Episodes

  • 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 [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ 
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  • 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 [email protected] 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
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  • 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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
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  • 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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
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  • 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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
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  • 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 [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬
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  • 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 [email protected] 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

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  • 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 [email protected]!

    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
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  • 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/

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  • 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 [email protected] 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
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