Episoder
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Richard E. Farley wrote a book called Drop Dead about New York City's 1975 fiscal crisis. John Avlon and Richard compare it to today, highlighting similar risks: rising interest rates, job and tax-base uncertainty, reduced federal support, and political dysfunction. Unlike in 1975, today's polarized politics make federal bailouts harder, emphasizing the urgent need to restore fiscal discipline and cooperative governance.
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John Avlon chats with John Opdycke, Founder and President of Open Primaries, to make the case for changing how we vote, starting with the primaries. They explain why nonpartisan election systems in places like Alaska and New York are working and what it would take to bring those reforms to more states.
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Mangler du episoder?
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Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins John Avlon to talk about how authoritarianism creeps into democracies, the patterns she’s seen around the world, and what history says about how to fight back. They discuss the rise of strongman politics, the power of resistance, and the five rules we need to remember now.
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This week on How to Fix It, John Avlon is joined by Congressman Dan Goldman—former federal prosecutor and member of the House Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees—for an urgent conversation about democracy, corruption, and creeping authoritarianism.
As Trump prepares a military parade on his birthday, we break down the constitutional crisis posed by his unprecedented federal takeover of the California National Guard, his push to invoke the Insurrection Act, and the broader legal threats to civil liberties. -
Historian Harold Holzer debunks the widely spread myth that Abraham Lincoln was secretly gay, a claim popularized by AIDS activist Larry Kramer, who falsely claimed to have discovered intimate diaries under floorboards. Holzer reveals Kramer admitted privately that the diaries never existed, exposing how easily sensational myths can overshadow historical truth.
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John Avlon and strategic advisor Jon Henes discuss the Democratic Party’s deep messaging crisis and identity politics pitfalls. Henes argues Democrats must return to clear, relatable messages about public safety, economic opportunity, and everyday concerns. They explore Jon's experience with Harris, why voters feel alienated, the dangers of extreme rhetoric, and lessons from Bill Clinton’s successful approach.
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John Avlon talks with peacebuilding expert John Paul Lederach about America’s dangerous polarization and the rising risk of political violence. Lederach shares lessons from global conflict resolution, stressing that America must prioritize courageous dialogue, empathy, and curiosity to prevent violence. They explore how leadership and community-level engagement can rebuild trust, avoid the normalization of violence, and protect democracy.
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John Avlon speaks with Alon Levy from NYU’s Marron Institute about their bold plan to bring high-speed rail to the Northeast for a fraction of the projected cost. They propose smarter planning, prioritizing timetables, electrification, and minimal new infrastructure. To cut travel times and avoid wasteful spending. Levy argues the U.S. must learn from countries like Switzerland and Germany to make real progress.
Slashing Northeast Corridor Rail Travel Time Can Be Achieved For Much Less, NYU Report Finds -
John Avlon and Historian Mark Updegrove discuss how lessons from past presidents can help us confront today’s political threats. They highlight the importance of character in leadership, the dangers of normalized corruption, and the urgent need to defend democracy. Drawing on history, they argue that citizens must stay engaged, learn from past reform movements, and organize to protect the future.
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Vice President J.D. Vance downplayed rising nuclear tensions between India and Pakistan, calling it “none of our business,” only to backtrack after alarming intelligence reports. His careless comments and isolationist stance highlight a troubling lack of understanding and responsibility during a potential global crisis.
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John Avlon and Matt Yglesias break down why Democrats need to focus on popular, practical ideas—like growth, safety, and common sense—to win voters and fix what’s broken.
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John Avlon talks with Senator Angus King about the growing threat of authoritarianism under Trump. King warns that Congress is failing to uphold the Constitution and urges lawmakers—especially Republicans—to reclaim their power. The fix? Reasserting checks and balances, restoring trust, and putting country over party.
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As America approaches its 250th anniversary, deep polarization and partisan battles are threatening the very idea of patriotism. John Avlon and Ted Johnson break down how American pride has been weaponized, why civic education has crumbled, and how citizens can reclaim a more inclusive, aspirational patriotism. They explore the urgent need for national service, real civic engagement, and a renewed commitment to American ideals before it's too late to fix the damage.
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Former NJ Governor and Goldman Sachs CEO Jon Corzine joins host John Avlon to unpack the devastating consequences of Trump’s chaotic trade policies. From the collapse of trust in U.S. markets to the looming threat of losing the dollar as the world’s reserve currency, this episode dives deep into the economic, geopolitical, and institutional risks facing America. Corzine draws on his unique expertise to explore what happens when partisanship undermines the rule of law, and whether there’s a way to fix it.
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Kori Schake from the American Enterprise Institute discusses how Trump's administration is damaging U.S. alliances and national security through protectionism and erratic diplomacy. Exploring tariffs, NATO tensions, China's global influence through TikTok, and the erosion of democratic norms, Schake outlines the urgent need for patriotic civic action to restore America's role in the world.
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What happens when universities stop defending debate—and politicians start punishing dissent? John Avlon interviews Greg Lukianoff, President of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind. They unpack the escalating war over free speech—from college campuses to the courtroom—and explore how institutions meant to protect liberty are now leading the charge to suppress it.
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Larry Diamond joins John Avlon to sound the alarm on the growing threat of authoritarianism in America. From legal intimidation to undermining democratic institutions, they break down Trump’s “authoritarian project” and what we can do to resist it—through civil action, unity, and courage.
Democracy Without America?
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/democracy-without-america-trump-larry-diamond
This Is What the Courts Can Do if Trump Defies Them
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/16/opinion/what-if-trump-defies-courts.html
First They Came for Columbia
https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/3/14/enos-levitsky-harvard-columbia-trump/ -
John Avlon talks to Thomas Chatterton Williams on how to tackle one of the biggest challenges in American politics: Can Democrats move beyond identity politics and embrace a unifying vision of liberal democracy?
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John Avlon and former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul to discuss the Trump administration’s alarming realignment towards Russia. From halting military aid to Ukraine to inviting Putin back into the G7, McFaul breaks down the stunning policy shifts that threaten America's democratic alliances.
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