Beg to Differ with Mona Charen
193 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 months ago - ★★★★★ - 1.1K ratingsBeg to Differ is a weekly roundtable podcast brought to you by http://TheBulwark.com. Host Mona Charen is joined by Linda Chavez of the Niskanen Center, Bill Galston of the Brookings Institution, and Damon Linker, who writes "Notes from the Middleground," to discuss the news of the week in a respectful, rational forum.
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Episodes
Only the Heroes Have Paid a Price . . . Until Now
August 18, 2023 13:55 - 1 hourKristin Du Mez and Peter Wehner join the group to analyze evangelical support for Trump, as well as the Georgia indictment. Accountability, danger, and many unknowns. Plus, in our highlights and lowlights segment, Kristin notes the start of the school year and gives a shout-out to the teachers, while Bill extols the healing benefits of a vacation. show notes: Kristin's book, Jesus and John Wayne Linda’s highlight: https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-sanitized-french-connection-vs-the-hip-hop-...
First Debate in Which Everyone Is Afraid to Tell the Truth
August 11, 2023 15:50 - 1 hourTim Mak reports from Kyiv about how Ukrainians are handling the strain of war. The panel then looks at the upcoming GOP debate on Fox and the effect of abortion on elections. Plus, in our Highlights and Lowlights segment, Mona has a lovely recognition of a nurse practitioner who cared for her husband in urgent care. Highlights/lowlights Tim's: https://counteroffensive.substack.com/ Bill's: https://wvmetronews.com/2023/08/11/manchin-seriously-considering-becoming-an-independent/ https:/...
The Trump Defenses That Won't Hunt
August 04, 2023 13:34 - 57 minutesGeorge Conway joins the group to discuss the various Trump defenses—and the party that supports him. Then the regulars discuss 'Oppenheimer,' and the bombing of Japan. And in our Highlights and Lowlights segment, Bill points to a possible US-brokered Israel-Saudi peace deal. highlights/lowlights: Bill's: https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/bidens-moral-calculus-in-brokering-a-saudi-israeli-peace-deal Mona's: https://reason.com/volokh/2023/07/29/congress-can-regulate-the-supreme-court...
DeSantis Campaign Promises "Leaner and Meaner." Is Meaner Even Possible?
July 28, 2023 14:58 - 58 minutesWill Saletan joins the panel to discuss whether DeSantis's campaign is moribund, and whether the right or the left learned the lessons of COVID policy failures. Plus, in our "Highlights and Lowlights "segment, Damon spotlights the political crisis in Israel, and Linda shares a story of love and loss. Damon's: https://gideons.substack.com/p/break-the-barrel-to-get-rid-of-the Will's: http://brightlinewatch.org/uncharted-territory-the-aftermath-of-presidential-indictments https://www.foxn...
Contemplating a Trump Administration 2.0
July 21, 2023 13:14 - 55 minutesThe Economist's John Prideaux joins the panel to discuss the latest likely indictment, the GOP response, and what MAGA world is planning for a Trump 2.0. Plus, in our highlights and lowlights segment, Linda flags the tactics Texas officials are using at the border that are injuring migrants. highlights/lowlights Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/us/texas-border-migrants-abbott.html John's: https://www.politico.eu/article/us-economist-fiona-scott-morton-quits-eu-job-emmanuel-ma...
Is Optimism Warranted?
July 14, 2023 14:50 - 56 minutesNoah Smith tries to bring a little sunshine to the dour regulars (and Cathy Young) who are worried about the economy, the threat from third parties, and more. Plus, in our highlights and lowlights segment, Mona celebrates the fact that a famous Trumper has to liquidate. highlights/lowlights Mona's: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mypillow-auction-mike-lindell_n_64acffa0e4b0e5efaaddd535 https://apnews.com/article/birth-control-pills-without-prescription-fda-b6728e98af5f1625520e0fa5fbc911c3...
