Episoder
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History is our greatest teacher. In this episode Rick speaks with historian David Brown, author of A Hell of a Storm: The Battle for Kansas, the End of Compromise, and the Coming of the Civil War. They explore the significance of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, a pivotal moment that led to the collapse of the Whig Party and fueled tensions that made the Civil War inevitable. Together, they discuss the cultural and political shifts of the time, drawing connections to today's political divisions and the rapid pace of change in American politics.
David's book, A Hell of a Storm: The Battle for Kansas, the End of Compromise, and the Coming of the Civil War, available now.
Timestamps:
(00:02:06) A Hell of a Storm
(00:07:51) The signals of a party collapsing
(00:10:37) The culture of the civil war
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The framers envisioned a judiciary whose role was to check the power of the executive and legislative branches and ensure constitutional integrity. But what happens if corruption creeps its way into the most powerful court in the land? On today's episode Rick interviews David Brock, a veteran in the political and media landscape, about his new book Stench: The Making of the Thomas Court and the Unmaking of America. They dive into how Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has influenced major rulings like the Dobbs decision and presidential immunity, and explore the broader ethical concerns surrounding the court. Brock discusses the decades-long conservative efforts to reshape the judiciary, Thomas’s entanglement with wealthy donors, and the urgent need for judicial reform to address the court’s corruption and accountability issues.
David's book, Stench: The Making of the Thomas Court and the Unmaking of America, available now.
Timestamps:
(00:01:50) Stench
(00:04:04) A vast right wing conspiracy
(00:08:53) Clarence Thomas
(00:17:18) Corruption beyond Thomas
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Democracy is under siege, and state-sanctioned vigilantes are leading the charge. In this episode Rick speaks with Jon Michaels and David Noll, authors of the upcoming book Vigilante Nation: How State-Sponsored Terror Threatens Our Democracy. They discuss the alarming rise of state-backed vigilante activities, particularly through laws like Texas SB8, and how these efforts are aimed at achieving authoritarian political control. The conversation explores the MAGA movement's tactics, the threats to democratic institutions, and the potential dangers surrounding future U.S. elections. It's a chilling analysis of how private actors, with state approval, are shaping America’s political landscape.
Jon and David's book, Vigilante Nation: How State-Sponsored Terror Threatens Our Democracy, available for pre-order now.
Timestamps:
(00:01:45) Vigilante Nation
(00:14:56) If we keep on pushing
(00:19:07) The spectrum of violent organizations
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The Democratic party is changing. In this episode of The Enemies List, Rick speaks with historian Timothy Shenk about his new book, Left Adrift: What Happened to Liberal Politics? They explore the evolution of the Democratic Party, shifting from a working-class base to a more affluent, educated coalition, and the challenges that come with this transformation. Shenk delves into the party's struggle to reconnect with working-class voters and the rise of technocratic approaches in politics, while offering insights on how the party can adapt moving forward.
Timothy's book, Left Adrift: What Happened to Liberal Politics?, available now.
Timestamps:
(00:01:27) Left to Drift
(00:04:54) Divorce from the working class
(00:16:07) The democratic party over the last few decades
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Rick gives a blistering solo reaction to a blockbuster presidential debate.
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Live from TribFest, Rick interviews Harris-Walz Campaign Co-Chair Mitch Landrieu, who was a Senior Advisor to President Biden and also served as the Mayor of New Orleans. They discuss the important role of character in political leadership, the impact of Biden’s infrastructure bill, and the importance of finding common ground in a sharply divided country.
Follow Mitch Landrieu on X @MitchLandrieu and learn more about TribFest at http://festival.texastribune.org/.
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The American Presidency is certainly among the world's most studied institutions, yet there is always more to learn. In this episode Rick interviews David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group and author of The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency. They explore Rubenstein's deep fascination with the U.S. presidency, stemming from his personal experiences in Washington and interviews with scholars and former presidents. Rubenstein shares insights into the leadership qualities of figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, and modern presidents such as Obama, Trump, and George W. Bush. The conversation delves into the importance of voting, the influence of speechwriters, and how the presidency shapes history.
David's book, The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency, available now.
Timestamps:
(00:01:19) The Highest Calling
(00:07:15) Obama's legacy
(00:09:23) The hinge of history president
(00:19:26) George W. Bush
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As we inch closer to this historic election there are many questions to answer. On this episode Rick picks a handful of your submitted questions and gives them a classic hot take. He touches on Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's potential paths to electoral college victory, Trump's declining favorability and the recent criminal charges against him, while also sharing some personal reflections, including the joy of becoming a grandfather.
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Historically the democratic party has struggled with clear, direct messaging. It's now clear they are finally getting the memo. In this episode Rick is joined by Leigh McGowan, also known as PoliticsGirl, for a discussion on the current political landscape. They dive into the smashing success of the Democratic Convention, how the dynamics of the election have changed, and share candid thoughts on the upcoming debates. They touch on the challenges of modern masculinity, the power of effective political messaging, and the importance of staying true to core American values.
Timestamps:
(00:01:40) DNC review
(00:06:37) An ocean of American flags
(00:16:13) The man box syndrome
(00:23:47) Team Trump
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Rick recaps a wild week at the DNC. He gives an in-depth reaction to Kamala Harris' speech, noting her ability to appeal to moderate Republicans and independents. He also touches on the cruel attacks from some MAGA supporters and emphasizes the importance of not treating Trump and Harris as equivalent candidates. And finally, we discuss the increasingly bizarre RFK.
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Rick gives us a solo episode from the Democratic National Convention. He centers us on what we need to know and why it matters.
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America is infected with a fascist streak that imperils our way of life. In today's episode Rick is joined by Jason Stanley, author of How Fascism Works and the upcoming book Erasing History: How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future. They delve into the troubling rise of authoritarianism in the United States, discussing how revisionist history and the manipulation of education are being used to consolidate power. The conversation explores the dangers of erasing marginalized perspectives, the role of tech and media in spreading disinformation, and the ongoing struggle to preserve democratic values in the face of rising fascist tendencies.
Jason's new book, Erasing History: How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future, available for pre-order.
Timestamps:
(00:01:58) Erasing History
(00:06:40) Trump's education campaign
(00:10:33) The spread of false information
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So how did Trump maintain a stranglehold on the Republican party after his first term? What happened at Mar-a-Lago and what can we learn that we don't already know? In this episode Rick sits with Meridith McGraw, a national political correspondent for Politico and author of the new book "Trump in Exile." They delve into McGraw's comprehensive reporting on Donald Trump's activities and influence during his time at Mar-a-Lago following his departure from the White House. The discussion covers Trump's legal challenges, his interactions with key political figures like Kevin McCarthy, and the strategic moves that bolstered his position within the Republican Party. McGraw also shares insights on the internal dynamics of Trump's team and his rivalry with Ron DeSantis.
Meridith's book, Trump in Exile, available now.
Timestamps:
(00:01:35) Trump in Exile
(00:07:00) Looking for the old magic
(00:14:13) When did he know that he won?
(00:18:01) Effects of the legal cases
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Recent years have shown a steady decline in the strength of our democracy. In this episode Rick welcomes Bob Bauer, a seasoned Washington operative and former White House counsel, to discuss his new book, "The Unraveling: Reflections on Politics Without Ethics and Democracy in Crisis." Bauer shares insights on the ethical and institutional challenges facing American democracy, contrasting the current political climate with the Watergate era. The conversation delves into the critical role of the White House counsel, the dangers of an overpowered presidency, and the corrosive impact of disinformation and treating political opponents as enemies.
Bob's book, "The Unraveling: Reflections on Politics Without Ethics and Democracy in Crisis," available now.
Timestamps:
(00:02:18) The importance of counseling the President
(00:07:07) Treating the opposition as the enemy
(00:10:56) Expectations, choices, and consequences
(00:14:19) Trump and immunity
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Who better to give insight into Trump than his family? In this episode Rick welcomes Fred Trump III, Donald's nephew, to share his unique perspective on the complex dynamics and hidden stories behind one of America's most controversial families. Fred, who consciously chose a path away from the family business and political chaos, opens up about his experiences, revealing a internal and honest narrative. From the lack of support during his son William's medical crises to the manipulative behavior of his uncle Donald, Fred provides a candid look into the personal and often painful realities of being a Trump. He also discusses his concerns for the future of American democracy and his support for Kamala Harris.
Fred's book, All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way, available now.
Timestamps:
(00:01:50) All In The Family
(00:07:14) The Trump brand
(00:13:58) Dismantling the estate
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Trump's most recent gaffes, Kamala surges, the tables have turned. In this episode Rick is joined by Joe Walsh to dissect the latest developments in the election. They discuss President Biden's decision to step down, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee. The two dive into the strategic missteps of Donald Trump, particularly his choice of JD Vance as a running mate, and how it has backfired. They highlight the surprising enthusiasm surrounding Harris's campaign and her potential to challenge Trump effectively. Wilson and Walsh emphasize the need for Harris to maintain her positive momentum and stay on the offensive, while also addressing the challenges in key battleground states. We then are blessed with another classic Rick rant, so be sure to listen through.
Timestamps:
(00:01:14) The state of the race
(00:08:30) Biggest concern for the Harris campaign
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In this episode, a classic Rick rant taking aim at three primary figures wreaking havoc on democracy: Elon Musk, Nicolás Maduro, and Donald Trump. He critiques Musk's dissemination of deep fake videos, denounces Maduro's fraudulent election claims in Venezuela, and exposes Trump's alarming rhetoric suggesting an end to voting. Additionally, he addresses listener questions about disinformation, Bitcoin, and the political implications of RFK Jr.'s candidacy.
Timestamps:
(00:10:50) The Trump threat to democracy
(00:16:20) Russian political interference
(00:18:32) Listener questions
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Political satire can be the most impactful form of storytelling. In this episode of The Enemies List Rick Wilson welcomes comedian Brent Terhune, renowned for his spot-on portrayals of MAGA characters on social media. Rick and Brent dive into the intricacies of Brent's comedic process, discussing how he captures the bluster and contradictions of the MAGA persona with both humor and sharp observational skills. Brent shares his origin story, from performing stand-up in high school to creating viral videos, and the duo explores the cultural phenomena fueling his comedy. This episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of comedy and political satire.
Timestamps:
(00:02:21) Origin story
(00:05:48) Inspiration for the bits
(00:14:44) Change in the MAGA water temperature
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America is at a crossroads, starring potential autocracy dead in the face. As the election inches closer, we are forced to consider the implications of autocrats and their impact on society. In today's episode Rick is joined by acclaimed author Anne Applebaum to discuss her new book, "Autocracy, Inc. The Dictators Who Want to Run the World." Anne shares insights into the modern autocratic landscape, detailing how today's dictators prioritize power and wealth over ideology and support each other to maintain control. The conversation covers the troubling rise of authoritarianism globally and its implications for the United States, the role of technology in repression and manipulation, and the potential consequences of a second Trump administration on international democracy and alliances.
Anne's book, "Autocracy, Inc. The Dictators Who Want to Run the World," available now.
Timestamps:
(00:01:42) Autocracy Inc.
(00:07:57) Misplaced belief in America
(00:14:33) Strategies against authoritarian movements
(00:19:28) NATO and Trump
(00:28:32) Predictions for a Trump administration
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The future of war is a complex mix of public and private, dated hardware and new technology. In this episode Rick speaks with Chris Kirchhoff and Raj Shah, authors of "Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley are Transforming the Future of War." They dive into the significant technological shifts impacting modern warfare, highlighting the disparity between military and consumer tech development. The conversation explores the bureaucratic challenges and innovative efforts of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to merge these ecosystems. Real-world examples from Ukraine and discussions on the future of autonomous systems and AI in warfare underscore the urgency for the US to adapt quickly and efficiently.
Chris and Raj's book, "Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley are Transforming the Future of War," available now.
Timestamps:
(00:05:22) Unit X
(00:17:51) Drones and countermeasures
(00:24:19) Weapons and AI
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