Charlie Sykes talks with Simon Bazelon, lead author of Deciding to Win, a new report urging Democrats to refocus on economic and public safety issues. Bazelon argues that since 2012, highly educated donors and advocacy groups have pushed the party away from the bread-and-butter concerns of working-class voters. The conversation explores how Democrats lost touch with moderates, what lessons can be learned from past realignments, and why winning elections begins with listening to voters again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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46:04
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46:04
Ben Wittes: Who Is The Administrator of DOGE?
Charlie Sykes talks with Lawfare’s Ben Wittes about the erosion of congressional power, Donald Trump’s attempts to reshape the civil service, and the growing danger of a one-man government. They unpack Trump’s $230 million claim against U.S. taxpayers, the ethical chaos inside the Justice Department, and how judges are grappling with lies from the federal government. Wittes also shares the story behind his viral “Who Is the Administrator of Doge?” hat and an unlikely night of Ukrainian lounge music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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52:36
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52:36
Anne Applebaum: Americans Are Not Angry Enough Yet
Charlie Sykes is joined by historian and journalist Anne Applebaum to discuss the accelerating erosion of democratic norms in the United States. They explore how corruption, institutional fragility, and authoritarian habits are reshaping American politics, and why complacency is our greatest danger. Applebaum warns that the midterms may determine whether America still has the will to defend its democracy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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44:58
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44:58
Justin Wolfers: The Erosion of Democratic Institutions
Economist Justin Wolfers joins Charlie Sykes to unpack the puzzling disconnect between Wall Street’s optimism and Main Street’s uncertainty, and what that says about America’s economic direction. They dive into Trump’s tariffs, Argentina’s bailout, and how “crony capitalism” tilts the playing field toward big corporations. Wolfers also reflects on his recent Boyer Lecture, arguing that the erosion of democratic institutions pose the greatest threat to long-term prosperity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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43:14
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43:14
Adam Kinzinger: Trump Tales a Wrecking Ball to the White House
Charlie Sykes and Adam Kinzinger take stock of another chaotic week in American politics, from Donald Trump’s demand for $230 million in taxpayer money and his controversial White House renovations, to Speaker Mike Johnson’s embrace of Trump’s culture-war theatrics. They also discuss the rise of the “No Kings” movement, the corporate backlash over Jimmy Kimmel’s firing, and what it all says about the state of the GOP. Plus, Kinzinger offers a bold idea for ending the war in Ukraine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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