A Class Full of Frenchmen?
July 07, 2023 13:47 - 55 minutesThe Washington Post's Megan McArdle joins to discuss the pros and (mostly) cons of affirmative action. Also, will anyone watch August's GOP debate? Who will show up? Plus, in our highlights/lowlights segment, Linda points to a new draconian law in Florida that targets undocumented immigrants and those who employ them. highlights/lowlights Linda's: https://www.wsj.com/articles/migrant-workers-flee-florida-as-new-immigration-law-takes-effect-94796abf Bill's: https://echeloninsights.com/in...
A Week Where Decades Happen
June 30, 2023 11:30 - 53 minutesBob Shrum, Steve Vladeck, and David Kramer join the show this week to discuss momentous Supreme Court cases and the tremors out of Russia. Plus, in our highlights/lowlights segment, Damon shares details about how a bloc of right-wing influencers and DeSantis supporters are rallying behind an antisemite. highlights/lowlights Damon's: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/desantis-influencers-defend-unmasked-antisemite-pedro-gonzalez-1234780062/amp/ Bob's: https://apnews.com...
The View from Trumpland
June 23, 2023 11:00 - 48 minutesFormer Rep. Tim Ryan reports from Ohio that the GOP base there remains in the tank for Trump, DeSantis is in a no-man's land, and most voters probably aren't paying any attention to Hunter Biden's plea deal. Meanwhile, there's a country to run, but Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene made time for a catfight. Plus, remembering compelling testimony from the Jan 6 hearings a year ago in our highlight/lowlight segment. Ryan joins guest host A.B. Stoddard and regulars Damon Linker and Lind...
Republicans Get a Little Punchy
June 16, 2023 13:53 - 53 minutesArc Digital's Nicholas Grossman joins the panel to help analyze the Republican reaction to Trump's indictment—both the officials and the voters—as well as the Ukrainian summer offensive. Plus, renaming Southern military bases, inflation, the steak-price indicator, and must-watch TV starring Keri Russell. show notes: Sarah Longwell's Iowa Focus Group featured on the PBS NewsHour Highlights/lowlights Nick's: https://www.hulu.com/series/the-americans-6deba130-65fb-4816-acb1-aea5eb940f0f h...
An Incredibly Weak Field
June 09, 2023 13:38 - 49 minutesNew York Times contributor Peter Wehner joins the panel to evaluate the GOP presidential field, consider whether Republicans care about issues, and ponder the Trump indictment. Plus, in our highlights and lowlights segment, Damon and Linda praise the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Alabama voting rights case, and Pete pays tribute to his family’s beloved dog, Romeo. highlights/lowlights Linda's and Damon's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/08/us/supreme-court-voting-rights-act-alabama.html ...
Green Shoots of a Responsible Right?
June 02, 2023 14:42 - 1 hourNew York Times columnist David French joins the show to discuss signs of sanity from Texas Republicans and the averted default. Plus, the dangers of AI, and our highlight and lowlight segment, including Mona's shout-out to Mississippi's successful effort to raise reading test scores. highlights/lowlights Mona's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/31/opinion/mississippi-education-poverty.html David's: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/05/29/two-weeks-at-the-front-in-ukraine Damon's: ...
DeSantis Is No Trump Slayer
May 26, 2023 11:00 - 58 minutesTom Nichols joins the panel to consider the botched DeSantis announcement, the primary campaign so far, and Biden's debt limit dilemma. Plus, for a break from politics this holiday weekend, Damon recommends “Still,” the documentary about Michael J. Fox, as his highlight of the week. highlights/lowlights Tom's: https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-oath-keepers-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-b3ed4556a3dec577539c4181639f666c https://www.businessinsider.com/fox-news-host-greg-gutfeld-p...
Durham Got Bupkis
May 19, 2023 11:00 - 1 hourWill Saletan joins to talk about his special project on The Corruption of Lindsey Graham. The panel also tackles the Durham Report and Comer's damp squib, as well as high and low points of Biden's presidency. highlights/lowlights Damon's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/18/us/politics/feinstein-illness-shingles-senate.html Bill's: https://apnews.com/article/biden-papua-new-guinea-australia-debt-limit-b2b82fbb82d829f0b8bae87bef741d63 Linda's: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Aimee-Lou-Woo...
Demonic Charisma
May 12, 2023 11:00 - 55 minutesEric Edelman and Benjamin Wittes join to discuss Ukraine's coming offensive, the end of Title 42 and a looming immigration crisis, and the 30-car pile up that was CNN's town hall with Donald Trump. highlights/lowlights Ben's: https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/p/defect-and-repent Linda's: https://www.americanpurpose.com/articles/mission-accomplished/ Eric's: https://www.kyivpost.com/post/16767 https://www.thedailybeast.com/gop-sen-ron-johnson-admits-biden-probe-lacks-hard-proof-to-support...
Trump Biden Redux?
May 05, 2023 13:33 - 54 minutesSarah Longwell joins the panel to discuss debt ceiling brinksmanship, possible indictments, and the contours of the 2024 race —as of now. To continue the conversation go to https://b2d.thebulwark.com/ highlights/lowlights Bill's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/02/business/media/tucker-carlson-text-message-white-men.html Sarah's: https://www.keranews.org/texas-news/2023-05-01/no-thoughts-and-prayers-abbott-slammed-for-highlighting-immigration-status-of-shooting-victims Damon's: https...
Tucker's Unique Malevolence
April 28, 2023 11:00 - 53 minutesJill Lawrence joins the show to discuss Biden's 2024 announcement, Kamala's rehabilitation, Tucker's tumble, E. Jean Carroll's testimony, and Disney's counterattack on DeSantis. To continue the conversation go to https://b2d.thebulwark.com/ highlights/lowlights Jill's: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/3970356-sanders-cassidy-will-mark-up-drug-pricing-bills-next-week/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2023/04/27/yoon-suk-yeol-american-pie-white-house-state-dinner/ D...
DeSantis Fights Off a Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly
April 21, 2023 11:00 - 49 minutesDeSantis is even more charmless than Nixon. And while Fox avoided one embarrassing trial—the truth and lies are plain for all to see. Plus, the panelists share their current TV viewing recommendations. Guest host Sonny Bunch takes over the director's chair on this week's episode. highlights/lowlights Damon's: https://libertiesjournal.com/articles/the-once-and-the-now/ Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/17/us/politics/migrant-child-labor-biden.html Bill's: https://www.space.com/...
Why a Third Party Is a Threat
April 14, 2023 11:00 - 53 minutesMatt Bennett joins the team to discuss the ill-considered No Labels third party gambit. The group then turns to Trump's return to Fox, Greg Abbott's proposed pardon of a murderer, and how abortion is roiling elections. highlights/lowlights Damon's: https://substack.com/profile/12665540-damon-linker?utm_source=substack-feed-item https://on.substack.com/p/notes Bill's: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/13/21-year-old-with-top-secret-information-00092002 Linda's: https://www.theunpo...
Are There Any Grown-Ups in Government?
March 31, 2023 13:43 - 55 minutesMaya MacGuineas of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget discusses our broken budget and the fiscal gridlock that is undermining America’s economic strength. Plus, why people are taking to the streets in Israel. highlights/lowlights Damon's: https://www.liberalpatriot.com/ Bill's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/03/29/investigating-low-fertility-rates/ Mona's: https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/the-secret-joke-at-the-heart-of-the-harvard-affirmative-ac...
Is Accountability Dead?
March 24, 2023 13:56 - 1 hourPhilip K. Howard joins the group to discuss his book on public sector unions. The panel — with special guest Cathy Young — also addresses Trump's possible indictment and looks back at the 20th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War. highlights/lowlights Philip's: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-23/lausd-strike-ends-with-no-settlement-but-classes-to-resume Bill's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/22/us/politics/desantis-putin-ukraine-russia.html https://www.esquire.com...
Bragging Rights
March 17, 2023 16:33 - 1 hourKen White (Popehat) joins the panel to consider the wisdom of the Manhattan DA's Trump indictment, as well as DeSantis joining the surrender caucus, SVB, and a low moment at Stanford Law. highlights/lowlights Linda's: https://www.jamesgmartin.center/2023/03/law-school-mismatch-is-worse-than-we-thought/ Damon's: https://jabberwocking.com/silicon-valley-bank-was-fine-its-silicon-valley-thats-broken/ Ken's: https://www.wsj.com/articles/who-killed-silicon-valley-bank-interest-rates-treasu...
The Pro-Storming-the-Capitol Party
March 10, 2023 12:00 - 57 minutesA.B. Stoddard joins the group to discuss the Fox News retcon of January 6, whether Biden should/will run again, and "messaging bills." highlights/lowlights A.B.'s: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/03/08/norfolk-southern-train-derailment-ohio-senators/ Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/09/opinion/english-literature-study-decline.html https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/08/opinion/humanities-internet-novels.html Damon's: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/03/13/agne...
Chicago's Message
March 03, 2023 12:00 - 55 minutesAxios's Josh Kraushaar helps analyze the lab leak story, the Chicago election results, and Trump v. DeSantis. highlights/lowlights Josh's: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-nikki-haley-is-running-for-president/id1570872415?i=1000602459553 Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/25/us/unaccompanied-migrant-child-workers-exploitation.html Bill's: https://www.chicagotribune.com/voter-guide/ct-paul-vallas-chicago-mayor-bio-20230131-c5s6joirovh7zgeq55ig2ag6ea-story.html Damon's...
The North Koreans Do a More Nuanced Show
February 24, 2023 12:00 - 1 hourJill Lawrence joins B2D to discuss the revelations about Fox, Biden v. De Santis on Ukraine, and Marjorie Taylor Greene's national divorce talk. highlights/lowlights Jill's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/21/tucker-carlson-kevin-mccarthy-jan-6-insurrection/ Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/17/opinion/desantis-florida-african-american-studies-black-history.html Damon's: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/02/21/vivek-ramaswamy-president-2024-00083903 Mona's: h...
Is Everyone Underestimating Nikki Haley?
February 17, 2023 12:00 - 55 minutesBill Kristol joins the group to consider Haley's possible hidden strengths. Also, Biden, the GOP, and the war in Ukraine. highlights/lowlights Bill Kristol's: https://thetriad.thebulwark.com/p/lets-talk-about-aliens Damon's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/technology/bing-chatbot-microsoft-chatgpt.html Bill Galston's: https://apnews.com/article/politics-2023-turkey-syria-earthquake-government-istanbul-fbd6af578a6056569879b5ef6c55d322 Linda's: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/teen-gi...
State of Biden Is . . . Strong? But Kamala Harris, Not So Much
February 10, 2023 12:00 - 58 minutesNew York Magazine's Jonathan Chait helps evaluate the SOTU: politics, visuals, and substance. The group then considers Kamala Harris's unprecedentedly terrible press. highlights/lowlights: Jonathan's: https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/3849811-greenes-viral-outfit-was-meant-to-echo-chinese-spy-balloon-her-office-says/ Linda's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/09/supreme-court-ethics-code/ Damon's https://www.vulture.com/2023/02/the-movie-industrys-confused-eat-the-ri...
What if DeSantis Can't Hack It?
February 03, 2023 12:00 - 51 minutesThe Atlantic's David Frum joins the panel to discuss the coming GOP nomination fight, the Democrats' white liberal problem, and problems with policing. highlights/lowlights: Linda's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/02/canada-uyghur-refugees-resettle-china/ David's: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/02/mortgage-rates-five-percent-range-first-time-september.html Damon's: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/12/19/cormac-mccarthy-peers-into-the-abyss-the-passenger-stella-maris...
Does NATO Want Ukraine to Win the War?
January 27, 2023 12:00 - 49 minutesThe George W. Bush Institute's David Kramer joins B2D to consider the decision (at last) to send tanks to Ukraine. What does the dithering say about the Western alliance? Also, the regulars discuss Florida's rejection of an AP African American studies curriculum. highlights/lowlights: Damon's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/25/opinion/rural-voters-republican-realignment.html Bill's: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/scientists-welcome-george-santos-science-committee_n_63cacb34e4b01a436386...
The Marjorie Taylor Greene Majority
January 20, 2023 12:00 - 1 hourThe Atlantic's Ron Brownstein joins the group to discuss Kevin McCarthy giving the crazies the keys. Plus, Biden's attempt to pivot on immigration, and will Ukraine get the tanks it needs? highlights/lowlights Linda's: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/19/supreme-court-could-not-identify-who-shared-draft-abortion-opinion-00078602 Ron's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/18/us/politics/republicans-trump-house-oversight-committee.html Damon's: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/202...
Classified Shmasified
January 13, 2023 12:00 - 59 minutesArc Digital's Nick Grossman joins the group to discuss Biden's classified documents mess, the GOP majority's foreign policy confusion, free speech on campuses (and in Florida) — and more. highlight/lowlights: Bill's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/12/poland-leopard-tank-company-ukraine/ Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/11/opinion/republican-party-future.html Damon's: https://jewishreviewofbooks.com/contemporary-israel/12801/on-that-distant-day/ Nick's: https://...
McCarthy Sells His Soul for Nothing
January 06, 2023 15:32 - 58 minutesCharlie Sykes joins B2D to discuss the House soap opera — from the comical to the consequential. Highlights/lowlights Charlie's: https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-ohio-kentucky-mitch-mcconnell-6123aeccfa1c71bad84f57e735962f2f Damon's: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/12/ron-desantis-just-as-bad-as-donald-trump-2024 Bill's: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/gop-hardliners-angle-for-plum-posts-as-price-of-mccarthy-votes-1.1865718 Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/29/opini...
How to Disempower the Extremists
December 23, 2022 15:35 - 1 hourKatherine Gehl — the originator of Alaska's Ranked Choice Voting system — discusses progress on reforming our primary elections. The group then weighs in on Zelensky's historic visit, Elon's fate, Trump's taxes, and the immigration stalemate. Highlights/Lowlights Bill's: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/tucker-carlson-zelenskyys-visit-represented-bipartisan-masochism Damon's: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/23/nyregion/george-santos-republican-resume.html Mona's: https://russroberts.me...
Bad Science; Good Science
December 16, 2022 14:53 - 53 minutesJesse Singal joins to discuss the fraught discourse on trans treatment. The group then turns to Ron DeSantis' possible big blunder embracing anti-vaxers and a great scientific breakthrough (and its detractors). Highlights/lowlights: Mona: https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/helping-trans-kids-means-admitting-what-we-dont-know.html Damon: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/15/us/politics/trump-nft-trading-cards-superhero.html Bill: https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3767169-mccarthy-t...
Bibi is Back
December 09, 2022 14:38 - 58 minutesAmir Tibon of Haaretz joins to explain how Netanyahu won again and what his new coalition means for Israel, for US/Israel relations, and possibly, for Ukraine. Also, the shape of American politics after Georgia's runoff. Highlights/Lowlights: Mona's https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/12/03/president-emergency-power-student-loan-forgiveness/ Damon's https://damonlinker.substack.com/p/germany-foils-a-far-right-coup-plot Amir's: https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2022-12-07/ty-art...
Boy Troubles
December 02, 2022 14:14 - 57 minutesRichard Reeves discusses his book Of Boys and Men. The panel then considers China's COVID turmoil, and the poisons unleashed by Trump into our national bloodstream, including anti-Semitism. Highlights/lowlights: Mona: https://www.thebulwark.com/putins-bogus-blame-nato-excuse/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/palo-alto-recycling-asia-garbage-waste-rcna58633 Linda: https://www.nytimes.com/video/opinion/100000008634824/afghan-refugees-biden.html?act[…]ies-bar®ion=header&pgtype=Arti...
Righting the Ship
November 18, 2022 14:40 - 1 hourBret Stephens joins the group to share reflections on Trump's prospects, lessons for both parties from the midterms, and changing your mind in public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Biggest Loser
November 10, 2022 14:40 - 52 minutesSarah Longwell joins the group to evaluate the momentous midterms. highlights/lowlights Mona's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/11/07/putin-backs-down-ukraine-turkey-china-india/ Bill's: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/09/world/europe/ukraine-russia-kherson-retreat.html Linda's: https://www.texastribune.org/2022/10/21/texas-republican-democrat-hispanic-voters/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Moral Illness
November 04, 2022 13:11 - 1 hourRuy Teixeira joins the panel to evaluate the coming election, the attack on Paul Pelosi, and the argument that both Biden and Harris should stand down. highlights/lowlights: Mona's https://www.theunpopulist.net/p/sohrab-ahmari-thinks-that-the-anti?r=6jqoy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web Linda's https://quillette.com/2022/10/27/fdr-and-the-holocaust/ Bill's https://www.npr.org/2022/11/03/1133848992/ethiopia-tigray-war-peace-deal-truce-eritrea Damon's https://www.nytimes.c...
It's the Center That Is Strong and Principled
October 28, 2022 13:00 - 58 minutesThe Washington Post's Charles Lane joins the panel (along with Benjamin Wittes) to discuss the progressives' Ukraine letter to Biden, prospects for the midterms, and misreading Latinos. Highlights/lowlights: Mona's https://rollcall.com/2022/10/26/fda-delays-key-advisory-committee-meeting-on-otc-birth-control/ Linda's https://www.npr.org/2022/10/23/1130712231/the-trump-tapes-reveal-much-about-bob-woodward-donald-trump Ben's https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/27/arts/pearl-earring-vermeer...
The Weakness of Strongmen
October 21, 2022 14:37 - 55 minutesKori Schake of AEI joins the group to discuss Ukraine and some of the world's most malign actors: Russia, China, and Iran. Plus, the panelists' favorite books this year. Highlights/Lowlights: Mona: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/10/19/texas-dna-kits-schools-shootings/ Damon: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-colbert-grateful-for-grief/id1643163707?i=1000580162304 Linda: https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/john-durham-probe-failure-belongs-barr-trump-rcna5286...
Is a Utah Senate Upset in the Cards? (with Evan McMullin)
October 14, 2022 13:26 - 1 hourSenatorial candidate Evan McMullin joins the panel to discuss his race against Mike Lee. Also, should Biden be talking about Armageddon? The panel begs to differ. Highlights & Lowlights: Evan: 'The Most Serious Threat The Iranian Regime Has Faced Since 1979' - MSNBC (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5Pu1qxk498) Mona: Introducing The Prince - The Economist (https://shows.acast.com/theintelligencepodcast/episodes/introducing-the-prince) Linda: Nury Martinez resigns from L.A. City Council i...
Courting Trouble? (with Prof. Steve Vladeck)
October 07, 2022 13:38 - 1 hourProf. Steve Vladeck joins the group (plus Bill Kristol) to consider how far the Supreme Court will go this term on matters of race and elections. Also, will GA really make Herschel Walker a US Senator? Highlights & Lowlights: Mona: Russia’s Nuclear Bluster Is a Sign of Panic - The Atlantic (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/10/putin-nuclear-weapons-threat-us-sanctions-military/671642/) Steve: Former President Trump escalates the legal battle over classified documents, again -...
Our Unchristian Churches (with Pete Wehner)
September 30, 2022 15:40 - 1 hourPeter Wehner joins the group to discuss populism's rise in Europe, the crisis in evangelical churches, and some personal stories. Highlights & Lowlights: Mona: Arizona’s School Choice Election - The Wall Street Journal (https://www.wsj.com/articles/arizonas-school-choice-election-katie-hobbs-education-savings-accounts-governor-doug-ducey-11663335266) What Country Is the Wall Street Journal Living In? - The Bulwark (https://www.thebulwark.com/what-country-is-the-wall-street-journal-living-...
Our Unchristian Churches (with Peter Wehner)
September 30, 2022 15:40 - 1 hourPeter Wehner joins the group to discuss populism's rise in Europe, the crisis in evangelical churches, and some personal stories. Highlights & Lowlights: Mona: Arizona’s School Choice Election - The Wall Street Journal (https://www.wsj.com/articles/arizonas-school-choice-election-katie-hobbs-education-savings-accounts-governor-doug-ducey-11663335266) What Country Is the Wall Street Journal Living In? - The Bulwark (https://www.thebulwark.com/what-country-is-the-wall-street-journal-living-in/)...
Trump and Putin Both Had a Bad Week (with Benjamin Wittes)
September 23, 2022 13:55 - 57 minutesBenjamin Wittes joins the panel (including Will Saletan) to discuss Trump's triple legal woes, Putin's nuclear saber rattling, and Electoral Count Act reform finally happening. Highlights & Lowlights: Benjamin Wittes: Show of support for Ukraine takes ugly turn outside Russian Consulate in Montreal - CBC (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/russian-consulate-montreal-ukraine-1.6588382) Mona: The U.S. and the Holocaust - PBS (https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/us-and-the-holocaust/) Will: N...
Imagining Victory (with Noah Smith)
September 16, 2022 13:24 - 1 hourNoah Smith joins the group to consider Ukraine’s stunning counterattack, as well as inflation and DeSantis' stunt with asylum seekers. Highlights & Lowlights: Mona: The Demagogue's Playbook (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250303042/thedemagoguesplaybook) Linda: How Trump lost one of his biggest fights — and nobody noticed - Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/09/14/trump-confederacy-military-bases/) Damon: Prepare for Russia itself to disintegrate - The Tele...
Reading Midterm Tea Leaves (with Josh Barro)
September 09, 2022 13:57 - 1 hourJosh Barro joins the group to reflect on Queen Elizabeth, analyze President Biden's democracy speech, interpret the midterm tea leaves, and evaluate what lessons we must learn from the poor US response to COVID-19. Highlights & Lowlights Mona: How Not To Write A Constitution - Persuasion (https://www.persuasion.community/p/how-not-to-write-a-constitution) Bill: How reactionary is MAGA? Try the first century B.C. - The Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/09/07/jd-...
He Is a Sucking Black Hole of Disaster (with Megan McArdle)
September 02, 2022 14:22 - 1 hourRepublicans know the 'Trump magic' isn't working, so when is the party going to get rid of him? Plus, ground zero in the midterms meme warfare, the politics of student loan relief, and special segment "What Are You Watching?" Megan McArdle and guest host Sonny Bunch join the panel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How to Defeat Putin . . . and Trump (with Eric Edelman)
August 26, 2022 13:09 - 1 hourEric Edelman joins the panel to discuss how to help Ukraine win. The panel also addresses Biden's student loan forgiveness and yea or nay on prosecuting Trump. Highlights & Lowlights Mona: What Biden could gain from pardoning Trump - The Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/08/18/trump-pardon-biden-benefit/) Linda: The Trump Warrant Had No Legal Basis - The Wall Street Journal (https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-trump-warrant-had-no-legal-basis-mar-a-lago-affidavit-...