Words Matter
347 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 2.8K ratingsAmerican politics is undergoing seismic changes that will alter the course of history. At Words Matter, we believe that facts, evidence, truth and objective reality are necessary and vital in public discourse. Our hosts and guests have broad experience in government, politics and journalism -- this gives them a unique ability to explain recent events and place them in historic context. Together, with fellow journalists, elected officials, policy-makers and thought-leaders, they will analyze the week's news and get at the real truth behind all the distracting headlines. New episodes are released on Fridays.
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Episodes
Political Prognostications for the New Year
January 05, 2024 13:00 - 38 minutesWith 2023 in the rearview mirror, many of our greatest political challenges remain unresolved. Norm and Kavita are back for a new year with new political prognostications about what 2024 holds for Congress and what will undoubtedly be a dramatic campaign season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr. Ornstein's Political Prescriptions for Smart Democrats
December 15, 2023 20:49 - 26 minutesDemocrats have their work cut out for them moving into the new year. With monumental elections on the horizon, Norm has plenty of ways the Democrats can press the advantage. In this insightful episode, David Rothkopf fills in for Kavita to discuss the House, Senate, and presidential elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Fight for Abortion in Texas and Senate Skullduggery
December 08, 2023 20:33 - 29 minutesNorm and Kavita are back! Republicans at both the state and national level have continued to chip away at abortion rights, with a case in Texas drawing national attention and the ire of the state’s AG, Ken Paxton. In addition, Senate Republicans have blocked Ukraine funding, demanding border action. Join us as we break down all this and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The First Rule of Congressional Fight Club
November 17, 2023 19:18 - 37 minutesNorm and Kavita are breaking the rules this week to talk about congressional fight club. With threats of violence by multiple GOP members, its clear that tensions are high as Republicans struggle to govern. With the government shutdown pushed to next year, join us as we break down the political field heading into 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Should We Be Worried About 2024 Polls?
November 07, 2023 20:05 - 28 minutesRecent polls on a Biden and Trump showdown in 2024 aren’t great for the incumbent president. But with just under a year to go before the election, how worried should we really be? David Rothkopf joins Norm to explain how Biden can bounce back and why the lunacy of the Republican Party will be its own undoing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Managing Mental Health with Dr. Ben Miller
October 30, 2023 18:33 - 47 minutesIn the face of such overwhelming bad news, it’s all too easy to feel hopeless. Dr. Ben Miller joins Kavita and Norm to talk about the narrative of mental illness in mass shootings, and shares ways that we can maintain good mental health even when the news is bleak. Don’t miss this important episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Words Matter - So Close and Yet So Far: The Search for a Speaker
October 19, 2023 18:10 - 40 minutesTwo failed votes for Jim Jordan later, and the House is still no closer to electing a speaker. Norm and Kavita break down what could come next for a speaker pro tempore-led Congress and where the Republican caucus will go from here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Little Bit of Everything with Laurie Garrett
October 12, 2023 17:17 - 50 minutesWith Norm away this week, Kavita is joined by Laurie Garrett for a conversation on a potpourri of topics. From the situation in Israel, to the House speaker race, to updates on COVID, there is a little bit of everything in this week’s episode. Don’t miss it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Speaker Has Left the Building
October 06, 2023 12:26 - 38 minutesAnother average week for the US Congress. With the shocking removal of Speaker McCarthy by a small cadre of his own party, the divisions within the Republican Party have reached new levels. Thankfully, Kavita is back with Norm to try and make sense of it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
R.I.P GOP: A Political Party is a Terrible Thing to Waste
September 29, 2023 15:51 - 33 minutesThe Republican Party is falling apart before our very eyes. Between the anarchic second presidential debate and the impending threat of a destructive government shutdown, it’s clear that the party is not going quietly. David Rothkopf and Norm discuss all this and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rantapalooza: Norm and David are Triggered
September 22, 2023 14:00 - 31 minutesNorm and David are not happy, and for good reason.The latest judiciary committee hearing reminds us all how far down the rabbit hole the Republican party has gone in the pursuit of scorched-earth politics, but it is not the only example of Republican lunacy this week. Norm and David break down the latest news and more in suitably ranty fashion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is It Time For a New Generation? The Narrative Around Joe Biden
September 15, 2023 16:20 - 28 minutesIt is no secret that the media remains hyper-focused on Joe Biden’s age and the growing desire for a younger generation of politicians. As the election cycle continues to ramp up, Norm and Kavita break down how the conversation around Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will make waves in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Georgia’s Special Grand Jury Is On My Mind
September 08, 2023 18:11 - 30 minutesThe latest special grand jury report from Georgia reveals recommended charges against 39 people including Senator Lindsey Graham. With Senator Graham and other high-profile individuals being named, Norm and Kavita break down DA Fani Willis’s potential course of action and more, including the latest on Trump's numerous cases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Back to School Special: Trials and Tribulations
August 31, 2023 16:54 - 32 minutesSchool is back in session this week as Norm and Kavita tackle the latest in Trump's many trials. Trump remains the frontrunner despite a deluge of legal woes, but new information coming to light daily and the threat of the 14th amendment could imperil his candidacy. Tune in for all this and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Special Edition: After a Lightweight Debate on to Weightier Issues
August 24, 2023 17:30 - 25 minutesLast night’s Republican debate may not have had a clear winner, but America was the clear loser. In this special episode, David Rothkopf joins Kavita Patel and Norm Ornstein to discuss the Republican presidential debate and what it means for the future of the party, why Ramaswamy is the front-runner for most unhinged candidate, and how Donald Trump still won - even though he wasn’t there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Best Of - On the Fringe No Longer: Republicans Mainstream the Extreme
August 18, 2023 15:46 - 38 minutesNorm and Kavita are taking a much deserved break this week, so we're bringing you one of the best episodes of 2022. Original Description: July 23, 2022 On this week's episode, we talk about how the Republican Party is embracing ideologies that used to be fringe, how the media is missing the mark, and what the future of the GOP could look like. We ground all of our analysis in the words of Matt Birk, David Brooks, and Joe O'Dea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Will Legal Drama Actually Empower Trump?
August 11, 2023 14:00 - 32 minutesWith the sound defeat of Issue 1 in Ohio, Norm and Kavita discuss whether Democrats can apply the lessons learned to 2024. Also on the agenda are the latest developments with Trump’s documents case in Florida, and whether or not the myriad legal woes will actually help Trump in the next election. Don’t miss it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Breaking Down the January 6th Indictment
August 04, 2023 14:00 - 42 minutesIf you've been watching as much coverage of the indictment as we have, then you're probably more confused than ever. Norm and Kavita are here to make sense of it all, discussing what the indictment really means, how we got to this point, and what it will mean for Trump and the Republicans moving into 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If You Can’t Take the Heat… Talking Climate, the Border, and More
July 27, 2023 17:06 - 46 minutesIt’s hot here in DC, but we’re not alone. Norm and Kavita talk climate change and what the administration can do to combat disinformation to change the conversation around climate. Additionally, we discuss what the Democrats can and should be doing to stop Governor Abbott’s abhorrent policies at the border. For all this and more, tune in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Republicans' Race to the Bottom with Mary Trump
July 21, 2023 14:00 - 41 minutesThe Republican party is not sending their best. With the 2024 election cycle ramping up, Norm and guest Mary Trump break down the lackluster field of Republican candidates and the issues propelling their narrative. Also on the table are Trump’s latest legal woes. What effect could they have in 2024, and why are people upset about the January 6th indictment? Join us and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Economy Under Biden is Great; Why Don’t We Act Like It?
July 14, 2023 15:37 - 40 minutesWith the economy continuing to rally despite the odds, why are conversations about Biden’s economic performance so negative? Norm and Kavita discuss why voters have differing perceptions of the economy, and how they will play a key factor in the 2024 election. They also discuss the Vice President’s performance so far, and whether she will be an asset or liability to Biden’s reelection campaign. All this and more on the latest episode of Words Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...
How the Biden Administration Can Fix the Agencies Trump Broke
July 07, 2023 16:41 - 30 minutesWith recent developments around the indictment of Donald Trump, Norm and Kavita discuss how the executive branch and Congress can work to repair agencies damaged by the Trump presidency. Looking to the future, how do the administration and other elected officials craft a more responsible federal government? Discover the answers in this week's episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Supreme Court Strikes Down Affirmative Action
June 30, 2023 20:48 - 36 minutesNorm and Kavita are back to discuss today’s headline story; the Supreme Court’s decision striking down Affirmative Action. Norm and Kavita break down the implications of the ruling, as well as the state of the Biden presidency with recent discussions surrounding the President’s health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Supreme Court Rules On Biden’s Immigration Guidelines, Justice Alito and More
June 23, 2023 19:51 - 38 minutesNorm and Kavita are back this week to discuss the 8-1 ruling in favor of the Biden administration’s immigration enforcement guidelines. From there, they turn their attention to Justice Alito, who earlier in the week wrote a preemptive opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal addressing the ProPublica investigative piece which disclosed his fishing trips with a Billionaire Hedge Fund manger that petitioned the Supreme Court to rule in his favor in his business dealings. Don’t miss it! Learn m...
Check Your Blood Pressure Before You Listen to this Episode
June 16, 2023 14:08 - 31 minutesThe lies and deflections from Republicans defending Trump have spun up the ire of "Words Matter" co-host Norm Ornstein. So in this episode he not only explains why but guest co-host David Rothkopf tries unsuccessfully to defuse his anger. Instead, both recount the facts surrounding the case for which Trump was arraigned this week and the likely cases to come and frankly, the outrage only grows. Join them to understand why it is fully justified. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...
We Have a Debt Ceiling Deal!
June 02, 2023 15:30 - 34 minutesNorm and Kavita discuss the passing of the debt ceiling deal in the House of Representatives. Since taping, the bill also passed the Senate and is expected to be signed as early as Friday, June 2, 2023 by President Biden. In the members-only section, they discuss the recent alleged recordings of former President Trump stating that he knew that documents in his possession were classified. Tune In! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
DeSantis Announces Candidacy
May 26, 2023 04:00 - 33 minutesNorm and Kavita are both traveling, but that doesn’t stop them from discussing the issues. This week, in this abbreviated version of Words Matter, Norm and Kavita discuss Ron DeSantis’s presidential bid announcement, the Surgeon General’s announcement on the impact of social media on adolescents and the Nebraska Abortion Case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Words Matter: Have We Turned the Corner on the Debt Ceiling Negotiations?
May 19, 2023 04:00 - 28 minutesThis week, Norm and Kavita discuss the latest developments in the negotiations between the White House and lawmakers on the debt ceiling. In the members only segment, they discuss some wins for Democrats in elections in Florida and Pennsylvania. Tune In! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Justice is Being Served
May 12, 2023 13:45 - 40 minutesThis week, Norm and Kavita discuss the E. Jean Carroll Civil verdict and Trump’s CNN town hall meeting. In the bonus section, they discuss Congressman’s Santos’ legal woes and the latest in the debt ceiling negotiations. Join us for this timely discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Latest on the Debt Ceiling, Trump's Legal Woes, Clarence Thomas Payments, The Proud Boys Convictions
May 06, 2023 00:27 - 38 minutesOn this week's episode of Words Matter, Norm and Kavita discuss the latest developments on the debt ceiling, the Seditious Conspiracy convictions of the Proud Boys, Trump's legal woes and Clarence and Ginni Thomas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Too Numerous To Count (TNTC)
April 28, 2023 13:02 - 32 minutesThis week, as Kavita so eloquently put it, there are so many issues to discuss. Norm and Kavita tackle the debt ceiling, touch on the Disney/DeSantis dispute and in the members only section, discuss the Biden 2024 announcement. Don't miss this timely discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Could the US Default on its Debt?
April 21, 2023 17:30 - 31 minutesOn this week’s episode of Words Matter, Norm and Kavita discuss the GOP’s debt ceiling proposal. In the members only section, Norm and Kavita discuss the situation with Dianne Feinstein and how it’s impacting the Senate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why Does the Judiciary Branch Wield So Much Power?
April 14, 2023 14:42 - 34 minutesOn this week’s episode of Words Matter, Norm and Kavita discuss a number of judiciary issues, including reproductive health. In a special extended bonus section, Norm and Kavita tackle Clarence Thomas and Diane Feinstein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why Can't We Have an "Operation Indictment Warpspeed?"
April 07, 2023 04:00 - 38 minutesNote: This episode was taped prior to the announced indictments of Donald Trump. The absence of real indictments against Donald Trump allows him to set the narrative. That's not a good thing. So maybe prosecutors should consider drinking a little more Red Bull, having a few more cups of coffee. This is getting ridiculous. We discuss with Dr. Kavita Patel, Norm Ornstein and David Rothkopf. We also discuss who will be the GOP candidate for president when Trump and DeSantis flame out. And we con...
Sue the Gunmakers, Tax the Bullets, Just Do Something!
March 31, 2023 12:00 - 33 minutesIn the wake of yet another tragic mass shooting--and we're averaging two per day this year in the US--Americans are again asking the question what can be done. The response of the GOP: "Nothing." That's their plan and it has worked so far to make the U.S. a very dangerous place. So what can we do to help combat this national gun pathology? On this episode of "Words Matter" Dr. Kavita Patel, Norm Ornstein and David Rothkopf discuss. Don't miss it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...
The Politics of Justice
March 24, 2023 22:00 - 37 minutesTrump might finally be indicted but what impact will that have on the political landscape? Kavita and Norm seek to answer that question during this engaging conversation. Members get a bonus conversation about COVID and the recent UN Climate Report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bail outs for thee but not for me?
March 17, 2023 20:51 - 32 minutesSilicon Valley Bank collapsed in spectacular fashion last week but the Biden administration stepped in to save its depositors. Was that the right thing to do and what can prevent things like this happening in the future? Norm and Kavita discuss during this thoughtful conversation. Members get a bonus conversation about Ron DeSantis and his views about the war in Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our Two Speed Country
March 10, 2023 23:00 - 34 minutesFrom the media and books to drag shows and voting, states is in the South have been trying to turn back the clock. Kavita and Norm talk about these updates, what they mean for the country as a whole, and what we can do about it. Members get a bonus conversation about Walgreens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lab Leaks and Committees Speak
March 03, 2023 23:07 - 44 minutesCongress is back in session and there is lots of news. First Kavita and Norm talk about the Department of Energy's report around the "Lab Leak" theory and then they discuss Attorney General Merrick Garland's testimony in front of the House Judiciary Committee. Members of The DSR Network get a bonus conversation about the recent hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
East Palestine's toxic plume and America's toxic politics
February 24, 2023 22:29 - 32 minutesKavita is back from her trip but the problems in the country haven't moved much. The train derailment in East Palestine has caused concerns about environmental and health impacts while the right-wing media pushes it as race issue. Members of The DSR Network get access to a bonus segment about Mark Brnovich. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nikki Haley Jumps In
February 17, 2023 22:32 - 33 minutesOn this week's episode, Kavita is still out of town. So Norm and producer Grant Haver talk Nikki Haley getting into the Presidential race, her potential candidacy, and what this means for the future of our democracy. Members of The DSR Network get access to a bonus segment about the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The State of Our Union Is....
February 10, 2023 23:00 - 39 minutesOn this week's episode, Kavita is still out of town. So Norm and producer Grant Haver talk about the State of the Union, what it says about the future prospects for Joe Biden, and if it matters. Members of The DSR Network get access to a bonus segment about the House "oversight" hearings on Twitter and the weaponization of government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Modernizing Congress with Rep. Derek Kilmer
February 04, 2023 02:29 - 45 minutesOn this week's episode, Norm talks with Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-6) about his work as the Chair of the Modernizing Congress Committee, what they were able to accomplish, and what work is left to do. Members of The DSR Network get access to a bonus segment where Norm and producer Grant Haver talk reflect on the interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What to do when the government does nothing about guns
January 27, 2023 22:42 - 31 minutesOn this week's episode, Norm and Kavita talk about the never ending cycle of gun violence in the United States and what communities should do since the government is incapable of making progress on this issue. Members get a bonus conversation about the continuing kerfuffle about classified documents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
America at the (debt) limit
January 20, 2023 22:23 - 34 minutesOn this week's episode, Norm and Kavita talk about the debt limit, what the U.S. can do at this point to pay its bills, and where we expect this to end. Members get a bonus conversation about the West Wing reboot and China. Read more about the debt limit here: https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12045 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A House Divided Against Itself
January 13, 2023 22:12 - 29 minutesOn this week's episode, Norm and Kavita talk about the start of a divided and performative Congress. Members of The DSR Network get a bonus conversation about Biden's classified documents and the Republicans investigations efforts across the government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Seeking a Speaker
January 06, 2023 21:04 - 37 minutesOn this week's episode, Norm and Kavita talk about Kevin McCarthy's quixotic quest to become speaker of the House and what it means for average Americans. What does this clown show mean for the most pressing issues facing the United States? Members of The DSR Network get a bonus conversation about the COVID crisis in China and how anti-vax terrorists are seizing on high profile deaths and injuries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Best Of: Walker, Oz, and What Happens if They Win?
December 30, 2022 23:00 - 27 minutesOriginally Aired: October 8, 2022 On this week's episode, Norm and Kavita talk about the Senate races in Georgia and Pennsylvania. In the bonus segment, Words Matter Producer Grant Haver talks with Norm about what's on Democrats agenda if they win the midterms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Best Of: New York, Florida, and Dark Money Matters
December 29, 2022 23:00 - 30 minutesOriginally Aired: August 26, 2022 On this week's episode, we talk about the primaries in New York and Florida as well as the news the Leonard Leo now has over one billion dollars to spend on conservative political causes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Best Of: Midterm Madness
December 28, 2022 23:00 - 33 minutesOriginally Aired: August 12, 2022 On this week's episode, we talk about all the races we are following for the midterms, and our campaign experiences. You won't want to miss it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices