TALKING FEDS is a roundtable discussion that brings together prominent former government officials, journalists, and special guests for a dynamic and in-depth a...
Harry talks with Professor Tim Snyder, Levin Professor of History at Yale, who is both one of our leading political scientists and one of the most trenchant critics of Trump’s moves in the everyday. Snyder first discusses some of the organizing ideas in his scholarly work, especially the recent “On Freedom.” He explains his particular notion of freedom and how it differs from the common conception held by most people in the United States. They then talk about fascism and the degree to which the political program it employs depends on a radical devaluing of the idea of truth and fact. The two then move to the current American landscape, and the degree to which Trump’s return to power, viewed especially in the light of history, represents a genuine threat of an irreversible decline in democratic, constitutional rule. Professor Snyder closes with some bases for optimism and a constructive agenda moving forward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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39:49
Kakistocracy (look it up)
The early indications from the first weeks since the election are gloomy. A roundtable of three of the podcast's all stars–Susan Glasser, Jen Rubin, and Charlie Sykes–joins Harry to break down the embryonic warnings of democratic backsliding ahead. Trump and his circle are flouting ethical requirements and trying to run an opaque shop, though reports of backbiting and at least one scandal have emerged. And Jack Smith closed up shop on the most serious allegations ever brought against a president.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1:05:58
The Real Reason Trump Won.
Harry talks with Michael Tomasky, Editor of the New Republic, about his article, “Why Does No One Understand the Real Reason Trump Won?” Tomasky digs beneath the demographic information about increased Hispanic voters or concerns about immigration to explain the pivotal fact that vast fractions of the electorate – roughly those who voted for Trump – had a false narrative fed to them by right-wing media, which has become more powerful than legacy media in this country (owing in part to the decline of legacy media), and, far more importantly, speaks in one voice and has a hammerlock on the attention of nearly half the country. Tomasky delineates the strategic genesis and rise of right-wing media, tracing it to huge contributions from right wing forces, whereas the left’s high rollers chiefly contribute to specific causes. Tomasky posits that the right-wing media will not be satisfied with its notable successes but will aim for full domination, and sounds a warning bell for the left to appreciate and respond to the immense political force.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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30:54
Why We Must Have A Detailed Report of the Trump Prosecutions
Harry talks again w/ Marcy Wheeler, as tenacious a follower of the Trump cases as there is, about what Jack Smith might include in a report to Merrick Garland pursuant to the Special Counsel regulations that would supplement the historical record. The short answer is “plenty.” Marcy and Harry march through intriguing but incomplete details in the public record about uncharged conduct, declined federal crimes, and especially activity of still important members of the Trump circle such as Steve Bannon, Roger Stone, and Todd Blanche. This is a detailed guide to what we don’t know but need to in the interests of both democratic transparency and history.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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44:35
DOJ-Jacking
We are doing a series of special episodes leading up to Trump 2.0 in the areas that are most in the crosshairs of Trump and Project 2025, including immigration, health care, and foreign policy. This is the first one, and it focuses on the Department of Justice, with our regular great expert roundtable of Katie Benner, Paul Fishman, and Amy Jeffress. DOJ is not just the agency I and my compadres know best; it is also the one whose ravaging will most signal a backslide towards authoritarianism.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
TALKING FEDS is a roundtable discussion that brings together prominent former government officials, journalists, and special guests for a dynamic and in-depth analysis of the most pressing questions in law and politics.
New Zealand