Catherine Sanderson https://benbellabooks.com/shop/the-positive-shift/ Politicology - March 10: Becoming Moral Rebels with Dr. Catherine Sanderson https://politicology.com/episodes/dr-catherine-sanderson-becoming-moral-rebels/ To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Are you learning from Politicology? Contribute now at https://politicology.com/donate! Follow Catherine and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandersonSpeaks https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. The new, darker Donald Trump and his allies have been previewing how he’d use the Oval Office to seek revenge if he gets reelected.  On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Olivier Knox (National Political Correspondent)   discuss Trump’s darker turn and what, if anything, we can do now to prepare for a potential second term. Then they look at Liz Cheney raising the alarm about Donald Trump, how her potential presidential run could impact the 2024 race, and her call for a potential new conservative party. Next, they discuss the remarkably bad testimony from the presidents of Harvard, Penn, and MIT, the double standard for protecting free speech, and how they’re using the value of free speech as a weapon to punish disfavored speech. Segments this week: (02:34) Dark Trump  (22:17) Liz Cheney and the 2024 election (37:14) The college presidents who won’t say calls for genocide are bullying and harassment [Politicology+] Kevin McCarthy’s resignation and why lawmakers are ditching congress at a record pace Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/oknox https://twitter.com/madrid_mike  Related reading: Segment 1:  The Atlantic—The Danger Ahead - The Atlantic WP - Trump and allies plot revenge, Justice Department control in a second term - The Washington Post Segment 2:  Axios - Meet the spoilers: Who's declared or considering third-party White House bids NPR - Democracy is at stake if Trump is reelected, Liz Cheney warns in her new book Segment 3:  The Dispatch - Antisemitism Is Just a Symptom - The Dispatch The Atlantic - There Is No Right to Bully and Harass Politico - 5 takeaways from college antisemitism hearing - POLITICO Axios - University leaders criticized after Congressional hearing on antisemitism Mediaite - Democrats Mock Harvard President for Citing Commitment to Free Speech During Anti-Semitism Hearing: 'Harvard Ranks Last' on Free Speech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last 100 years, we have streamlined the process of food production. A hundred years ago, 99% of people were engaged in the agricultural process in some way. Today, that number is 1%. As a result, our relationship with food has become desperately impersonal. But what are the consequences of all that efficiency? Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of our food systems with Jeff Tkatch (CEO of the Rodale Institute) and host Ron Steslow. In this captivating conversation, we dig deep into the living soil beneath our feet, our disconnection from nature, and the mechanisms driving our extractive farming systems. Jeff provides a comprehensive understanding of the difference between soil and dirt, explaining why one gives life while the other is lifeless. He shares his personal journey towards regenerative agriculture and elaborates on the role Rodale Institute plays in shaping the future of farming. Segments to look forward to: (2:10) Understanding the difference between soil and dirt: "If soil could talk to us, what would it be saying right now? Feed me. Rest me. Water me. Feed me. Rest me. Water me. I'm a living, breathing organism just like you. And by the way, you depend on me for life." (03:30) Jeff's journey into regenerative agriculture and the role of the Rodale Institute (13:30) How we became disconnected from nature and our food (15:30) Who feeds the world? (16:20) A deep dive into the extractive farming system and the need for sustainable agricultural practices (19:50) Unraveling the incentives that have shaped our agricultural system (23:00) The various faces of agriculture: sustainable, regenerative, and organic regenerative (27:35) The cost of organic food and the unseen cost of not eating organic (30:00) “Agriculture is the great healer of our time” (37:15) Policy changes that could revolutionize farming and an overview of the Pennsylvania State Farm Bill (40:52) The challenge of organic food fraud (51:10) How changing our understanding of food production could reduce polarization: “It starts with gratitude...when we begin to see our brother and sister through food, we're creating a metaphorical table. We're actually sitting down at a table every moment of every day here in this country and hopefully around the world." Learn more about the Rodale Institute: https://www.rodaleinstitute.org/ Get involved and connect with local farmers near you. As Jeff says, "Everybody should get to know a farmer." Follow Ron on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Over 100 of the hostages taken captive by Hamas have been freed over the last week as part of a ceasefire deal with the Israeli government On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative  and advisor to the Forward Party) and Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP) discuss the deal and the bias in media reporting about the Israel-Hamas conflict.  Then they look at the “Bidenomics” messaging falling flat, voters' low trust in president Biden to handle the economy, and what he can do to change it before the election.  Next, they discuss the negotiations in congress over increasing border security in exchange for aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.  Segments this week: (02:30) Israel-Hamas  (28:08) Bidenomics messaging falling flat (40:04) Border security  [Politicology+] The power of the administrative state and how Donald Trump could wield it in a second term.  Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell https://twitter.com/LPDonovan Related reading: Segment 1:  Tablet - An Insider’s Guide to the Most Important Story on Earth Axios - How Arab American voters' backlash could imperil Biden's 2024 campaign NBC News - In major speech, Schumer warns of consequences if Americans don't condemn antisemitism TOI - Hamas 'willing' to extend temporary ceasefire by additional 4 days -- report | The Times of Israel Segment 2:  The Bulwark —Dear Democrats: Here Are the Facts of Life Axios— Americans' savings are dwindling, new poll shows CBS News - Americans need an extra $11,400 today just to afford the basics - CBS News Axios - U.S. economy was hotter than previously thought, new GDP data shows Gallup - Poor Marks for Biden: Middle East, Economy, Foreign Affairs FRED - Consumer Loans: Credit Cards and Other Revolving Plans, All Commercial Banks (CCLACBW027SBOG) | FRED | St. Louis Fed Segment 3:  Politico - Playbook: Why the left is blanching at the border talks - POLITICO WSJ  - Senators’ Top Target in Border Talks: Tighter Asylum Rules for Migrants - WSJ The Bulwark - Biden's Dangerous Border Problem - by Charlie Sykes The Dispatch - An Increasingly Unsustainable Stalemate on Immigration - Chris Stirewalt - The Dispatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A woman is weeping over a covered body on a street in Gaza. She's surrounded by people. She turns to the camera and screams: “All this is because of the dogs of Hamas.”  And then two men grab her and literally silence her. They hold a hand over her mouth.  What if we could hear real stories from people living in Gaza about how Hamas treats them?  The Center for Peace Communications is helping to do just that with the video testimony they’ve published in their “Whispered in Gaza” and “Voices in Gaza” projects. In this episode, Joseph Braude (president of the Center for Peace Communications) joins Ron Steslow to discuss how Gazans talk about Hamas, the way they are treated and who they blame for the war. Segments to look forward to: (03:03) Joseph’s background and how it shaped his understanding of the Arab world. (05:30) The “Whispered in Gaza” project. (09:09) The challenges and process of creating the “Whispered in Gaza” project amid the repressive Hamas regime.  (10:08)  Joseph recounts emotional stories gathered from Gazans, revealing the harsh realities of life under Hamas. (10:38)  The discussion turns to how well these stories represent the views of Gazans and the broader implications for Palestinian society. (12:12)  Ron and Joseph discuss the challenges and biases in media coverage of the Gaza situation. (25:00)  How the global perception of Hamas has been disconnected with the realities in Gaza.  (30:00)  Exploring how Gazans view the October 7th Attack, Israel’s response, and how they blame Hamas for the humanitarian crises. (32:16)  Challenges to delivering aid to those who need it most in Gaza. (35:12) Discussion on the possibilities of change in the governance of Gaza. (36:33) Joseph offers clarity on common misunderstandings about the Israel-Palestine conflict. (42:40) Joseph shares the plea from their interviewees that their voices be heard.  (45:17) Final thoughts on how listeners can show meaningful support to Gazans striving for change. Watch the video testimony in Whispered in Gaza: https://bit.ly/3GnQyRA Follow Ron and Joseph  on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/josephbraude Email questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com.  Can you leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts? It’s a big help 🙏 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. On Tuesday, Israel approved a short-term ceasefire in exchange for the return of hostages being held captive by Hamas in Gaza.  On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Hagar Chemali (Former spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) discuss the deal, Hamas’s wide reaching financial empire, and the fight against jihad. Then they look at the challenges facing Joe Biden as he heads toward reelection, the policy failure hurting him with Latino voters, and why messaging alone won’t fix the problems Next, they discuss Sam Altman’s firing and rehiring at OpenAI and the tension between rapid commercialization and extreme caution over the risks AI poses to humanity. Segments this week: (02:30) Israel-Hamas (22:03) Democrats’ problems run deeper than messaging  (47:30) OpenAI and tensions over the speed of commercialization [Politicology+] Donald Trump becoming even more unhinged, the stakes in the 2024 election, and the challenge of building an anti-Trump coaltion…again. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow ​​ https://twitter.com/HagarChemali Related reading: Segment 1:  Axios - Israeli Cabinet meets to vote on deal with Hamas on hostage release and ceasefire The Economist - Inside Hamas’s sprawling financial empire WP - Opinion | Joe Biden: U.S. won’t back down from the challenge of Putin and Hamas - The Washington Post WP - U.S. close to deal with Israel and Hamas to pause conflict, free some hostages - The Washington Post FP - Why Western Women Are Converting to Islam | The Free Press Quillette - The Return of the Progressive Atrocity Segment 2:  NYT - Biden Faces Economic Challenges as Cost-of-Living Despair Floods TikTok - The New York Times The Dispatch - Support for Israel Is Costing Biden. But for How Long? - Chris Stirewalt - The Dispatch CNN - CNN Poll: Trump narrowly leads Biden in hypothetical rematch | CNN Politics NYT/Siena College Cross tabs -Cross-Tabs: October 2023 Times/Siena Poll of the 2024 Battlegrounds Segment 3:  The Atlantic - The Money Always Wins - The Atlantic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid the sea of Trump flags outside the Capitol on January 6th, there were signs that read “Jesus is my Savior, Trump is my President.” A group of protestors carried a giant cross as they marched around the Capitol.  Why were these Christian images on prominent display?  What role did Charismatic Christianity play in the buildup to the riot at the capitol?  How is it continuing to shape our politics?  In this two-part episode, Matthew Taylor (writer and creator of the audio-documentary series “Charismatic Revival Fury: The New Apostolic Reformation” ) joins Ron Steslow to discuss how non-denominational Charismatic Christianity built to the attack on January 6th and what it will mean going forward.  Segments to look forward to: (01:43) The theological basis for believing Trump being chosen by God to be president  (06:15) Belief that political leaders are appointed by God  (11:10) Strategic spiritual warfare at the Capitol on January 6th  (16:44) The discourse of violence in Charismatic Christianity leading to jan (24:04) The lack of understanding of Charismatic Christians in American media  (37:06) Being precise about the threats to pluralism presented by part of Charismatic Christianity (43:16) What he’s seeing in the subculture as we head to 2024  Listen to the full Charismatic Revival Fury series: https://bit.ly/49jqqVb Follow Ron and Matt on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/TaylorMatthewD Email questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com.  Can you leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts? It’s a big help 🙏 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. On Wednesday, President Joe Biden met with Chinese Leader Xi Jinping for the first time in a year after months of building tensions between the two countries. On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Molly McKew (writer and lecturer on Russian influence and information warfare) and Zack Czajkowski (former Lincoln Project Political Director; Principal at Title Fight) discuss the meeting and how it connects to the Israel-Hamas war and Russia’s war in Ukraine. Then they look at Joe Biden’s denial of the multiple battleground state polls showing Donald Trump leading in 2024 Next, they discuss Israel’s raid on a Hamas command center at Gaza’s largest hospital and the spiraling distrust in news media. Segments this week: (1:44) Biden-Xi Meeting (28:18) Biden’s polling denial  (47:30) Israel raids Hamas command center at Gaza hospital  [Politicology+] Speaker of the House “MAGA Mike Johnson” working with Democrats to successfully avoid a government shutdown and what you really need to know about the strange flag prominently posted outside his office. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow ​​ https://twitter.com/MollyMcKew Related reading: Segment 1:  AP News—Biden and Xi are meeting in San Francisco, seeking better US-China relations despite tough issues Axios—Biden holds much-anticipated meeting with China's Xi Axios—Chinese state media turns on the charm ahead of Biden-Xi meeting Segment 2:  C-SPAN—President Biden White House Departure | November 9, 2023 | C-SPAN.org Bloomberg—Israel-Hamas War Has Voters Trusting Trump Over Biden in Key States: Poll - Bloomberg  Toplines CNN—Joe Manchin won’t run for reelection, giving GOP an opening to flip West Virginia seat | CNN Politics Axios—Manchin says he would consider 2024 presidential run Segment 3:  Reuters—Hamas command centre, weapons found at Gaza hospital, Israeli military says | Reuters NYT—U.S. Says Hamas Operates Out of Gaza Hospitals, Endorsing Israel’s Allegations - The New York Times BBC—Apologizing for error saying Israel was targeting medical teams during operation  NYT—Israel Accuses Freelance Photographers of Advance Knowledge of Oct. 7 Attack - The New York Times NBC—Throngs gather for March for Israel rally at D.C.’s National Mall to condemn antisemitism FreeP—Metro Detroit Jews miss March for Israel due to bus driver walk-out, trip organizers say The Atlantic—Hamas Must Go - The Atlantic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last month, a compelling global poster campaign has emerged, gripping cities and towns worldwide with its poignant message. These posters, emblazoned with the word "Kidnapped" in bold letters, feature some of the 240 people abducted from Israel into the Gaza strip by Hamas on October 7.  This campaign, now viral, transcends language barriers, its message echoing through the streets from Times Square billboards to remote corners of the world.  The faces on these posters not only symbolize the heinous act committed by Hamas but also reflect the deep longing and hope of families for the safe return of their loved ones. In this episode, visual poet Nitzan Mintz and street artist Dede Bandaid join Ron Steslow to discuss their work and the poster campaign.  (02:05) Nitzan and Dede discuss their early careers and influences (10:56) Insights into the conception and motivation behind their moving poster campaign (18:18) The process of creating and distributing the posters, and the challenges faced (31:25) How media coverage influenced public perception and the campaign's impact (37:50) Their reactions to people vandalizing and ripping down the posters (48:23) How you can get involved and support the campaign (51:18) Nitzan and Dede share the emotional toll and their commitment to this effort If you’d like to put up posters, you can download them here: kidnappedfromisrael.com Follow Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Follow Dede, Nitzan, and the campaign on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidnappedfromisrael/ https://www.instagram.com/nitzanmintz/ https://www.instagram.com/dedebandaid/ Email questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. On Tuesday, Democrats and abortion rights advocates scored election victories in Virginia and Ohio On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) discuss the results of those elections and the New York Times / Siena College Poll that has Trump leading Biden in five of six battleground states.   Then they discuss the foreign influence campaigns shaping our culture and politics from TikTok to universities.  Next, they dive into Donald Trump’s plans to hire lawyers who will help him defy the law—even if it won’t hold up in court.  Segments this week: (1:44) Elections and the NYT Poll (28:18) Foreign Influence  (47:30) Trump preparing to hire lawyers who will help him defy the law [Politicology+] The third Republican primary debate. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow ​​ https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell Related reading: Segment 1:  WP—Exit poll results from Ohio Issue 1 ballot measure on abortion rights - The Washington Post Axios—Virginia Democrats seize statehouse, dashing Youngkin's hopes for GOP takeover NYT/Siena college—Cross-Tabs: October 2023 Times/Siena Poll of the 2024 Battlegrounds NYT—Abortion Rights Fuel Big Democratic Wins, and Hopes for 2024 - The New York Times NYT—Tuesday Was Great for Democrats. It Doesn’t Change the Outlook for 2024. - The New York Times Segment 2:  The Free Press—Is Campus Rage Fueled by Middle Eastern Money? | The Free Press The Guardian—TikTok is part of China’s cognitive warfare campaign | Nita Farahany | The Guardian The Economist—Israel is more popular than social-media posts suggest  Axios—On TikTok, views of pro-Palestine posts far surpass views of pro-Israel posts Segment 3:  NYT—If Trump Wins, His Allies Want Lawyers Who Will Bless a More Radical Agenda Insider—Trump wants to use the DOJ to probe high-profile critics if he wins a second term in 2024, report says The Dispatch Podcast—Trump Davidians Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid the sea of Trump flags outside the Capitol on January 6th, there were signs that read “Jesus is my Savior, Trump is my President.” A group of protestors carried a giant cross as they marched around the Capitol.  Why were these Christian images on prominent display?  What role did Charismatic Christianity play in the buildup to the riot at the capitol?  How is it continuing to shape our politics?  In this two-part episode, Matthew Taylor (writer and creator of the audio-documentary series “Charismatic Revival Fury: The New Apostolic Reformation” ) joins Ron Steslow to discuss how the non-denominational Charismatic Christianity built to the attack on January 6th and what it will mean going forward.  Segments to look forward to: (04:55) Matt’s Background  (10:42) Why January 6th made him examine this brand of Charismatic Christianity  (17:00) Why he used “Charismatic Revival Fury” (21:21) How January 6th intersected with Charismatic Christianity  (26:19) How independent Charismatic leaders became early Trump supporters (35:18) Why “Christian Supremacy” is a better than “Christian Nationalism”  (38:38) How the term “White Christian Nationalism” misses the multi-racial makeup of the movement  (44:47) The theology that led to an increase in political engagement among Charismatic Christians  Listen to the full Charismatic Revival Fury series: https://bit.ly/49jqqVb Follow Ron and Matt on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/TaylorMatthewD Email questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Since Hamas launched their horrific terrorist attacks in Israel, violent antisemitism has spiked across the United States and most visibly on college campuses On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Liz Gilbert Cohen (President of the 2020 Democratic National Convention) and Marc Polymeropoulos (Former CIA Official) discuss how it’s fueling the fracturing of the Democratic party and what it could mean for Democratic politics.  Then they discuss Iran’s role in the Israel-Hamas war and how our foreign policy failures could further destabilize the region.  Segments this week: (02:24) Rising Antisemitism  (24:38) Biden takes heat from his own party on Israel  (53:01) Iran’s role in the Israel-Hamas war [Politicology+] The Minnesota congressman who’s running to challenge Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination—and the shadow primary to become the nominee if Biden bows out. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Listen to our conversation with Marc about his book: https://bit.ly/3u0XUI0 Get Marc’s book Clarity in Crisis: https://bit.ly/3MsP7VH Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow ​​ https://twitter.com/Mpolymer Related reading: Segment 1:  The Dispatch—The MAGAfication of the Left - The Dispatch CNN—Cornell student accused of threatening to kill Jewish students is expected in court today | CNN NPR—Cornell student arrested in connection with antisemitic threats on New York campus Reuters—​​US antisemitic incidents up about 400% since Israel-Hamas war began, report says | Reuters LA Times—Opinion: Nothing has prepared me for the antisemitism I see on college campuses now Politico—Jewish leaders to Biden officials: ‘We’ve never seen anything like this ever’ - POLITICO Segment 2:  Time—https://time.com/6330102/biden-israel-gaza-arab-americans-trump/ NBC—Swing-state Muslim Americans threaten to vote against Biden [March 2023] Gallup—Democrats' Sympathies in Middle East Shift to Palestinians Politico—The generational rift that explains Democrats' angst over Israel - POLITICO JP—​​​​​​​​Hillary Clinton: 'People who call for ceasefire do not understand Hamas' - Israel News - The Jerusalem Post Segment 3:  ABC News—Yemen's Houthi rebels claim attacks on Israel, drawing their main sponsor Iran closer to Hamas war - ABC News Yahoo News—How Biden miscalculated on Iran Axios—Behind the Curtain: Rattled U.S. government fears wars could spread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus Journalist, Public Speaker and Author Celeste Headlee (@CelesteHeadlee) joins host Ron Steslow (@RonSteslow) to reveal the science and history behind human communication, share keys to unlock deeper conversations, and explain how critical empathy is for our ability to listen and connect. For more information, to contact us, or to contribute to Politicology, visit Politicology.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. After more than three weeks of chaos, the House of Representatives has elected a new Speaker. On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Katty Kay (veteran reporter and NYT bestselling author) and Susan Del Percio (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert) discuss Speaker Mike Johnson’s rise to take the gavel, the most pressing issues before the House, and putting a bonafide election denier in the Speaker’s chair. Then they discuss Qatar’s role as an intermediary in hostage negotiations, a financial backer of Hamas, a major ally of the United States, and their quest to buy influence from major U.S. universities.  [Politicology+] The continuing erosion of support for democracy and data that indicate the appetite for political violence is rising across the spectrum. Segments this week: (02:22) Mike Johnson becomes speaker (31:31) Qatar [Politicology+] The erosion of support for democracy and increasing willingness to resort to political violence Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Find out more about Katty’s work with Claire Shipman: https://www.kayandshipman.com/ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow ​​ https://twitter.com/KattyKay_ https://twitter.com/DelPercioS Related reading: Segment 1:  Axios—What to know about new House Speaker Mike Johnson NBC News—GOP speaker nominee Mike Johnson played a key role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election The Hill—Democrats seize on new Speaker Mike Johnson’s anti-abortion record | The Hill The Hill—Where House Speaker Mike Johnson stands on Ukraine, Israel | The Hill Segment 2:  The Free Press—Qatar’s War for Young American Minds | The Free Press The Guardian—Yuval Noah Harari backs critique of leftist ‘indifference’ to Hamas atrocities The Atlantic—The Reckoning That Is Coming for Qatar - The Atlantic Axios—Behind the Curtain: Rattled U.S. government fears wars could spread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Politicology+ now for exclusive content - https://politicology.com/plus Dr. Catherine Sanderson, Poler Family Professor, Chair of Psychology at Amherst College and the author of Why We Act: Turning Bystanders Into Moral Rebels joins host Ron Steslow to analyze why Trump was able to exert control on the Republican party, how to recognize leaders who will stand up for what’s right—and what we can do to become moral rebels. Catherine Sanderson Twitter: @SandersonSpeaks  Ron Steslow Twitter: @RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the two weeks since Hamas began their terrorist attacks in Israel, many people around the globe have, stunningly, taken to the streets to cheer on the assault. Ron Steslow calls Yascha Mounk (Author of The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time), to explain the people cheering Hamas on, the identity synthesis that is driving their action, the failure of major news organizations pushing out Hamas’s press releases, and the elite institutions that have chosen deafening silence in this moment. Note: We’re learning more and more about the atrocities Hamas has committed and about the events of the war every day. We may not know the full extent of the terrorist attacks for some time. To keep up to date on breaking news, check trusted news sources like the Associated Press and other newswire services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Against a backdrop of American and Israeli flags, President Joe Biden told Israel that as long as the United States stands, Israel will never be alone.  On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Matt Bennett (Executive Vice President for Public Affairs at Third Way) discuss the Biden’s trip, Hamas’s lie that Israel bombed a hospital, the major news sources, including the New York Times that published Hamas’s lie, and the information war Then they break down the House GOP’s struggle to find a new Speaker. After we recorded, the House Republican conference scrapped their plan to install Patrick McHenry as an interim Speaker. Segments this week: (02:04) Biden’s trip to Israel  (38:40) The Speaker election drags on  [Politicology+] The Donald Trump legal battle that’s flying under the radar—and that could keep him off the ballot in 2024.  Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow ​​ https://twitter.com/madrid_mike Follow Mike on Threads:  https://www.threads.net/@mykemadrid Related reading: Segment 1:  AP—President Biden wraps up his visit to wartime Israel with a warning against being 'consumed' by rage White House —Remarks by President Biden on the October 7th Terrorist Attacks and the Resilience of the State of Israel and its People: TEXT | VIDEO The Free Press—When the Misinformation Comes From Inside the House | The Free Press Axios—Gaza hospital blast: Initial U.S. intel assessment is Israel "not responsible" Segment 2:  CNN—Jim Jordan loses second vote for House speaker amid steep GOP opposition | CNN Politics Axios—Bipartisan talks gain steam as Jim Jordan struggles with speaker vote Jake Sherman—NEW -- HOW HOUSE DEMS THINK ABOUT EMPOWERING SPEAKER PRO TEM  Axios—GOP scrambles for escape hatch as Jim Jordan falls short again Politico—Jim Jordan’s allies tried strong-arming his GOP critics. It backfired. - POLITICO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hamas’s attack on Israel has heightened concerns about safety and security for Jewish people around the globe.  Ron Steslow calls Michael Masters, National Director and CEO of the Secure Community Network, to discuss the threats to Jewish communities in the United States and what organizations and individuals can do to increase their safety We’re learning more and more about the atrocities Hamas has committed every hour, including confirmation from the Israeli government details about the brutal murder of babies. We may not know the full extent of their barbarism for some time. To keep up to date on breaking news, check trusted news sources like the Associated Press and other newswire services. Learn more about United Hatzalah: https://israelrescue.org/ Learn more about NATAL: https://www.afnatal.org/ Learn more about the Secure Community Network: https://www.securecommunitynetwork.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Internet is awash in horrifying images and videos coming from inside Israel and Gaza.  Ron Steslow calls Catherine Sanderson, Ph.D. (Poler Family Professor and chair of the psychology department at Amherst College), to discuss what you can do to mind your mental health when consuming disturbing media. Note: We’re learning more and more about the atrocities Hamas has committed and about the events of the war every hour, including the blast at the hospital Catherine talked about during this call. We may not know the full extent of the terrorist attacks for some time. To keep up to date on breaking news, check trusted news sources like the Associated Press and other newswire services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During Hamas’s rampage in Israel last weekend, they kidnapped an estimated 150 people, including women, children, and the elderly.  Ron Steslow calls Danielle Gilbert, Ph.D. and Assistant Professor of Political Science at Northwestern University (and Liz Gilbert Cohen’s sister), to discuss the Gaza hostage crisis, how hostage taking tactics developed and why this situation is different.  They discuss Hamas’s vow to use hostages as human shields and what the conditions for hostages might be, and what types of negotiations we may see. We’re learning more and more about the atrocities Hamas has committed every hour, including confirmation from the Israeli government details about the brutal murder and beheading of babies. We may not know the full extent of their barbarism for some time. To keep up to date on breaking news, check trusted news sources like the Associated Press and other newswire services. Read Danielle’s article in Good Authority: https://bit.ly/3ZWkNIf Learn more about Dr. Gilbert: http://www.danigilbert.com/ Read the Bellingcat guide on maintaining mental hygiene: https://bit.ly/3ZX6d3a Learn more about Hostage US : https://hostageus.org/ Learn more about the Bring Our Families Home Campaign: https://bit.ly/3FhQN0c Learn more about the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation: https://bit.ly/3tuAlXQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Israel is still reeling from an unprecedented and gruesome terrorist attack by Hamas last weekend. Over a thousand Israelis, including babies, children and the elderly, have been brutally massacred. On this weekly roundup, guest host Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) and guests Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Rina Shah (Former Senior Aide on Capitol Hill) reflect on the horrifying news.  They discuss the morally repugnant pro-Hamas rally in New York City endorsed by the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and the Democrats condemning the event.  They break down President Biden’s address reaffirming U.S. support for Israel and the importance of the U.S. being a global leader in times of crisis. Next, they look at Republicans scrambling to elect a new Speaker of the House and what happens when performative politics meets a real world crisis Segments: (02:27) The terror attacks in Israel (35:17) The Speaker campaigns [Politicology+] Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announces his independent presidential run .  Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow Mike and Rina on Threads:  https://www.threads.net/@mykemadrid https://www.threads.net/@rinaindc Follow Lucy on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell Related reading: Segment 1:  NYT—Hamas Leaves Trail of Terror in Israel CNN—Children found ‘butchered’ in Israeli kibbutz, IDF says, as horror of Hamas’ attacks near border begins to emerge The Hill—The ghosts of Gaza | The Hill C-SPAN—President Biden Delivers Remarks on Hamas Attacks on Israel (Video) | Text WP—Democratic divisions over Israel resurface after ‘cease-fire’ comments - The Washington Post NYT—U.S. Envoy to NATO Says Aid to Israel Won’t Come at Ukraine’s Expense - The New York Times Segment 2:  NYT—Hamas Leaves Trail of Terror in Israel CNN—Children found ‘butchered’ in Israeli kibbutz, IDF says, as horror of Hamas’ attacks near border begins to emerge The Hill—The ghosts of Gaza | The Hill C-SPAN—President Biden Delivers Remarks on Hamas Attacks on Israel (Video) | Text WP—Democratic divisions over Israel resurface after ‘cease-fire’ comments - The Washington Post NYT—U.S. Envoy to NATO Says Aid to Israel Won’t Come at Ukraine’s Expense - The New York Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ron Steslow calls Hagar Chemali to discuss the brutal terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel, the massive intelligence failure, how the U.S. and Israel have responded, the reports Iran helped to organize and green light the attack, and why more leaders at  home should be condemning the attacks.  We’re learning more and more about the atrocities Hamas has committed every hour, including details about the brutal murder and beheading of babies. We may not know the full extent of their barbarism for some time. To keep up to date on breaking news, check trusted news sources like the Associated Press and other newswire services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time in American history, the Speaker of the House of Representatives was ousted in a vote of no confidence.  On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Scott Tranter (Investor and Advisor to Decision Desk HQ) discuss the Republican infighting, the reforms Matt Gaetz asked for, what it means, and where we go from here .  Then they break down Robert F. Kennedy Jr. teasing a third party presidential run, who it could help and who it could hurt Finally, they look at the organized labor stories all over the headlines and what the renewed strength of organized labor could mean for our elections.  Segments to look forward to: (02:28) McCarthy loses the Speaker’s gavel  (33:45) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. flirts with a third party presidential run [Politicology+] The realignment in working class voters and rising organized labor Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Listen to Will Baude on Advisory Opinions: https://bit.ly/3LN5snH Listen to William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen on America’s Constitution with Akhil Amar: Part 1: https://apple.co/48IK7W6 | Part 2: https://apple.co/48IKiRg Check out Hands Off my Rewards: https://handsoffmyrewards.com/ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/stranter https://twitter.com/madrid_mike Related reading: Segment 1:  NYT—Behind Kevin McCarthy’s Extraordinary Downfall as House Speaker - The New York Times CNN—October 3, 2023 - Kevin McCarthy ousted as Speaker of the House The Hill—5 takeaways from the ouster of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker | The Hill NYT—Gaetz’s Ouster of McCarthy Draws Attention to His Ethics Issues - The New York Times WP—Months of bad blood between McCarthy and Democrats help sink his speakership Segment 2:  NYT—Robert Kennedy Jr. Hints Strongly at Third-Party Presidential Bid - The New York Times Politico—Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s super PAC preps for him to run for president as an Independent - POLITICO The Dispatch —RFK JR. Could Play Spoiler, but Not for Biden - Chris Stirewalt - The Dispatch Echelon Insights Verified Voter Omnibus Nate Silver —RFK Jr. probably won't hurt Biden. He might even help him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Claire Wardle (co-founder and co-director of the Information Futures Lab, and Professor of the Practice at the Brown School of Public Health) joins Ron Steslow to discuss the challenges( and failures) in improving our information landscape (02:12) Claire’s background and how it led to her research (05:52) Why terms like “misinformation,” “disinformation,” and “malinformation” have become less and less useful  (08:45) How the real world doesn’t fit the framework of “misinformation” and “disinformation” (10:50) Why we share stories online and how that shapes the information environment (21:40) The problems that arise from research silos (25:13) How platforms can include users in content moderation decisions  (37:07) What role do troll farms actually play in information pollution? (39:44) How the focus on foreign actors stops researchers, academics, and government officials from reflecting sincerely on their failures (44:00) Why we share stories online and how that shapes the information environment (50:28) Improving community-led resistance  (55:53) How viewing social media users as a product shapes content moderation decisions  (1:01:30) How AI could impact the information landscape… Watch Operation InfeKtion from the New York Times: https://bit.ly/3IjJUxo Read Claire’s piece “Misunderstanding Misinformation”: https://bit.ly/3IlSFa1 Watch the video op-ed where the NYT turned Claire into Adele: https://bit.ly/3MzvNq5 Follow Ron and Claire on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/cward1e Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can Donald Trump use the UAW strike to win over voters in Michigan? Did anyone need to hear Mike Pence tell a sex joke? Has a key member of the Senate been compromised by Egypt? On this weekly roundup, guest host Hagar Chemali (Former spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) and guests Susan Del Percio (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert) and Marc Polymeropoulos (Former CIA Official) dive into all of that and more.  They break down Donald Trump’s speech outside Detroit and his return to the economic populism that fueled his 2016 campaign.  Then they turn to the second Republican Presidential debate and the growing rifts in the party over support for Ukraine  Next, they look at NJ Senator Robert Menendez’s indictment over allegations he aided the Egyptian government in exchange for cash Finally, they look at bombshell new reporting that Iran orchestrated an information campaign to influence how the West views Tehran Segments to look forward to: (02:10) Trump’s Speech and the Republican Debate  (19:29) The Menendez Indictment  (42:57) The Iran Experts Initiative  [Politicology+] The whistleblower testimony alleging the CIA tried to cover up its own assessment that Covid-19 likely came from a lab leak.  Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Check out Hagar’s show Oh My World on YouTube: https://www.ohmyworld.tv/ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HagarChemali https://twitter.com/DelPercioS https://twitter.com/Mpolymer Related reading: Segment 1:  NYT—Trump Tries to Court Blue-Collar Workers at a Nonunion Factory WP—Opinion | Vivek Ramaswamy has a China problem — and a Hunter Biden problem WP—Candidates’ differences on Ukraine reflect stark divide within GOP - The Washington Post Segment 2:  SDNY—U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, His Wife, And Three New Jersey Businessmen Charged With Bribery Offenses | United States Department of Justice NPR—Senate Democrats to Bob Menendez: Resign : NPR NBC News—Sen. Bob Menendez pleads not guilty to bribery charges as resignation calls grow louder Just Security—The Ongoing National Security Threats Posed by Senator Bob Menendez Segment 3:  Semafor—Inside Iran’s Influence Operation | Semafor Iran International —Inside Tehran’s Soft War Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Reeves (author of Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It) joins Ron Steslow to discuss his book and the struggles facing boys and men.  (02:13) Richard’s work and how it led to studying boys and men  (04:00) The risks if the problems are not addressed  (07:30) The gendered education gap (0z8:20) How economic shifts have impacted men (11:20) Intersectionality in the research on gender  (30:30) Recognizing these problems as structural and not individual (34:40) Weighing the biological differences between women and men  You can order the book here: https://www.brookings.edu/book/of-boys-and-men/ Follow Ron and Richard on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/RichardvReeves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Reeves (author of Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It) joins Ron Steslow to discuss his book and the struggles facing boys and men.  (02:04) The toxicity of “toxic masculinity” (08:00) The “right” at war and the “left” in denial (13:00) How negative partisanship only increases the problem (15:00) The differences in funding and institutional support for men and women  (23:00) Redshirt the boys  (28:00) The criticism Richard has faced for his writing on boys and men You can order the book here: https://www.brookings.edu/book/of-boys-and-men/ Follow Ron and Richard on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/RichardvReeves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While lawmakers argued over the federal budget, our national debt passed $33 trillion dollars this week.  On this week’s roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP), Andy Kroll (Investigative Reporter at ProPublica), and Romina Boccia (Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy at the Cato Institute) discuss why it’s significant and break down the fighting within the Republican party as they argue over a budget.  Then they break down how the auto worker strike has Joe Biden caught between two key democratic constituencies  They also discuss the migrant crisis in New York City and how it’s growing rifts in the Democratic party Finally, they look at Biden’s defiance in the wake of a Federal Appeals Court ruling that said his Administration likely violated the First Amendment and his campaign’s alarming move to combat what it’s calling “political misinformation.” Segments to look forward to: (02:40) The Debt and the Budget fight (31:31) The United Auto Workers Strike (46:00) New York City Migrant Crisis  [Politicology+] The Biden 2024 campaign’s alarming move to combat what it’s calling “political misinformation.” Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/LPDonovan https://twitter.com/AndyKroll https://twitter.com/RominaBoccia Related reading: Segment 1:  NYT—U.S. National Debt Tops $33 Trillion for First Time Cato—Don’t Let the Government‐​Shutdown Charade Distract You From the Debt Crisis Axios—GOP defectors sink McCarthy's push to advance Pentagon funding NYT—Right-Wing House Republicans Derail Pentagon G.O.P. Bill, Rebuking McCarthy - The New York Times The Hill—McConnell: Government shutdowns are ‘a loser for Republicans’ | The Hill Segment 2:  WP—Biden aides try to quell tension with UAW as Trump plans Detroit trip - The Washington Post Politico—‘Trump scooped us’: Dems sound alarm on Biden’s handling of the auto worker strike - POLITICO Politico—Autoworkers lash out at Biden in the UAW president’s hometown - POLITICO Segment 3:  NYT—In Escalation, Adams Says Migrant Crisis 'Will Destroy New York City' WSJ—Why Biden’s Border Policies Aren’t Working - WSJ WP—Opinion | On immigration, Democrats should admit they are wrong - The Washington Post NYT—Suing. Heckling. Cursing. N.Y.C. Protests Against Migrants Escalate NBC—Concern rises in the Biden administration that New York has fumbled its migrant problem, U.S. officials say Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even after historic civil rights progress over the last sixty years, there’s no denying that certain groups of people still face real, serious, and even systemic discrimination. In pursuit of justice, many well-meaning activists have made identity central to their cause—arguing, for example, that in order to right wrongs, rules and laws must treat people differently, not equally, depending on the groups to which they belong. Whatever you think of the term “wokeness,” this new ideology has spread like wildfire through academia, journalism, entertainment, governments, and corporations, radically changing politics, policy, and our public discourse.   But what if they have missed the mark? What if crusading identitarianism is doing more harm than good? What if it’s actually chipping away at some of the bedrock principles of our liberal democracy? If we want honest answers, we have to take these ideas seriously. In this two-part series, host Ron Steslow and Yascha Mounk break down his new book, “The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time.” In this first episode, they discuss the rapidly changing meanings of words like “woke” and why Yascha coined the term “identity synthesis” to replace it. They look at the spread of the identity synthesis and how quickly it is changing our politics.  They dive into the intellectual underpinnings of the identity synthesis and why Yascha decided to write the book now. Segments to look forward to: (04:21) Yascha’s background  (06:50) Why he decided to write this book  (16:30) Why Yascha uses the term “trap”  (21:40) The philosophical underpinnings of the “Identity Synthesis”  Get the book:  Order a hardcover copy: https://amzn.to/3PKN6pR Get the audiobook: https://amzn.to/3Ps7CKe Get it on Kindle: https://amzn.to/3rpAB9B Follow Ron and Yascha on X (previously Twitter):  https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/Yascha_Mounk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even after historic civil rights progress over the last sixty years, there’s no denying that certain groups of people still face real, serious, and even systemic discrimination. In pursuit of justice, many well-meaning activists have made identity central to their cause—arguing, for example, that in order to right wrongs, rules and laws must treat people differently, not equally, depending on the groups to which they belong. Whatever you think of the term “wokeness,” this new ideology has spread like wildfire through academia, journalism, entertainment, governments, and corporations, radically changing politics, policy, and our public discourse.   But what if they have missed the mark? What if crusading identitarianism is doing more harm than good? What if it’s actually chipping away at some of the bedrock principles of our liberal democracy? If we want honest answers, we have to take these ideas seriously. In this two part series, host Ron Steslow and Yascha Mounk break down his new book, “The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time.”  In this second episode, they discuss how the identity synthesis moved from college classrooms, to Tumblr, to newsrooms and workplaces. They discuss the common “with us or against us” attitudes the identity synthesis produces and the infighting at progressive institutions over identity issues. They discuss the impact that “cancel culture” can have over trust in scientific research and why the identity synthesis isn’t compatible with liberal democracy. Segments to look forward to: (01:14) How the identity synthesis moved from college classrooms, to Tumblr, to the workplace (10:40) The “with us or against us attitude” that dominates institutions overtaken by the identity synthesis (16:00) The crippling infighting at progressive institutions over identity issues  (16:50) The identity synthesis and cancel culture  (26:32) How cancel culture erodes trust in research and institutions  (36:21) Why the identity synthesis is incompatible with liberal democracy  (44:00) How to handle backlash  Get the book:  Order a hardcover copy: https://amzn.to/3PKN6pR Get the audiobook: https://amzn.to/3Ps7CKe Get it on Kindle: https://amzn.to/3rpAB9B Follow Ron and Yascha on X (previously Twitter):  https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/Yascha_Mounk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ron Steslow and guests Zack Czajkowski (Principal at Title Fight), Lanae Erickson (Senior Vice President for Social Policy, Education, and Politics at Third Way) , and Jim Swift (Senior Editor at The Bulwark) break down the intra-party politics around the Biden impeachment inquiry and what it could mean for the electoral dynamics in 2024.  They also discuss the piece by one of Joe Biden’s favorite columnists urging him not to run in 2024.  Finally, they break down the ruling from the 5th Circuit court of appeals ruling that the White House and some government agencies likely violated the first amendment in their communications with social media companies about content moderation Segments to look forward to: (02:41) Biden Impeachment Inquiry (22:12) Should Joe Biden Run in 2024? (33:10) What’s the line between coercion and persuasion when government agencies push for content moderation? [Politicology+] “What Mitt Romney Saw in the Senate,” and why he won’t seek reelection next year.  Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/JimSwiftDC https://twitter.com/LanaeErickson Related reading: Segment 1:  WP—Kevin McCarthy directs House committees to open Biden impeachment inquiry - The Washington Post Vanity Fair—Marjorie Taylor Greene: Impeach Biden Now or I'll Shut Down the Government | Vanity Fair NYT—Trump Privately Encouraged Republican Lawmakers to Impeach Biden - The New York Times NBC News—Far-right Republicans tell McCarthy his impeachment inquiry won't soften their spending demands Politico—How Donald Trump’s DOJ gave Biden a major assist in the coming impeachment probe - POLITICO Segment 2:  Axios—Biden's words fuel impeachment push WP—Opinion | President Biden should not run for reelection in 2024 - The Washington Post Segment 3:  WP—5th Circuit finds Biden White House, CDC likely violated First Amendment The FP—The Government Censored Me and Other Scientists. We Fought Back—and Won. | The Free Press Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can order Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation now at https://www.jonwardwrites.org/ Jon Ward (Journalist and author of Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation) joins Ron Steslow to discuss growing up in the Evangelical Church, “Christian Trumpism,” and his new memoir. (03:28) Why Jon wrote the book (08:10) Being a “border-stalker”  (14:36) The Jesus Movement  (21:07) Understanding the different motivations (abortion and race) for Evangelicals joining the Republican party (23:00) The insular church community and how it impacted his worldview (30:00) How Christian belief in the end times impacts action  (32:50) The connection between being a spiritual warrior and a political warrior  (36:15) Spiritual ecstasy as a sign of devotion to God (and the burnout it caused) (41:41) How anti-intellectualism reinforced the social bubble Order Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation—https://www.jonwardwrites.org/ Follow Ron and Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/jonward11 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can pre-order Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation now at https://www.jonwardwrites.org/ Jon Ward (Journalist and author of Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation) joins Ron Steslow to discuss growing up in the Evangelical Church, “Christian Trumpism,” and his new memoir. (06:05) Why Sarah Palin resonated with so many Christians  (10:36) What having difficult conversations can teach you engagement and defensiveness   (20:00) Evangelicals showing more fear than faith  (28:50) How the structures in evangelical communities enabled Trump to distort reality  (31:06) Right Makes Might vs Might Makes Right  (36:32) How can outsiders engage positively with Evangelicals on reforming the movement  Pre-order Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation—https://www.jonwardwrites.org/ Follow Ron and Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/jonward11 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ron Steslow and guests Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) spill the tea on No Labels’ irresponsible presidential gambit and examine the very real need for structural reform in our political system. Then they dive into rising concerns among parents about their kids’ anxiety, an award-winning essay from a high schooler’s perspective, the record low trust in public schools, and the ‘family feud’ in the GOP that presents a political opportunity for Democrats—but does the will exist to meet it? Segments to look forward to: (02:13)The No Labels’ presidential blunder  (29:09) The GOP’s ‘family feud,’ rising concerns among parents, how our public school system is failing high-achievers and struggling students alike, and a political opportunity for Democrats  [Politicology+] MAGA Republicans in Wisconsin attempting to oust a State Supreme Court Justice who was just elected in a landslide because their gerrymandered maps hang in the balance. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell Related reading: Segment 1:  WP—No Labels preps playbook to select presidential candidates, broaden support - The Washington Post The Dispatch—Democrats Are Making a Risky Bet A With Biden  CBS—Larry Hogan says he has "not closed the door" to running for president under a No Labels ticket - CBS News Third Way—No Labels’ Magic Polling Asterisks  Segment 2:  Politico—What Republicans’ ‘Family Feud’ Gets Wrong About Parenting in America - POLITICO The Free Press—A Constitution for Teenage Happiness | The Free Press Politico—California kids may get personal finance 101 - POLITICO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Picture this: It’s the middle of the Israeli summer and the sun is blazing down. Crowds of people are in the streets, banners aloft, voices raised. Protests have erupted over extremely controversial reforms—reforms that sound alarm bells about the very foundations of Israeli democracy. Switch scenes to Chicago, Illinois. A Democratic congresswoman calls Israel a 'racist state.' Fairly swiftly, her colleagues in Washington, DC disavow her words, reaffirming the extraordinarily close but complex U.S.-Israel alliance. In this episode host Ron Steslow and Avi Mayer (Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post) break down the judicial reforms in Israel, the tinderbox of recent protests, that incendiary “racist state” comment, and the legislative maneuvering that followed—Congress's reaffirmation that yes, we “will always be a staunch partner and supporter of Israel.” Segments to look forward to: (02:00) The importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship for both nations  (09:00) Basic overview of how Israel’s political system works  (13:30) The aggressive push for controversial judicial reform in Israel (24:34) How some of the proposed reforms would limit the power of the Supreme Court  (28:20) The crisis that could arise from a standoff between the Knesset and the Supreme Court  (31:00) What compromise might look like (35:18) Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s remarks that Israel is a “racist state”    (42:00) The House of Representatives’ resolution reaffirming support for Israel  (44:44) Anti-Semitism from across the political spectrum  Follow Ron and Avi on X (previously Twitter):  https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/AviMayer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What will BRICS expansion mean for the United States?  Is your pension paying for China’s aircraft carriers?  How did China spend four years conducting an influence campaign on the biggest social media platforms before they were caught? Why do Republican voters think Donald Trump has the best chance at beating Joe Biden in 2024? Join our host, Ron Steslow, as he explores the latest political news with this week’s guests: Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Hagar Chemali (Former spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN). Segments to look forward to: (02:44) The BRICS Summit and expansion (08:01) Breaking down the biggest news about the U.S. China Relationship  (12:44) China’s real estate market crisis  (22:40) Is your pension fueling the Chinese military and surveillance state?  (35:30) Meta executes its largest ever removal of accounts linked to a four-year-long Chinese influence campaign  (:50) Why Republicans Don’t want to be saved by Donald Trump  [Politicology+] How Artificial Intelligence will shape our elections and be a tool for bad actors on the world stage. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/HagarChemali You should check out Oh My World on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ohmyworldwithhagarchemali Related reading: Segment 1:  CBS News—The 4 biggest moments from this week's BRICS summit — and why they matter - CBS News CNN—BRICS expansion is a big win for China. But can it really work as a counterweight to the West? | CNN CNN—China's Xi unexpectedly skipped a key BRICS event. No one is saying why CNBC—China's property giant Evergrande files for bankruptcy protection in Manhattan court WP—Opinion | Rep. Mike Gallagher: U.S. investment in problematic Chinese companies has to stop - The Washington Post NYT—Meta’s ‘Biggest Single Takedown’ Removes Chinese Influence Campaign - The New York Times SCMP—Republican candidates talk ‘tough on China’ as Trump skips first debate Segment 2:  NYT—The Thing Is, Most Republicans Really Like Trump - The New York Times Jonathan Last—Joe the Plumber and Partisan Schadenfreude The Atlantic—The Fourteenth Amendment Fantasy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hagar Chemali, Mike Madrid, and Ron Steslow discuss how Artificial Intelligence will shape our elections and be a tool for bad actors on the world stage. What we read:  Bloomberg—Opinion: We Need AI Arms Control to Keep the New Cold War From Turning Hot Scientific American—How AI Could Take Over Elections--And Undermine Democracy - Scientific American The Guardian—The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman review – AI, synthetic biology and a new dawn for humanity | Computing and the net books | The Guardian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catherine Sanderson (Poler Family Professor and chair of the psychology department at Amherst College) joins Ron Steslow to discuss emotional intelligence and how it impacts success in the workplace, politics, and our everyday lives (01:40) What emotional intelligence is and how we measure it (03:55) Why emotional intelligence is important  (07:03) How self-awareness impacts emotional intelligence  (10:15) How you can build self-awareness (13:05) How regulating your emotions shapes your emotional intelligence  (16:20) Ways you can improve how well you manage and regulate your emotions (21:19) The importance of grit in emotional intelligence  (24:43) Emotional intelligence and being a moral rebel  (39:39) The “dark side” of emotional intelligence (41:39) Why emotional intelligence needs a moral backbone  (50:53) How you can improve your emotional intelligence  You can measure your emotional intelligence using this test: http://bit.ly/3DPYxpX Follow Ron and Catherine on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/SandersonSpeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ron Steslow calls Molly McKew to discuss the plane crash that killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, why Putin decided to kill his former henchman, and what it means for the war in Ukraine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did anyone land a successful punch at the Republican Debate? (And did it matter?) Our reactions to Trump’s interview with Tucker Carlson, and the new song that catapulted a relatively unknown country singer to conservative folk hero and progressive hate object status Join our host, Ron Steslow, as he explores the most important political news with guests Susan Del Percio (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert), Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP) and Liz Gilbert Cohen (President of the 2020 Democratic National Convention). Segments to look forward to: (02:18) A deep dive into the first Republican primary debate, who won and who lost, Nikki Haley’s swipe at Donald Trump, and Vivek Ramaswamy’s annoying performance that could endear him to MAGA voters (31:50) Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson counterprogramming the debate with a pre-taped interview where they discussed whether Trump’s political rivals would try to kill him and whether we’re heading toward a civil war.  (41:40) The little known Virginia country singer who was catapulted to conservative folk hero and progressive hate object status for the song “Rich Men North of Richmond”   [Politicology+] The continued legal troubles for Hunter Biden and how Joe Biden can respond to the Republican attacks.  Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/LPDonovan https://twitter.com/DelPercioS Related reading: Segment 1:  Politico—How Fox’s Republican debate moderators are thinking about the Trump question - POLITICO NYT—Debate Live Updates: Republican 2024 Candidates, but Not Trump, to Face Off - The New York Times Segment 2:  X—Tucker Carlson Interview with Donald Trump  CNN—Trump already taped interview with Tucker Carlson that will air on GOP debate night | CNN Politics The Hill—Tucker Carlson asks Trump: Are you worried ‘they’re going to try and kill you?’ | The Hill Segment 3 YouTube—Oliver Anthony Rich Men North of Richmond AZ Lyrics—Oliver Anthony - Rich Men North Of Richmond Lyrics | AZLyrics.com NY Post—What people are getting wrong about 'Rich Men North of Richmond' NYT—How ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’ Reached the Top of the Charts Intelligencer—Oliver Anthony and the Incoherence of Right-Wing Populism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine a world where candidates no longer need to pander to the extremes, where minor candidates don’t tip elections one way or another, and where your vote can truly represent your values. Sounds like a dream, right? States like Alaska and Maine are already proving it's possible. And they’re doing it with Ranked Choice Voting. In this episode host Ron Steslow and Deb Otis (Director of Research at Fair Vote) break down ranked choice voting, how it works, the way it’s changing politics in states like Alaska and Maine, and what it could mean for other campaigns and how it could help us reign in extremism. Segments to look forward to: (02:12) How Deb started working on Ranked Choice Voting reform  (03:05) What Ranked Choice Voting is and how it differs from our current system  (07:40) Different forms of Ranked Choice Voting  (12:00) How Ranked Choice Voting pushes candidates to appeal to more of the electorate (14:36) Ranked Choice Voting in partisan primary elections  (17:30) The impact on extremist candidates like Sarah Palin in the 2022 Alaska House Race  (20:50) How Ranked Choice Voting helped Lisa Murkowski hold off a primary challenge from her right  (22:01) The repeal effort in Alaska  (28:48) How Ranked Choice Voting has changed the way states are governed (31:51) Ranked choice voting in New York City primaries (35:35) Why Democrats are fighting Ranked Choice Voting in Nevada  (43:37) What other states can learn from Alaska and Maine  (47:47) Using Ranked Choice Voting in Presidential Primary elections.  Learn more about Fair Vote: https://fairvote.org/ Learn about how Ranked Choice Voting is being used in presidential primaries: https://bit.ly/3QXWwz0 Follow Ron on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Monday, Donald Trump was hit with his fourth criminal indictment of the year this time by a Grand Jury in Fulton County, Georgia.  What are the allegations in this newest indictment? How is the District Attorney, Fani Willis, using a law designed to fight organized crime to prosecute Trump’s plot to steal the 2020 election? What will the timeline for these cases be?  Join our host, Ron Steslow, as he explores these questions Michael Zeldin (former federal prosecutor).  Segments to look forward to: (01:23) An overview of the current criminal cases Donald Trump is facing (12:40) Why prosecutors will need to prove criminal intent in the Washington, D.C. case (and why they won’t in the Mar-a-Lago documents case) (16:00) How a Grand Jury returns a true bill of indictment in Georgia  (22:00) What the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act is and how it’s used in Georgia   (28:50) How normally legal activity can be charged when it’s part of a criminal enterprise.   (35:00) How the RICO charges will allow prosecutors to show the full story of the plot to steal the election in Georgia  (40:00) Whether defendants will have to serve prison time if convicted (44:00) Why Mark Meadows wants to move the case to federal court (56:58) Why the Georgia case and the indictment in Washington, DC can have overlap  (1:07:40) The differences between Willis’s and Smith’s strategies.  (1:15:34) What the timeline of these trials might look like  (1:23:05) Whether Doanld Trump should be pardoned if convicted of a federal crime Read more about the differences between Georgia and Federal law about lying to officials: The Two Big Questions Answered by Trump's Georgia Indictment Follow Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Check out Micahel’s Podcast That Said: https://apple.co/3qAaPz6 Related reading: The full indictment NYT—Trump Georgia Indictment: Read the Full Text, Annotated - The New York Times (Video) ABC News—Fulton County, GA District Attorney Fani Willis announces indictment against Trump NYT—The Two Big Questions Answered by Trump's Georgia Indictment AJC—Who's who in the Georgia Trump indictment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock subscriber-only content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Géraldine Blanche (Intellectual Property Lawyer and PhD candidate in Intellectual Property Law at the Sciences Po Law School in Paris) joins Ron Steslow to discuss the politics of fashion and intellectual property law (01:25) History of laws protecting creativity  (09:20) What IP lawyers do (12:50) What led Géraldine to fashion IP (20:50) Fashion as political (35:50) How politicians send messages through fashion choices (41:41) Fashion as a signifier of political groups Follow Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Follow Géraldine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/designedbylaw/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock subscriber-only content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Géraldine Blanche (Intellectual Property Lawyer and PhD candidate in Intellectual Property Law at the Sciences Po Law School in Paris) joins Ron Steslow to discuss the politics of fashion and intellectual property law (01:26) Fashion in Politics  (05:36) Iteration, interpretation, and inspiration (09:47) The need for time in fashion and democracy (14:24) Environmental impact of fashion (26:42) The impact of AI on fashion Follow Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Follow Géraldine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/designedbylaw/ Can you leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts? It’s a big help 🙏 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should Donald Trump be pardoned if he’s convicted? Why are state legislatures trying to consolidate power and limit ballot referenda? What do spending decisions have to do with the Gerontocracy?  Join our host, Ron Steslow, as he explores these questions with guests Lucy Caldwell (Walsh 2020 Campaign Manager) and Zack Czajkowski (Principal at Title Fight). Segments to look forward to: (02:00) Why the election subversion case against Trump is harder to prove than the documents case and whether Trump should be granted clemency if convicted. (21:21) Ohio voters defeat a measure to make amending the Constitution harder and what it says about the balance between direct democracy and the legislative system.  (38:38) Breaking down the Medicaid maintenance after Covid protections end, the challenge of reigning in deficits without political backlash, and how this relates to the gerontocracy.  [Politicology+] The lawsuit against Lizzo and “the narcissism of singular personalities.” Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell Related reading: Segment 1:  NYT—https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/08/us/politics/trump-indictment-fake-electors-memo.html The Dispatch —The New Trump Indictment Is Less Clear Cut - The Dispatch NYT—Opinion | The Trial America Needs - The New York Times Segment 2:  NYT—Ohio Voters Reject Constitutional Change Intended to Thwart Abortion Amendment Axios—Ohio referendum win for abortion rights sets stage for fights in other states Politico—Ohio’s Abortion Ban Is Rekindling a Century-Old Battle Over Direct Democracy - POLITICO Segment 3 Politico—Biden's health care wins are being undone — and at the worst possible time Bloomberg—US Treasury Boosts Quarterly Borrowing Estimate to $1 Trillion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus What does it take for a mid-west mayor to become a viable presidential candidate? What’s it like to be a crisis communications expert in the eye of New York City Tabloids? What does it take to go from a field organizer to one of the most well respected communications strategists in American politics? Lis Smith (former senior advisor to presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss her career working on twenty-something political campaigns, and her new memoir, Any Given Tuesday: A Political Love Story  (01:25) Why “Any Given Tuesday?” (02:56) What drew her to politics? (07:48) Candidates as people, not two-dimensional characters (10:57) What can losing campaigns teach you? (14:45) Being in the eye of a tabloid news story (29:32) How not to use Twitter (and how you can use it well) (37:50) Tailoring comments on cable news (45:11) Candidate Pete’s communications strategy (56:21) The Gay Talk Express You should read Any Given Tuesday: https://bit.ly/3AimMu7 Follow Lis and Ron on Twitter: https://bit.ly/3AimMu7 https://twitter.com/Lis_Smith https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What will Donald Trump’s third indictment mean for his presidential campaign? How does the breakdown of Hunter Biden's plea deal impact President Joe Biden? How will New York City's migrant crisis shape national politics? Join our guest host, Susan Del Percio, as she explores these questions with guests Lanae Erickson (Senior Vice President for Social Policy, Education, and Politics at Third Way) and Andy Kroll (Investigative Reporter at ProPublica). Segments to look forward to: (02:42) Understanding the latest indictment of Donald Trump for his attempts to subvert the 2020 election 24:20) Analyzing the collapse of Hunter Biden’s plea deal, the testimony of his business partner before Congress, and the potential implications for Joe Biden (34:34) Unraveling the crisis unfolding in New York City as it grapples with a surge in migrants [Politicology+] The hot button topic of California's new math framework, the drive for equity in math education, and the critical need to support high achieving students. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DelPercioS https://twitter.com/AndyKroll https://twitter.com/LanaeErickson Related reading: Segment 1:  CNN—Takeaways from the indictment of Donald Trump for efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat | CNN Politics NYT—Trump Faces New Charges in Mar-a-Lago Classified Documents Case - The New York Times NYT—Can the Race Really Be That Close? Yes, Biden and Trump Are Tied. NYT—Trump Faces New Charges in Mar-a-Lago Classified Documents Case - The New York Times NYT—Biden Shores Up Democratic Support, but Faces Tight Race Against Trump Segment 2:  NYT—Hunter Biden Plea Deal Put on Hold as Judge Questions Its Details - The New York Times CNN—Takeaways from the stunning Hunter Biden hearing and what happens now | CNN Politics WP—Opinion Why the Hunter Biden plea fiasco will be a drag on Democrats CNN—Devon Archer: Former business partner says Hunter Biden sold 'illusion' of access | CNN Politics FOX News—Biggs says Archer didn’t know anything about a bribe Segment 3 ABC7—Calls for federal action as asylum seekers wait in line outside Roosevelt Hotel NYT—Migrants Will Sleep Outdoors Because ‘There Is No More Room,’ Adams Says - The New York Times Politico—NYC Mayor Adams warns Biden about spiraling migrant crisis - POLITICO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our digital age, people have grown to see social media platforms as mere tools and applications.  Marcus Collins, the award-winning marketer, former digital strategist for Beyoncé, and author of "For The Culture", argues otherwise.  Join host Ron Steslow as he sits down with Marcus to unravel the deep-seated influence of culture on social media and our daily choices. Marcus elaborates on his assertion that "social media is people" and why understanding this fundamental idea changes our approach to digital platforms. He also delves into the crucial role of culture in hyperpolarization and how it weaves into the fabric of our society. Segments to look forward to: (01:20) How Marcus came to study culture: "I feel like I'm at my best when I'm helping people realize the best version of themselves…” (04:26) The connection between marketing and psychology (08:42) The importance of purpose in advertising: "Start with what you believe and when you start with what you believe people who see the world the way you do go, 'Finally, someone said it. That's my person.'” (17:02) The influence of culture on consumer choice (20:40) The connection between culture and politics (24:00) Case study: How Patagonia leveraged culture to build their brand (30:00) Case study: Donald Trump's cultural strategy in the 2016 election (32:09) Understanding tribes and congregations (37:27)”The brain is a prediction machine”  (40:00) The role of culture in hyperpolarization (42:14) The state of anti-Trump Republicans within the broader Republican culture (44:00) How subcultures develop and operate (50:00) How preaching the gospel can get people to move You Should Read For the Culture: https://amzn.to/3QjLDaH Check out Predictably Rational by Dan Ariely: https://amzn.to/3rPeWHL Follow Ron and Marcus on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/marctothec Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode was originally released on October 12, 2022 Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project Cofounder), Ruy Teixeira (Nonresident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute), Scott Tranter (Investor and Advisor to Decision Desk HQ) join host Ron Steslow to discuss the erosion of support for Democrats among Hispanic voters (03:01) Ruy’s background  (17:00) The trend of Hispanic voters moving away from the Democratic party (34:10) Joe Biden’s low approval rating among Hispanic voters (35:40) What factors are driving the trend (38:11) The Latino vote taking on the characteristics of the American electorate (50:48) How Democrats could win back more Hispanic voters (58:02) The tension between working class voters and voters concerned about environmental issues To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Follow Mike, Scott and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/stranter https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Some of the most vexing political controversies, policy questions, and cultural crises of our current moment trace their orbit around the singular legal and cultural gravity of our 1st Amendment—and the radical, enlightenment wisdom enshrined in it. What has really been going across college campuses—and what’s at stake for wider society outside the confines of higher education? Is the colloquial public square, practically speaking, now privately held by a handful of tech titans? How has the idea of “free speech” become so shockingly misunderstood that one of our major political parties can persuade a large swath of the country that a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol is “legitimate political discourse?” Greg Lukianoff (President and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE)) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss FIRE’s fight to protect free speech on—and, now, off—campus. (02:15) Greg’s background and FIRE’s role in protecting the First Amendment  (5:15) The Coddling of the American Mind  (10:30) The state of free speech on college campuses  (30:20) What’s driving the complaints on college campuses  (39:55) FIRE moving off campus to create a culture of free speech  (41:05) Why they decided to take on off campus speech issues (50:31) Limits to protected speech (59:10) Free speech and Big Tech (1:04:25) Creating a culture of free speech Visit FIRE’s Website: thefire.org Follow Greg and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/glukianoff https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Molly McKew joins Frank Salder, Andy Kroll, and Ron Steslow to discuss Russia's decision to halt Ukraine's Black Sea grain exports and its ramifications on the conflict and the rest of the world—especially Africa. She also addresses the US running out of the ammunition it pledged to Ukraine. What we read:  Bloomberg—US Suspends Wuhan Institute of Virology’s Access to Federal Funding - Bloomberg Newsweek—Pentagon Making Race-Specific Bioweapons to Target Citizens, China Says NYPost—RFK Jr. says COVID may have been 'ethnically targeted' to spare Jews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump has a plan to consolidate even more power if he wins in 2024. So, where’s the political will to constrain such a power grab while there’s time? Join our host, Ron Steslow, as he and guests Frank Sadler (Chief of Staff to Carly Fiorina) and Andy Kroll (Investigative Reporter at ProPublica) delve deep into these pivotal discussions. Segments to look forward to: (2:11) We dive into Donald Trump’s announcement that he's the target of the grand jury investigation into 2020 election subversion, and other Republican candidates' reluctance to confront him. (12:23) We then examine Trump's re-election agenda to reshape the executive branch for more control over independent agencies, explore the 'unitary executive theory,' and consider the implications of Congress’ failure to check growing executive power. (We'll also delve into Julian Assange's indictment for leaking classified materials.) (42:12) We inspect the Health and Human Services' move to halt funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology, probe the handling of the COVID-19 origin investigation, and discuss how failures in dominant media breed uncertainty. [Politicology+] Molly McKew joins the panel for this week’s Politicology+ episode to unpack Russia's decision to halt Ukraine's Black Sea grain exports and its ramifications on the conflict and the rest of the world—especially Africa. She also addresses the US running out of the ammunition it pledged to Ukraine. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/AndyKroll Related reading: Segment 1:  CNN—Donald Trump says he's a target of special counsel's criminal probe into 2020 election aftermath | CNN Politics NBC News—Trump lashes out after target letter from special counsel leading Jan. 6 probe CBS News—16 Michigan residents face felony charges for fake electors scheme after 2020 election - CBS News Segment 2:  NYT—Trump Plans to Expand Presidential Power Over Agencies in 2025 - The New York Times Rolling Stone—Biden's DOJ Is Pressuring Journalists to Help Build Its Case Against Assange Segment 3 Bloomberg—US Suspends Wuhan Institute of Virology’s Access to Federal Funding - Bloomberg Newsweek—Pentagon Making Race-Specific Bioweapons to Target Citizens, China Says NYPost—RFK Jr. says COVID may have been 'ethnically targeted' to spare Jews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last 100 years, we have streamlined the process of food production. A hundred years ago, 99% of people were engaged in the agricultural process in some way. Today, that number is 1%. As a result, our relationship with food has become desperately impersonal. But what are the consequences of all that efficiency? Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of our food systems with Jeff Tkatch (CEO of the Rodale Institute) and host Ron Steslow. In this captivating conversation, we dig deep into the living soil beneath our feet, our disconnection from nature, and the mechanisms driving our extractive farming systems. Jeff provides a comprehensive understanding of the difference between soil and dirt, explaining why one gives life while the other is lifeless. He shares his personal journey towards regenerative agriculture and elaborates on the role Rodale Institute plays in shaping the future of farming. Segments to look forward to: (2:10) Understanding the difference between soil and dirt: "If soil could talk to us, what would it be saying right now? Feed me. Rest me. Water me. Feed me. Rest me. Water me. I'm a living, breathing organism just like you. And by the way, you depend on me for life." (03:30) Jeff's journey into regenerative agriculture and the role of the Rodale Institute (13:30) How we became disconnected from nature and our food (15:30) Who feeds the world? (16:20) A deep dive into the extractive farming system and the need for sustainable agricultural practices (19:50) Unraveling the incentives that have shaped our agricultural system (23:00) The various faces of agriculture: sustainable, regenerative, and organic regenerative (27:35) The cost of organic food and the unseen cost of not eating organic (30:00) “Agriculture is the great healer of our time” (37:15) Policy changes that could revolutionize farming and an overview of the Pennsylvania State Farm Bill (40:52) The challenge of organic food fraud (51:10) How changing our understanding of food production could reduce polarization: “It starts with gratitude...when we begin to see our brother and sister through food, we're creating a metaphorical table. We're actually sitting down at a table every moment of every day here in this country and hopefully around the world." Learn more about the Rodale Institute: https://www.rodaleinstitute.org/ Get involved and connect with local farmers near you. As Jeff says, "Everybody should get to know a farmer." Follow Ron on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shouldn’t we hold our leaders like President Biden to higher standards than the ones Republicans set for Donald Trump? Join our host Ron Steslow, as he discusses this and more with Susan Del Percio (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert), and Hagar Chemali (Former spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN). We'll learn why Susan still holds onto financial disclosure forms from two decades ago and Hagar explains how the Barbie movie is impacting geopolitics. Segments to look forward to: (02:44) Unpacking ongoing investigations concerning the Biden family (24:50)This week's NATO summit and what it could mean for the on the war in Ukraine (48:50) Exploring the movement in eastern Oregon to shift state borders and align with Idaho and what it says about our hyperpartisan times [Politicology+] Tune in as we dive into Meta's latest venture, Threads, whether it can really challenge Twitter, and the escalating dispute between tech titans Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/DelPercioS https://twitter.com/HagarChemali What we read:  Segment 1:  NYT—Competing Accounts of Justice Dept.’s Handling of Hunter Biden Case - The New York Times NYT—U.S. Attorney in Hunter Biden Case Defends Investigation to House Republicans - The New York Times NYT—David Weiss Rebuts I.R.S. Official’s Account of Request in Hunter Biden Case - The New York Times NYT—The G.O.P. Backed Gal Luft on Hunter Biden Claims. Now He’s Indicted. - The New York Times WP—Indictment of GOP’s ‘missing’ informant becomes conspiracy fodder WP—Opinion | Millions flowed to Biden family members. Don’t pretend it doesn’t matter. - The Washington Post Segment 2:  BBC—Turkey backs Sweden's Nato membership - BBC News NYT—Despite Successes at NATO Summit, Divisions Remain - The New York Times WP—Zelensky slams NATO’s declaration on Ukraine membership - The Washington Post UnHerd—Fiona Hill: Pax Americana is over - The Post Segment 3 Idaho State Journal—Greater Idaho movement wins over another Oregon county | Local | idahostatejournal.com Idaho Statesman—Greater Idaho Movement claims 12th Oregon county to vote in favor of moving the state line NYT—Opinion | Are Your Neighbors Mostly Democrats or Republicans? - The New York Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock subscriber-only content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus How does murder during a robbery-gone-wrong become an international conspiracy theory? What even is a true crime story in the post-truth era? Andy Kroll (Investigative Reporter at ProPublica, former DC Bureau Chief for Rolling Stone) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss his new book, A Death on W Street: The Murder of Seth Rich and the Age of Conspiracy. (01:34) What drew Andy to the Seth Rich story (08:48) The facts of the Seth Rich case (12:44) How conspiracy theories have changed in the 21st Century (21:08) Russia, the DNC leak, and the need for a scapegoat (24:22) The intersection of conspiracy theories (29:06) The conspiracy theory economy You should read A Death on W Street: https://andy-kroll.com/ Follow Andy and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndyKroll https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder), Tom Nichols (Staff Writer at The Atlantic) and host Ron Steslow discuss some of the most important stories of the week and how they’re shaping the political landscape: (05:38) The Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action (27:00) The short-lived rebellion in Russia and the invasion of Ukraine (40:34) America’s relationship with war and the difference between patriotism and nationalism [Politicology+] The Federal Court ruling restricting the Biden administration's communications with social media platforms. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/RadioFreeTom https://twitter.com/madrid_mike What we read:  Segment 1:  NPR—Supreme Court guts affirmative action, effectively ending race-conscious admissions WSJ—Can Colleges Be Racially Diverse Without Affirmative Action? Experience Suggests No WP—Biden faces renewed pressure to embrace Supreme Court overhaul - The Washington Post NYT—Opinion | On Race and Academia - The New York Times Segment 2:  CNN—Ukraine warns Russia might attack the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. How worried should we be? NYT—After Armed Rebellion, Putin Tries to Reinforce His Defenses CBS—U.S. could decide this week whether to send cluster munitions to Ukraine - CBS News Insider—Russia has 'lost nearly half' of its combat effectiveness since invading Ukraine, UK defense official says Segment 3 Atlantic—Reclaiming Real American Patriotism - The Atlantic Politico—Opinion | It's Time For Progressives to Reclaim the Fourth of July - POLITICO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices