Beyond Politics

We're joined by Mark Jacob, former editor for both the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times. His most recent book is "Globetrotter: How Abe Saperstein shook up the world of sports. "

It's a remarkable story about how a 5-3 Jewish immigrant became one of the most important figures in American sports history. Abe Saperstein founded the Harlem Globetrotters. His drive, determination, and creativity led to, among other things, the integration of basketball, the three-point line, and breaking baseball's color line. He even had a hand at American diplomacy in the 1950s and sixties.

We also had to talk politics at the end, and discuss how the media is falling into the MAGA trap in even subtler ways these days.

00:22 The Story of Abe Saperstein 03:10 Saperstein's Impact on Basketball and Baseball 05:33 The Jewish Experience and Racism 13:33 Saperstein's Role in Diplomacy 16:38 The Globetrotters and Minstrelsy 22:13 Connecting Sports and Media 24:10 Pro-Democracy Journalism 29:03 Subtle Media Manipulation 35:24 The Democrat Party Tactic 41:19 Entertainment as Propaganda 47:44 Respecting Different Views 50:14 Concluding Thoughts

Matt Gaetz is out. But Peter Hegseth is still in and so are a bunch of other Trump nominees who have a mix of no qualifications and disqualifications, How are senators supposed to weigh those factors, especially when they depend on accusations> And how do we prevent nominations like this from becoming another polarizing Brett Kavanaugh-esque test that forces each side into their partisan corners and ultimately just results in giving Donald Trump what he wants? Also, Representative Nancy Mace's controversial rules change preventing transgender Congresswoman Sarah McBride from using women's facilities. And finally, an update on Matt's culinary interest in Paul and Alicia's pets.

00:00 Matt Gaetz's Exit 02:01 Controversial Trump Nominees 04:55 Debating Qualifications vs. Allegations 07:07 The Role of Senate in Vetting Nominees 09:14 Personal Conduct and Public Office 24:50 The Matt Gaetz Update 26:52 Transgender Rights in Congress 40:03 Closing Thoughts and Pets on the Menu

Matt Robison and Howard Monroe explore not only why things under Trump may not be as bad as they seem at first, but why it's so critical for people to feel better, more upbeat, and more positive about politics. 00:39 The Dismal Seriousness of American Politics 01:08 The Election and Trump's Cabinet Nominations 02:18 Making Politics Fun Again 03:39 The Impact of Media and Messaging 07:07 Challenges for the Democratic Party 16:33 Trump's Nominations and Their Implications 28:31 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

Trump Appoints Matt Gaetz as Attorney General: Political Comedy or Crisis? Hosts Matt , Paul, and Alicia discuss Donald Trump's controversial decision to nominate Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, examining the political, ethical, and conspiratorial aspects. They also delve into the qualifications of Trump's other nominations, including Marco Rubio and Tulsi Gabbard, and the implications for a closely divided, Republican-controlled Congress. And we close with a genuinely inspirational, historic moment, plus an ironic comeuppance for one of the right-wing's most loathsome figures. 00:06 Trump's Controversial Nominee: Matt Gaetz 03:32 The Ethics Report and Gaetz's Qualifications 06:58 Reactions and Political Implications 11:21 Trump's Strategy and Senate Dynamics 18:05 Potential Recess Appointments and Senate Pushback 25:36 Freedom Caucus and House Majority Challenges 27:36 Marco Rubio and Elise Stefanik's Qualifications 28:01 Tulsi Gabbard's Controversial Appointment 31:15 Pete Hegseth's Military Experience and Concerns 33:18 Trump's Cabinet Picks and Their Implications 39:04 Performative Politics and Peaceful Transfers of Power 43:46 The Onion Buys InfoWars: Satirical Justice

This is a post election essay that I'm calling "Blue Linings Playbook: the Game Plan Democrats Need After a Disaster." The message is that the election WAS a disaster, but we can manage it. And if you look hard, there are even some upsides for the long term.

00:00 Introduction: Blue Linings Playbook 01:01 Short-Term Strategies for Democrats 02:19 Trump's Waning Influence 04:11 Executive Actions and Judicial Appointments 05:57 Long-Term Democratic Reformation 11:53 Rebranding and Refocusing the Party 13:12 Conclusion: Turning Crisis into Opportunity

There's no sugar coating that it was a terrible night. Matt, Paul, and Alicia discuss not just why voters decided to bring Donald Trump back, but also why there are good reasons to believe that we can mitigate the worst damage from Trump's return, and that if Democrats can face some painful truths, they can chart a course back.

00:00 Introduction and Election Overview 00:22 Analyzing the Election Results 04:00 The Economy and Voter Sentiment 06:31 Democratic Party Challenges 20:43 Voter Disconnect and Information 26:23 Looking Forward: Strategies and Hope

Matt Robison discusses why Kamala Harris is more likely than not to win, even if he (and we) can't feel confident about it. And no matter what happens, after a difficult November to come, why there's hope ahead. 00:00 Introduction and Election Day Predictions 01:27 Media Advantage: TV and Digital Ads 06:38 Ground Game: Mobilizing Voters 09:58 Polling Manipulations and Their Impact 17:18 Why Confidence is Still Shaky 20:01 Preparing for Post-Election Challenges 22:08 Conclusion: Nauseous Optimism

For our last pre-election round table panel we explore whether the unhinged racist rally from Donald Trump over the weekend really will make a critical difference in the election. Also, we each took a swing at giving our closing arguments in the campaign. And finally, we give our tips for what to look for on Tuesday night to get a sense of what happened and who's going to win. 00:50 Trump's Racist Rally and Its Impact 03:02 Latino Voters and Trump's Influence 08:08 Biden's Gaffe and Public Reaction 12:39 Closing Arguments: Why Vote for Harris 19:45 Reflecting on Political Choices 20:54 A Dream of the Capitol 22:08 Election Night Preparations 23:13 Analyzing Swing States 24:09 Campaign Experiences 27:10 Election Night Strategies 33:42 Election Night Snacks and Humor 34:33 Concluding Remarks

This week we're talking about the factors that are going to tip the election one way or the other in the final few days, as we're down to a very, very few voters who ultimately hold our fate in their hands. To try to get some insight I wanted to ask my friend, Sam Harris, who hosts one of the fastest growing and most popular psychology podcasts on earth. It's called Growth Mindset and it's a really interesting dive in each episode into a different idea from psychology and how you can apply it to what you do. So what is REALLY going to push the final undecided voters in the final days?

03:45 Heuristics and Decision Making 07:14 Impact of Recent Events on Voter Decisions 12:41 Trump's Unique Appeal 19:27 The Role of Podcasts in Campaigns 32:32 Collective Dissatisfaction and Political Change 35:36 Conclusion: Reflecting on Progress

We are about to find out if Kamala Harris' biggest advantage is going to make the winning difference: a subject I cover in depth in my new column in Newsweektoday.

One person who knows quite a lot about it and who believes that the answer is yes is Matt Wiley, a Republican political consultant and former executive director of the Massachusetts Republican party who has managed many Senate campaigns. He lays out the case for why he not only thinks Harris' advantage is going to make a difference, but why he feels confident that Trump is going to lose. He also explains how Trump has destroyed the party that he believes in and how both Republicans and Democrats might change course after the election.

02:54 The Importance of Ground Game 07:21 Random Factors in Elections 09:19 Republican Party Challenges 18:05 Trump's Campaign Strategy 22:18 Polling and Election Predictions 24:34 The Future of the Republican Party 25:08 Challenges for the Democratic Party 27:39 Concerns About the 2024 Election 31:16 The Importance of Checks and Balances 33:52 The Aftermath of the Election 40:37 Hope for America's Future

Right now the F word is all over the news. Donald Trump's longest serving chief of staff, retired four-star Marine general John Kelly, said that Donald Trump is literally the dictionary definition of a "fascist" and Kamala Harris agreed. So is this going to be the Harris campaign's closing argument in the final 10 days? And should it be?

Also, the quiet campaign that Democrats are starting to whisper into the ears of Republican women, especially women in Republican areas.

Where are we with two weeks to go? That's what my good friend, legendary radio broadcaster, Howard Monroe wanted to ask me on his show yesterday. And so we ran through all of it. Where do things stand? What could they turn on in the end? And is there hope for Democrats, as the polls have seemed to shift very slightly in Donald Trump's direction?

And before we got into any of that, Howard wanted to talk about texting. What is the effect of all of these fundraising texts and emails that we're all constantly getting, do they work? And I suggested that they might be working kind of, but they might also be having a really destructive long term effect that no one is really talking about. 00:23 The Impact of Fundraising Texts 03:22 The Science Behind Political Messaging 11:58 The Final Countdown to the Election 14:01 The Butterfly Effect in Elections 16:36 Trump's Recent Behavior and Public Perception 17:56 Economic Plans and Public Opinion 19:50 Polling Trends and Voter Behavior 27:44 The Final Countdown to Election Day

Jason Fields, Deputy Opinion Editor at Newsweek, shares the five sources of fresh insights in politics and current affairs that are worth spending your time on, give new insight or just freshen up what you thought you knew.

Also, is Kamala Harris pulling off a major vanishing act? What's up with the Elon Musk's bizarre, illegal scheme to help Trump that came to light over the weekend? And how have things changed in the way we do political discourse in America? 00:40 Interview with Jason Fields: Insights from a Newsroom Veteran 01:32 Kamala Harris: The Vanishing Act 06:12 Trump's Unpredictable Political Landscape 10:20 Elon Musk's Controversial Moves 14:45 The True Believers vs. The Grift Class 19:33 The Age Dilemma 20:02 The Evolution of Political Debate 23:27 The Browser Tab Phenomenon 24:48 Newsweek's Diverse Opinions 29:20 Top Writers and Their Impact 37:17 Election Predictions and Reflections

We just crossed an invisible line in the 2024 election. Ever since the presidential debate, Kamala Harris has held a small but steady lead in the critical swing state polls. That made her the favorite to win in the election, even by a small amount. But this week that forecast slipped away. So we ask: is this really happening? Is this really a situation where Trump is now the favorite to win? Alicia laid out a case that it will not end up that close. And she remains confident that Trump cannot and will not win. We also talked about the US political impact of the death of the Hamas leader and Kamala Harris' big Fox News interview. And at the end we give you the definitive readout on Donald Trump's 39 minutes of straight dancing at a rally.

00:00 Election Forecast Shifts: Trump Takes the Lead 01:26 International News: Death of Hamas Leader 06:31 Kamala Harris's Fox News Interview 10:47 Media Bias and Its Impact on Elections 23:03 Polling Numbers and Forecasts 24:25 Alicia's Analysis: Trump's Chances in the Election 28:29 Ground Game: Harris vs. Trump 31:41 The Role of Field Operations 41:44 Trump's Dance Party and Final Thoughts

What if I told you that we're looking at polling numbers in the wrong way? We're all inundated with polling right now as we enter the final three weeks of the 2024 election, and we're used to looking at those polls with one question in mind. Who's ahead? But today's guest says we shouldn't be looking at the margin. We should be looking at the share of the vote that each candidate is getting. And that tells us a LOT more about what's going to happen in the election. Our guest is Nate Moore, a public opinion expert who writes for the American Enterprise Institute and the Liberal Patriot. 00:59 The Importance of Vote Share 04:20 Current Polling Trends and Predictions 09:16 The Pennsylvania Problem 16:11 The Blue Shift Phenomenon 19:40 Polling Methodologies and Their Impact 26:33 Impact of Mark Robinson Scandal 29:21 The Butterfly Effect in Elections 32:26 Electoral System and Party Dynamics 38:36 Key Races to Watch 40:42 Election Night Indicators

Kamala Harris has every advantage -- money, ads, volunteers -- but is stuck in polling against Donald Trump. Matt, Paul and Alicia explore what's going on. We also delve into Bob Woodward's explosive claims about Trump's secret interactions with Putin during the COVID pandemic. Also, a friendly fight breaks out on misinformation in politics. And finally, a look at the wackiest unfounded conspiracy theory circulating online these days, plus our parody (note: you do actually have to cast your vote by Election Day people!) of the kind of misinformation that's out there. 00:00 Introduction: Why Are We Stuck? 00:59 Debating Lies and Misinformation in Politics 12:20 The 2024 Election Stalemate 22:41 Trump's Secret Conversations with Putin 32:03 Conspiracy Theories and Parody

Painful as it is for Democrats (like us at the Beyond Politics podcast) to say, there's no denying that Donald Trump's economic pitch is working, especially among working-class voters. Despite significant backlash from non-partisan experts and economists, Trump is tied or ahead of Kamala Harris on the issue that voters say is most important to them. Why? And is there something Trump is saying that we should all be paying more attention to. Matt welcomes back Newsweek Opinion Editor Batya Ungar-Sargon to talk about what she sees in Trump's economic message, why she ran Trump's plan and Matt's critique of it back-to-back, and where she finds Kamala Harris hitting the right notes.

***For those wanting to see the draft piece Matt discussed on Friday on the most intriguing questions coming out of the VP debate, check out thislink to his Patreon page (patrons always welcome!)*** 00:00 Introduction and Tough Question 01:38 Newsweek's Editorial Decision 03:27 Promoting Diverse Opinions 06:48 Debating Trump's Economic Policies 11:43 Economic Perspectives and Personal Stories 29:54 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

The Fallout from the VP Debate: Implications for 2024 and Beyond. The big VP debate may not significantly affect the 2024 election, but it raises critical questions for American politics. Here's a quick look at the top5 big questions for the future coming out of the debate 00:00 Introduction: The Impact of the VP Debate 03:30 Trump's Mental Triggers: A Potential Downfall 04:52 Vance's Strategic Positioning in the Republican Party 06:14 The Double-Edged Sword of Vance's Success 07:22 Democrats' Rediscovery of a Powerful Issue 08:51 A New Era for Debates and Political Content? 11:32 Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Stakes

Decoding the 2024 VP Debate: Key Takeaways and Insights: Matt, Paul, and Alicia discuss the significant moments and lessons from the 2024 vice presidential debate. There is a lot going on under the surface, and even if the debate didn't move the needle that much in 2024, there's a lot to unpack about the future of the Republican Party, Trump's brain, and how we consume information in America. 00:56 Top Takeaways from the VP Debate 04:30 Analyzing JD Vance's Debate Tactics 09:16 Voter Perceptions and Poll Analysis 13:51 Engaging with Trump's Economic Policies 18:43 JD Vance's Opportunism and Future Implications 20:56 The Debate's Key Non-Answer 24:13 The MAGA Movement and Republican Party Dynamics 27:11 The Role of Expertise in Politics 32:23 Media's Role in Shaping Debate Narratives 37:09 Human Moments in Political Debates 41:59 The Future of Political Debates

Is the Presidential Race Over? Examining the Impact of the Mark Robinson Scandal: If Trump loses North Carolina, he has almost no chance at the presidency. Will the scandal be enough to end things? Also: the indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the extensive history of corruption in New York politics; the huge strategic decision Democrats must make in the fight for the Senate; and, is there a 'war on pets in American politics? 00:20 The Mark Robinson Scandal 01:20 Impact on Trump's Campaign 03:57 Republican and Democratic Strategies 15:00 Eric Adams Indictment 21:49 Analyzing the 2024 Senate Races 23:57 Strategizing Democratic Resources 32:36 Republican Controversies and Racism 38:57 The War on Pets

What would Trump's actual policy plan be if he got back into office? We can tell an awful lot from what he tried to do the first time, and most of it came at the expense of less wealthy Americans. Bob Greenstein, founder of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, joins us to discuss the far-reaching implications of Donald Trump's budget proposals during his presidency. 00:00 Introduction: The Hidden Details 03:13 Trump's Budget Proposals: A Deep Dive 20:29 The War on Poverty: Progress and Challenges 25:09 The Tariff Debate: Understanding the Impact 33:44 Future of the Republican Party 34:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Alicia's Fiery Rebuke and Trump's Scandalous Rhetoric: Unpacking the Fallout Matt, Paul, and Alicia dive into the aftermath of Donald Trump's racist claims about Haitian immigrants. Alicia passionately criticizes Trump's loyal followers and the consequences of their actions on communities like Springfield, Ohio. The discussion also explores the broader issue of heated political rhetoric from both sides, the implications of Trump's radical policy proposals, and recent polling trends in the presidential race. And finally, should this new fish speciesbe called...the Trump fish?

00:59 Trump's Racist Rhetoric and Real-World Consequences 02:53 Political Reactions and JD Vance's Role 05:07 The Broader Impact on Politics and Society 11:18 Debate on Heated Rhetoric from Both Sides 18:53 Alicia's Fiery Response 25:08 Trump's Economic Plan: A Disaster in the Making 26:12 Historical Lessons: The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act 26:52 The Real Impact of Tariffs on American Consumers 27:39 Political Hypocrisy and Economic Lies 33:21 The Polls: Analyzing the Fallout from the Debate 37:17 Kamala Harris: Rising Favorability and Strategic Moves 39:10 Trump's Campaign Strategy: Flawed and Failing 44:00 Debate Performance: Harris vs. Trump 46:49 Closing Thoughts and Fish

PART TWO OF TWO-PART MINI SERIES FINALE. As Kamala Harris rises in the polls following her crushing performance over Donald Trump in their debate, we look at the key moments and the hidden psychological strategies that led to the rout. This is the final episode of 'The War to Win Minds' miniseries, and Matt Robison and psychologist Lauren Goldstein run down a dizzying array of mental tactics that were on display and that we will continue to see in the 2024 campaign, including maybe the most important lesson from persuasion psychology--knowing what type of persuasion you are trying to do.

01:06 Overview of Persuasion Techniques 02:31 Kamala Harris' Debate Strategy 05:59 Trump's Response and Analysis 08:40 Psychological Warfare in Debates 22:04 Closing Statements and Final Thoughts 28:08 Conclusion and Farewell

PART ONE OF TWO PART MINI SERIES FINALE. We dive into the explosive psychological strategies behind the Kamala Harris -Donald Trump presidential debate. In this episode of 'The War to Win Minds' series, Matt Robison and psychologist Lauren Goldstein break down the mental tactics used to sway voters and what Harris did to break Trump's brain. Discover how Harris dismantled Trump's arguments and left him floundering by employing clever, counterintuitive methods. 01:50 Psychological Insights into Debates 03:34 Analyzing Kamala Harris's Debate Tactics 05:17 The Impact of Presidential Debates 08:36 Persuasion Principles in Action 17:03 Trump's Tactics and Harris's Response 20:16 The Power of Storytelling and Emotional Appeal 23:45 Harris's Strategy to Undermine Trump 27:58 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this quick reaction show, Matt, Paul, and Alicia dive into the aftermath of the recent debate, discussing who won, who lost, and why both parties should maybe feel frustrated. Kamala Harris is broadly considered the winner against Donald Trump but how much will it matter? And will Taylor Swift's endorsement of Harris matter even more? 00:54 Who Won the Debate? 03:23 Debate's Impact and Media Critique 06:15 Republican and Democratic Reactions 11:23 Missed Opportunities 17:19 The Flaws of Presidential Debates 21:18 Debate Moderators and Fact-Checking 28:29 Trump's Dangerous Rhetoric and Lies

In episode 3 of our mini series 'The War to Win Minds,' hosts Matt Robison and Lauren Goldstein delve into the concept of social proof, its influence on political campaigns, and why it's Donald Trump's not so secret weapon in the 2024 campaign. 00:32 The Power of Social Proof 03:21 The Reagan-Mondale Debate Experiment 06:35 The Elevator Experiment 07:50 Asch's Social Conformity Experiment 10:30 Social Proof in Political Campaigns 14:12 Trump's Use of Social Proof 15:32 The Double-Edged Sword of Social Proof 24:06 Polling Data and Social Proof 26:02 Conclusion: Recognizing Social Proof Techniques

Is the Kamala-mentum waning? It's a question that was raised in Politico and that's being pushed by the Republican side, especially the Trump campaign. We have some data and some insights from where the campaigns are spending their money. Also, we ask why would Kamala Harris go to New Hampshire? The unfolding legal situations for hunter Biden and Donald Trump, both in court today. And a cute animal story that goes in a disturbing direction.

ABC Legal Analyst Kim Wehle explains how the Supreme Court's decision granting immunity to US Presidents is way more far-reaching that it appears. When paired with the "pardon power," Presidents now wield a devastating one-two punch of power. Wehle is the author of a fascinating new bookon the history and law of the pardon, and why Americans need to understand just how dangerous this power has become. Also: a look at the current legal situations involving Donald Trump, Jack Smith's refiling of the election interference case, and Judge Aileen Cannon's dismissal of the classified documents case. 01:34 Jack Smith's Election Interference Case 05:38 Aileen Cannon and the Classified Documents Case 09:09 The Supreme Court's Role and Bias 20:58 The History and Importance of Pardon Power 26:23 Potential Reforms and Fixes 29:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode Two of The War to Win Minds: The Hidden Psychology of Political Persuasion. Matt Robison and Dr. Lauren Goldstein dive deep into the liking principle and break down campaign ads to show how politicians like Kamala Harris use similarities, compliments, attractiveness, and associations shape to change voters' minds and shape public opinion. Learn strategies used by campaigns to make their candidates more likable in ads from Barack Obama, Raphael Warnock, and Kamala Harris. 00:37 The Cartoon That Explains Opinion Formation 02:52 The Psychology Behind Likability 05:13 The Halo Effect and Attractiveness 08:53 Similarity and Its Challenges 13:39 The Power of Compliments 16:19 Association and Its Impact 19:21 Kamala Harris's Fearless Ad 24:57 Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode

Matt, Paul, and Alicia discuss Donald Trump's unhinged rant on Truth Social plus the recent Arlington National Cemetery incident, which has pushed Trump to new levels of insanity. The panel explores what triggered Trump's meltdown: Jack Smith's refiled case against him. They also question why, despite Trump's outrageous behavior, the race remains a 50/50 toss-up. Plus, the 10-year anniversary of 'Tan Suit Gate' involving former President Barack Obama. 00:00 Introduction: Trump's Unhinged Rant 01:07 Analyzing Trump's Truth Social Meltdown 03:58 The Normalization of Trump's Behavior 06:09 Misogyny and Disrespect Towards Women 09:11 Arlington National Cemetery Incident 18:06 Jack Smith's Indictment and Trump's Reaction 23:39 Why is This Still a 50-50 Race? 33:04 Tansuitgate Anniversary

***Don't forget to check out our mini-series on the hidden psychology of political campaigns on ⁠YouTube⁠ or ⁠Spotify⁠.***

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDbNEHJ_pV4

RFK Jr.'s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and his subsequent endorsement of Donald Trump would, until very recently, have been viewed as a watershed. But when it finally went down late last week, it barely made waves. Will it matter?

02:59 RFK Jr.'s Support Base and Its Implications 09:42 Kamala Harris's Campaign Strategy 17:21 Trump's Response and Campaign Strategy 20:50 Psychological Techniques in Campaigns 24:31 Trump's Campaign Challenges 29:38 Potential October Surprise

Episode One of The War to Win Minds: The Hidden Psychology of Political Persuasion. A limited series where PhD psychologist Lauren Goldstein and veteran campaign manager Matt Robison break down political ads to show the science behind how political campaigns fight and win the battle for our brains. In this episode: how one brilliant Kamala Harris ad explains the two pathways into our minds, and which one really works to win elections.

*** WATCH ON YOUTUBE at https://youtu.be/ZDbNEHJ_pV4?si=9f4lHui08g0WG3je ***

00:00 Introduction: The Battle for Minds

1:03 Central vs. Peripheral Routes

4:26 The Central Route Explained

9:25 The Peripheral Route Explained

11:56 Analyzing Effective Political Ads

14:45 Kamala Harris's Ad Breakdown

21:52 Polling Insights and Strategy

25:00 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

What do Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party need to do in the final stretch of the campaign to secure a win against Donald Trump? Paul, Matt, and Alicia take stock of where we are and where we need to get to. They also break down Harris' acceptance speech and the DNC's overall performance, the importance of upcoming debates, and the critical swing state of Pennsylvania. 00:55 Analyzing Kamala Harris's Acceptance Speech 01:35 Critique of the Democratic Convention 04:54 Discussion on Political Reporting and Media 13:31 Upcoming Mini-Series 17:38 Current State of the Campaign 23:25 Debate Expectations and Strategies 27:03 The Role of Swing States 32:05 Kamala Harris's Debate Tactics 37:07 Election Polls and Predictions 40:45 The Grammar Debate

Was last night's set of Democratic Convention speeches a game changer for Dems? Paul, Alicia and Matt think it quite possibly was, and got into such a heated discussion about it over text that they decided to take it right to the podcast. We cover why Doug Emhoff hit a grand slam, what Michelle did that worked so well, and why Barack Obama's speech marked a critical shift in Kamala's strategy.

00:57 Reactions to Obama's Speech 04:11 Alicia's Take on Dougie's Speech 05:23 Obama's Subtle Jabs and Nitpicks 08:54 Generational Differences and Grace 15:35 Obama's Inflection Point in the Campaign 19:51 Debating Obama's Legacy 30:05 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Today, an unvarnished and unbiased deep dive into the numbers and the scenarios for the 2024 election with former executive director of the Republican Party in Florida, Jamie Miller. We ask what are the best strategies and likeliest potential outcomes for the presidential race as well as down-ballot races? And we try to step outside either party's partisan perspective to see where the opportunities and pitfalls are. 00:00 Introduction: Beyond Politics with Matt Robinson 00:02 Stepping Outside the Echo Chamber 00:34 Interview with Jamie Miller: A Reasonable Perspective 01:15 Convention Insights: Kamala Harris and the Final Stretch 01:44 Historical Speeches and Convention Experiences 02:28 Echo Chamber vs. TV Land: Communication Differences 02:54 Analyzing the Republican Convention 05:20 Paths to Victory: Harris vs. Trump 05:47 Polling Momentum and Strategic Predictions 08:22 Impact of Down-Ballot Races 18:41 Budgeting and Campaign Strategies 19:41 The Importance of Key States 33:27 Debate Impact and State Strategies 35:03 Florida Politics: Crazy Stories and Strategic Errors 37:45 Conclusion: Wrapping Up with Jamie Miller

With polling data showing Kamala Harris bursting into the lead ahead of Donald Trump, what do they need to do at the upcoming conversation to keep the momentum going and propel them into November. Also, why are voters suddenly rating Harris ahead of Trump on the economy? Also, the controversy surrounding Olympic gymnast Jordan Childs and the governing body's decision to take away her medal. 01:43 Polling and Kamala's Momentum 05:27 Communication Tips for Dems 08:58 Balancing Policy and Values 13:50 Convention Entertainment 18:53 Warming Up the Crowd for Barack 21:27 Economic Plans and Voter Sentiments 23:49 Poll Results and Voter Trust 25:09 Emotional Resonance in Politics 33:46 Olympic Gymnastics Controversy

Alicia Prestonhas reached a stunning conclusion: Trump's chances for 2024 are over, and Republicans' only hope is for every Senate, Congress, and gubernatorial candidate to fend for themselves. We talk about Trump’s blunders, the rise of Kamala Harris in the polls, and the weird attack on Tim Walz’s military record. 01:05 Trump's Mar-a-Lago Press Conference 02:41 Alicia's Bold Prediction 06:22 Republican Party's Dilemma 20:22 Heroism and Military Service 21:55 Swift Boating and Political Strategies 28:14 Kamala Harris's Campaign Strategy 34:31 Trump's Campaign Struggles 39:10 Dad Jokes

Matt was getting interviewed live on the radio when the news broke that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was the surprise VP pick for the dems. Here's the analysis getting worked out in real time. And here is the Newsweek article that Matt wrote right after describing what we can read between the lines about this pick, and why it might be sneaky good news for Democrats.

https://www.newsweek.com/3-things-we-can-read-tim-walz-vice-presidential-pick-opinion-1935427

00:42 Breaking News: Tim Walz as VP Nominee 01:40 Live Radio Analysis with Howard Monroe 04:19 The Case for and Against Tim Walz 05:58 Polling and Electoral Strategy 09:03 Tim Walz's Political Strengths 15:35 Republican Reactions and Attack Lines 20:22 Debate Strategy: Should Harris Debate Trump? 22:19 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

With Kamala-mentum becoming very real, we dive into Donald Trump's pretty insane strategy to put out that fire with gasoline by questioning whether Kamala Harris is actually Black. Is there any chance it could help him? Also, a massive deal that gained the release of 16 unjustly imprisoned people in Russia. And the "weird" wave sweeps America.

00:00 Introduction and Trump's Controversial Strategy 00:32 Breaking News: Massive Prisoner Release 02:33 Diplomatic Implications and Political Reactions 12:26 Kamala Harris's Rising Momentum 15:13 Polling Trends and Public Perception 20:33 Trump's Strategy and Media Reactions 34:49 The Weird Factor in Politics 39:04 Concluding Thoughts

Dan Perry, former Middle East editor for the Associated Press, unpacks the complex, unfolding situation surrounding the assassination of both Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, including the potential "good news" scenario that this could create an off-ramp to end the war and bring Israeli hostages home, or the possibility that things could escalate. Perry writes "Ask Questions Later", a substack with unparalleled analysis of the Middle East and world affairs. Subscribe here: https://danperry.substack.com/ 02:25 Good News Scenario in the Middle East 06:07 Bad News Scenario and Potential Escalations 09:51 Turkey's Role and NATO Concerns 13:05 US Domestic Politics and Global Implications 18:19 Netanyahu's Political Future 22:53 Conclusion

We tend to think about American politics as being driven by the fight between the two major parties. But what if the conventional view of political polarization in America is missing the true divide: between elites and the working class. Batya Ungar-Sargon, Opinion Editor at Newsweek, discusses insights from her book 'Second Class,' in which she interviews hundreds of Americans and posits that elites on both sides of the political spectrum have betrayed America's working men and women. 03:31 The Real Disconnect in America 04:21 Stories from the Working Class 10:04 The Impact of Immigration and Healthcare on the Working Class 20:02 Political Opinions and Voting Decisions 30:54 The Elites' Betrayal of Working Americans

Is Kamala Harris in an even better position than initial indications would seem to suggest, and can the Dem's big surge this week get even better? Also, were Joe Biden's limitations as a communicator really a legit demerit on how effectively he could do the job as president? Who should get the Dem VP nod? And did JD Vance say the most insulting and politically destructive thing in American vice-presidential history? 01:49 Inside Reactions and Polling Insights 04:23 Kamala Harris's Campaign Strategy 19:15 The Role of Communication in Politics 31:25 Social Media's Impact on Society 34:37 Kamala Harris and Political Communication 37:08 VP Picks and Political Strategy 40:26 J.D. Vance's Controversial Remarks

The surging beginning of Kamala Harris' presidential campaign is exactly what anxious Democrats were hoping for. Matt joins radio legend Howard Monroe to discuss all the new angles: the fundraising, the maneuvering, the messaging, and the polling. 03:00 Kamala Harris's Campaign Momentum 07:28 Debate on Biden's Resignation 17:35 Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump Winning Messages 22:39 Polling and Public Perception 26:38 Republican Strategies Against Harris

The Pivot to Kamala: Trump, Biden, and the Divide in America. Matt is joined by Batya Ungar-Sargon, Opinion Editor at Newsweek, to discuss the sudden ascension of Vice President Kamala Harris, Donald Trump's influence, and whether Joe Biden should resign. 02:18 Boiling it All Down: Has This Been a Great Week? 07:18 Biden's Withdrawal and Kamala Harris 12:01 Economic Models and the American Dream 17:01 GOP vs. Democratic Party Elites 25:25 Conclusion and Next Episode

President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race. He's already a hero who saved America once. Now, will his selfless move increased the Democratic Party's chances of beating Donald Trump? And, Matt just wrote in Newsweek on SATURDAY that Biden should also resign in order to help Kamala Harris defeat Trump. Is the case now even stronger? 00:00 Breaking News: Biden Withdraws from 2024 Race 01:07 Analyzing Biden's Debate Performance and Media Influence 02:25 The Impact of Biden's Withdrawal on the Democratic Party 05:28 Reflecting on Joe Biden's Presidency 10:17 Kamala Harris: A lock as the Next Democratic Nominee? 12:35 Strategizing for the 2024 Election 21:11 Potential Vice Presidential Picks 23:17 Closing Remarks and Subscriptions

We tried to boil down one of the most eventual weeks in American political history into two questions: Is there really a new Trump following the assassination attempt, and if this is the end of the political road for Joe Biden as looks increasingly likely, what will happen next for the Democrats?

00:46 Assassination Attempt and Trump's New Promise 01:51 Analyzing Trump's Convention Speech 04:27 Trump's Economic Ideas and Their Impact 10:23 Biden's Potential Withdrawal and Democratic Party Reactions 18:41 Goodfellas vs. Godfather 24:59 Strategic Realities for Democrats 26:44 Kamala Harris as a Candidate 29:13 Hypothetical Scenarios for Biden 31:54 IS Alicia Really in Matt's Basement?

Voters consistently say the economic is the most important issue to them. Which is why it's baffling that there's been so little attention on Donald Trump's economic ideas, which would be an unspeakable disaster for the American economy, and especially for the middle class. Brian Riedl, a conservative economist from the Manhattan Institute breaks down why proposals like replacing the income tax with a massive tariff are mathematically and economically terrible. We also get into Trump's broader policy ideas, and if you want to read more about Project 2025 and what Trump wants to actually do if he regains power, check out Matt's piece in Newsweek. 00:00 Introduction: The Overlooked Economic Disaster 01:10 Biden's Clear Agenda vs. Trump's Hidden Plans 01:44 Trump's Radical Economic Proposals 02:44 Expert Analysis: The Flaws in Trump's Tariff Plan 05:10 The Impact on Low-Income Families and Retaliation Risks 09:27 The Political Reality Behind Trump's Proposals 20:34 The Need for Honest Policy Discussions 31:49 Reforming Social Security and Medicare 38:43 Conclusion: Finding Common Ground

Is the turmoil surrounding Joe Biden's potential dropout from the presidential race wrapping up, or ramping up? Is it even possible that the media is simply fueling this narrative for drama and traffic, obscuring where their focus should be on Donald Trump's controversial plans for America? Check out Matt's newest Newsweek article on the exceedingly dangerous Trump plan for a second term. 02:47 The Media's Influence on Public Perception 04:39 Internal Democratic Party Tensions 07:00 Public Sentiment and Polls 10:51 Strategic Dilemmas for Democrats 18:45 Media Criticism and Public Backlash 21:17 Media Bias and Math 30:06 Project 2025: A Blueprint for Trump's Second Term 35:38 Pornography and the RNC

It's one of the biggest questions looming over American politics: what will the centrists do? There are as many as 71 million self-identified centrists in America - people who don't feel entirely comfortable with either major political party, and largely agree on most issues - and these are the people who are probably going to decide which of two very different paths America follows. So why can't either party nail them down? And which way will they go? Former Republican Congressman and centrist Scott Klug, host of the podcast Lost in the Middlejoins to explain.

***Don't forget to leave us a rating and review!***

***Subscribe to Lost in the Middle! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lost-in-the-middle-americas-political-orphans/id1706739467*** 02:21 Centrists and the Trump-Biden Debate 09:47 How the Middle Got Lost 24:16 The Rise of Independents and Future of Politics 32:43 Ticket Splitting and Political Trends 37:42 Democratic Party Dynamics 48:30 Favorite Funniest Moments in Congress

President Biden's candidacy is in what's increasingly looking like a death spiral. But "should he stick it out or should he drop out" is the wrong question. There is a much better and a much more important question that Democrats really need to ask. Also, is the Supreme Court's presidential immunity decision as bad as it seemed; should Russian athletes should be banned from international athletic competitions; and why sometimes scientific advance can be downright disgusting. 02:24 The Biden Question: Will He or Won't He? 04:05 Democratic Party's Internal Chaos 10:39 Polling and Public Perception 19:05 The Future of the Democratic Party 24:40 Debating Kamala Harris's Role 30:44 The Supreme Court's Immunity Ruling 39:54 Politics in International Sports 45:17 The Creepy Robot Face

"The president is now a king above the law. With fear for our democracy, I dissent." Those were the words of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor about yesterday's Supreme court decision conferring what the press described as "partial immunity" on Donald Trump and future presidents for crimes they may commit in office. But the reality goes much deeper than that. Legal scholar Kim Wehle -- a former US Attorney who regularly explains rulings like this on ABC news (subscribe to her substack here)-- explains the stark reality of what this ruling could mean.

01:29 Implications of the Ruling 03:42 Motivated Reasoning and Judicial Philosophy 09:37 The Role of Intent and Evidence 12:58 Political and Social Ramifications 22:08 The Importance of Voting and Democracy 25:36 Conclusion: Reflecting on the Future

BONUS EPISODE: There are two paths in the road ahead for Biden and the Democrats after President Joe Biden's rough debate. There is a roadmap for how he can recover--but can Biden pull it off? And if he can't, what does the unprecedented pathway of him dropping out look like? CHECK OUT MATT'S NEWSWEEK ARTICLE COVERING THIS ISSUE IN DEPTH: https://www.newsweek.com/disastrous-debate-biden-leaves-path-forward-democrats-opinion-1918957

01:44 Analyzing Biden's Debate Performance 03:38 Media Reactions and Public Perception 08:47 Strategic Pathways for Biden 10:40 Potential Replacement Scenarios 24:36 Concluding Thoughts

The debate went very badly for Joe Biden. And whether it's fair or not, the reality is that Biden's path to stopping Trump has gotten much harder. Matt, Paul, and Alicia delve into the key question of what happens next. Can Biden recover? What would that take? And if his team concludes that he can't, what would that look like?

01:32 Analyzing Biden's Performance 04:13 Media Perception and Reality 09:11 Debate Performance vs. Presidential Capability 12:12 The Elephant in the Room: Biden's Future 14:07 Strategies for Biden's Campaign 19:44 Political Campaign Strategies 24:40 Potential Democratic Candidates 26:51 The Chaos of an Open Convention 29:44 Democratic Party's Path Forward 36:33 Closing Thoughts -- Just in Case It All Goes Wrong

We're in the middle of a fight, as president Biden put it, for the soul of America. We face diametrically opposing visions of the future, and a ton of difficult questions. Even if we win the election, do we just have the bigger threat of everything Donald Trump has unleashed looming ahead of us? What about the way we're waging this fight? I just wrote an article in Washington Monthly arguing that the way we fight in American politics simply may not work in most cases anymore. So if the stakes are really that high shouldn't we be doing something else?And what about the big issue of the nervous breakdown that we seem to be going through as a country? We talk to Dimitri Mehlhorn, political advisor to Democratic donor Reid Hoffman, and one of the Democratic Party's deepest thinkers, about these questions. 02:28 The 2024 Election: What Are We Doing Right and Wrong? 04:14 Trump's Criminal Record: New Information for Voters 09:20 The Challenge of Swing Voters and Polling 13:32 The Permanent Fight Between Good and Evil 14:41 The Democratic Party's Messaging and Strategy 21:56 Challenges of Political Advertising 24:22 Innovative Campaign Strategies 27:29 Authenticity in Political Messaging 35:30 Urban vs. Rural Political Divide 38:50 Trust in Institutions and Government

Why did the Biden campaign decide to launch a blistering new line of attack right now? And what does it tell us about what his closest advisers are seeing from the inside? We connected a few dots to try to figure out the answer. Also, a flood of big news from the tech and political world, including. And, has the Trump campaign figured out how to manipulate the media as laziness and in attention. And we close with a really delicious story, which ends up with me asking: Is Alicia Preston a French RINO traitor. But we had to start with the news yesterday of a sweeping new investigation into MAGA Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz, and an unprecedented broadside from the House Ethics committee.

00:59 Matt Gaetz Under Investigation 06:37 Biden Campaign's New Strategy 10:18 Ground Game Importance in Elections 16:01 Hi-Tech Hijinks and Social Media Concerns 20:13 The Surgeon General's Warning on Social Media 24:29 Trump Campaign's Media Manipulation 31:40 Soccer Predictions and Politics

With Donald Trump's sentencing in New York rapidly approaching, we ask, what should we want out of the judges sentencing? It's really not that clear cut, since the answer invokes issues of justice, precedent and practical politics. What will this mean for the 2024 election? How would different sentences change voters' perceptions and each sides' message?

03:38 Trump's Legal Troubles and Political Implications 15:22 Sentencing Possibilities and Ramifications

So what happened when Donald Trump went back to the scene of the crime? We're talking of course, about his visit to Congress, the independent branch of government that he urged his supporters to attack as he inspired them to attempted insurrection. We also got into the hunter Biden verdict, and the question of whether Members of Congress really misplayed the political messaging about it. We also talked about the abortion pill ruling and how the media handled that. And then today is Donald Trump's birthday. And we took the liberty at the very end of the show of proposing our very own set of birthday presents for him. 01:00 Trump's Capitol Hill Visit: A Bizarre Return 06:36 Trump's Influence and Republican Sycophancy 12:08 Nikki Haley and the Future of the Republican Party 19:34 Supreme Court Ruling on Mifepristone 24:57 Hunter Biden's Legal Troubles 30:21 Justice System and Political Influence 38:02 Trump's Birthday

Today, we look at the source of power that has driven the Republican Party for the last five decades, and has shaped the policies, politics, and politicians who in turn shape our lives. Political scientist EJ Fagan's new book 'The Thinkers,' dives into the origins, methods, and extensive power that these institutions quietly wield.

01:07 The Power Behind the Throne 03:41 The Garbage Can Model in Policy Making 11:32 Heritage's Legacy and Modern Think Tanks 20:05 The Intellectual Orthodoxy of Conservatism 20:53 Nixon and Environmental Policies 21:58 The Laffer Curve and Alternative Facts 27:31 Think Tanks and Policy Influence 34:56 Funding and Influence of Think Tanks 38:09 Polarization and the Role of Think Tanks

Int he aftermath of Donald Trump's felony conviction, polls are suggesting that critical voters are turning on him. So why are all the big name Republicans so determined to stick with him, and suggest dangerous, scary reprisals? Also is Biden's big border executive order going to make a political difference. Plus, President Biden boxed in Bibi Netanyahu on the peace deal that's on the table between Israel and Hamas. Finally, we have a bold prediction on the NBA finals.

01:03 The Aftermath of Trump's Conviction 05:02 Republican Disconnect and MAGA Penalty 06:54 Faith in Voters and Polling Insights 17:48 Biden's Border Executive Order 27:35 Netanyahu and the Israel-Gaza Conflict 36:53 NBA Finals Predictions and Conclusion

ProPublica reporter Andy Kroll just went deep inside the epicenter of MAGA insanity, and found some unsettling things. What drives the MAGA movement is not policy or even support for Trump anymore, but something worse, something that's been on full display since Trump's conviction in New York. And it paints a troubling picture of the post-Trump future of the Republican Party.

01:40 A Disturbing Scene

06:47 The Ideological Divide in MAGA

16:17 The Rise and Fall of Christina Karamo

21:57 The Rise of Nihilism in the Republican Party

25:45 The Future of the Republican Party Post-Trump

29:42 The Entrenchment of Election Denialism

40:28 A Glimmer of Hope: Grassroots Education

A quick interview with Howard Monroe about the impact of the Trump conviction

We start with an emergency segment recorded late this evening on the news that Donald Trump has been convicted on all 34 counts int he New York fraud trial, and is now a felon. We sort through the legal next steps and the political implications. We then shift to our earlier recording and hit the big story from Congressman Jamie Raskin and his proposal about how to force Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito off of the Supreme court cases involving Donald Trump because of their obvious bias. And finally, you'll want to hang on until the end. When we talk about whether we found the single dumbest criminal defendant in history.

00:00 Trump's Conviction: Immediate Reactions

02:14 Legal Analysis of the Verdict

04:43 Political Fallout and Public Reaction

08:29 Implications for American Democracy

11:36 Future Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

23:14 Supreme Court Controversies

38:53 Zoom Courtroom Mishaps

It's a shocking story we hear almost nothing about: huge corporations exploiting some of the $900 billion a year in government programs aimed at helping America's poor, and pocketing hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars along the way. Anne Kim, a Contributing Editor at Washington Monthly, shares some of the most riveting stories from her book 'Poverty for Profit' (publishing TODAY at this link)a deep dive into what these companies are doing, who is being hurt, and why we decided as a country to outsource the poverty industry. Anne also explains why there's still some good news and hope for the future.

00:51 The Shocking Reality of the Poverty Industry

04:31 The Earned Income Tax Credit: A Double-Edged Sword

10:54 Maximus: The Giant Behind Welfare Outsourcing

16:48 The Dark Side of Medicaid and Dialysis Centers

21:19 The Bail Bond System: Preying on the Vulnerable

23:22 The Roots of Privatization and Its Impact on Poverty

30:03 Reimagining Government's Role and the Path Forward

Yes, Donald Trump did kind of tell supporters that he's dead. Our round table discussion started with deep, interesting question: after all the talk about polarization and division, is there actually a powerful emerging centrist movement in America? But then, Alicia dropped something kind of fascinating and disturbing into the conversation, an email from Donald Trump that seems to imply the he is currently dead. And as if that wasn't amusing enough, we close the show on one of the deepest existential questions facing America: what is the sandwich really? We actually had a legal read on that from a real court this week.

01:24 Exploring the Existence of a Political Center in America

05:54 The Rise and Impact of Performative Politics

07:53 The MAGA Movement and Its Influence

16:54 The Future of Republican Moderates and the MAGA Legacy

22:28 Is Trump...Dead?

28:47 The Biden vs. Trump Debate: Age, Sanity, and Governance

30:24 The Great Sandwich Debate: What Qualifies?

Are Democrats really shedding massive amounts of support from African American voters? There are certainly warning signs of trouble -- including a New York times poll showing Trump getting the support of more than 20% of Black Americans. But Mario Broussard and Ana Robinson of Global Strategy Group say that the actual picture is a lot more nuanced than that, and that if the numbers suggest anything, it's that there are things Biden and the Democrats can do to hold on to the critical core of the Democrats' base.

01:21 Young Black Women's Voting Enthusiasm and Economic Struggles

04:49 The Impact of Abortion Rights on Young Black Women Voters

15:27 Economic Concerns Among Black Voters

26:34 Messaging Strategies for Democrats: Addressing Key Voter Concerns

32:31 The Role of Social Media and Influencers in Engaging Young Voters

After a major standoff, Trump and Biden have agreed to two presidential debates. Did Biden win this exchange? And how much does it really matter? Also, a quick breakdown of Michael Cohen's testimony, and the question of whether Trump's political defenses in the hush money trial are actually kind of working. Plus, a very weird New York Times poll from this week and a continued run of voting results that Donald Trump should be finding downright scary. Plus, our closing segment has snakes on a plane. No, really.

And we closed with snakes on a plane. No, literally. I mean, it. Snakes on a plane,

00:00 Opening Remarks: The Role of Debates in Politics

00:46 Debating the Debates: Trump vs. Biden

02:27 The Circus of Presidential Debates

04:26 Breaking Tradition: The New Debate Format

06:19 The Argument Against Debates

10:53 Character and Policy in Debates

17:02 Strategic Analysis: Biden vs. Trump Debate Dynamics

19:29 Trump's Debate Strategy and Poll Analysis

20:16 Breaking Down Trump's Legal Challenges

20:25 The Michael Cohen Testimony: A Deep Dive

25:50 Analyzing Trump's Defense Strategies

30:56 Voter Sentiment and Election Predictions

35:40 Quirky News Roundup: Bees, Zebras, and Snakes

Lauren Goldstein of Change Research dives into a fascinating study aims to get inside the minds of voters and could help explain why they feel so negative about the most important issue of the 2024 election - the economy. Also, why they do things differently than most opinion researchers, and how that can help change the way we talk to voters.

01:38 Exploring the Real Economic Pain Points of Voters

05:20 The Psychological Underpinnings of Financial Comparisons

10:09 Addressing the Generational Divide and Economic Pessimism

17:08 Strategies for Effective Political Communication

23:13 The Secret Handshake and Used Car Fraud Metaphors

31:29 Innovative Approaches to Public Opinion Research

34:37 The Importance of Listening and Adapting Messaging

Was the big, headline grabbing testimony from Stormy Daniel actually the most significant thing that happened in the Trump trial this week? We make the case that the answer is actually...no. Trump should be a lot more worried about three other developments. Plus, what's driving the Biden administration's pause on arms transfers to Israel? And why did RFK Jr. say that a piece of his brain is missing???

00:53 Exploring the Impact of Stormy Daniels' Testimony

05:14 The Hypocrisy Surrounding Pornography

08:56 The Legal Significance Beyond the Headlines

13:32 Trump's Legal Risks and Public Opinion Dynamics

17:30 Debunking Polling Myths and Misinterpretations

21:34 Analyzing the Middle East Ceasefire Negotiations

25:19 The Grand Bargain: Biden's Middle East Strategy

32:56 The Controversial Views of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

What are the things you have to get right to succeed in the world of politics? What's the secret sauce to winning a campaign? (hint: it's actually not what most people think) And what are the unwritten rules that you have to know to be a member of Congress or to work in Congress? We tacked these questions and much more this week, when Matt was honored to be a guest on one of the top podcasts in the world aimed at political insiders, the ProPolitics podcast hosted by Zac McCrary. We're bringing you the full episode here, and check out their feed and consider subscribing if you want to hear more from the biggest insiders in DC.

This week, politics has been kind of amazing because there's been such a strange mix of ultra serious issues filled with moments that are just hilarious. We unpack the latest developments in the Trump trial and how Donald Trump's own lawyer ended up introducing some really humiliating evidence about him. Also, the crackdown on student protesters and how Lauren Boebert managed to beclown herself. And then of course, we had to talk about the most bizarre story of political self destruction that any of us have ever seen, which happened to a prominent Republican this week.

01:00 The Trump Trial: Legal Analysis and Hilarity

04:01 The Gag Order Debate: Trump's Legal Challenges and Strategies

17:56 Campus Protests: A Mix of Serious and Ridiculous

20:34 The Quirky Protesters and Their Demands

21:20 The Satirical Take on Modern Protests

23:06 Lauren Boebert's Campus Stunt Goes Viral

26:04 Christy Noem's Controversial Animal Stories

32:41 The Debate Over Marijuana Legalization

36:30 Closing Thoughts and Goodbyes

Is there actually a light at the end of the tunnel, a way out of MAGA domination for the Republican Party? Jonathan Rauch of the Brookings Institution and Peter Wehner of the Trinity Forum, walk us through their much-discussed plan outlined in a recent New York Times opinion piece for a new movement to return to a rational, conservative Republican Party in America. ***Please remember to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.***

00:59 Exploring the Roots and Reasons for a GOP Split

05:05 The Exile Strategy: Overcoming MAGA's Grip

09:12 The Moral and Strategic Imperatives of Overthrowing MAGA

14:34 Potential Leaders and the Path Forward

26:55 The Psychological Battle Against MAGA Dominance

As protests over the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, reignite and turn violent, the panel ask whether a line has been crossed and what universities that have been paralyzed for so long should do now. We also mark the historic passage of the foreign aid bill, which included long overdue money for Ukraine. And at the end, we ask whether a quote from Mitt Romney this week was a great one or the greatest one ever given. But we start off with the tsunami of Trump legal news, including yesterday's massive Supreme court hearing, new indictments in Arizona, and Paul's evaluation as a former prosecutor of how effective this week's testimony in the New York trial really was

01:07 Analyzing the Prosecution's Strategy in Trump's Trial

05:07 The Intricacies of Legal and Ethical Boundaries in Media Collaboration

14:27 Breaking Down the New Indictments and Supreme Court's Role

18:01 Addressing Anti-Semitic Protests at Elite Universities

24:43 Comparing Past and Present Campus Protests

36:22 Political Achievements and Bipartisanship

37:47 The Mitt Romney Quote

The biggest right-wing news sites are seeing cratering traffic and influence. But why? And is that all good news for the rest of the anti-Trump world? Veteran reporter Paul Farhi joins to discuss his recent blockbuster article in The Atlantic on what's happening, and why it's significant.

00:59 How Big is the Collapse of Right-Wing Media Traffic

03:46 Exploring the Causes

10:38 The Financial Impact and Future of Right-Wing Media

18:17 The Broader Implications: Misinformation, Fracturing, and the Future of Media

22:33 The Controversy Around NPR's Alleged Leftward Shift

35:13 Analyzing the Impact of Conservative Media

What would you say is the biggest threat to America today? It might not be what you think. Many of America's senior leaders, especially the ones in the Democratic Party, believe that it's the insidious, intentional assault on our brains, from people using technology to pump them full of misinformation and disinformation. The torrent of lies may be making it impossible for democracy to function anymore, and is putting some of the worst possible people in power.

Journalist Sasha Issenberg takes us inside this world in his new book The Lie Detectives, and joins us to explain what they've found out about how to fight this new war for information, truth, and democracy.

01:13 The Oh Gosh Moment: Realizing the Scale of Disinformation

16:18 Jiore Craig's Mission: Adapting Political Strategies for the Digital Age

30:49 Understanding the Ecosystem of Disinformation

41:25 The Future of Fighting Disinformation: Challenges and Optimism

Former prosecutor Paul Hodes walks us through one of the most important jury selection processes ever, as jurors are added - and removed - from trump's fraud trial in New York. We also probe the impact of having two lawyers on the jury, and is the Biden White House taking the right approach politically by staying totally silent about the trial.

Also, the sham Mayorkas impeachment. And is Mike Johnson actually doing a GOOD job? And a wild closing story that involves escaped zoo animals and a huge metaphor for politics in America.

00:53 The Trump Trial: Jury Selection and Legal Drama

05:27 The Role of Lawyers in the Jury

14:51 Biden's White House: A Silent Strategy on Trump's Trial

17:13 The Mayorkas Impeachment: A Partisan Stunt Dismissed

20:12 The Impact of C SPAN on Politics

25:21 Mike Johnson: Good Leadership on Ukraine?

34:41 Closing Segment: The ACTUAL Political Circus

The dramatic decrease in value of Donald Trump's Truth Social stock has already erased billions in ill-gotten gains from the former President. Why the major fall, and more important, how bad could this ultimate get for Trump? We asked stock market expert Chris Hill, former host of Motley Fool Money.

00:00 The Crash of Trump's Truth Social Stock

02:03 The Meme Stock Phenomenon Explained

04:35 The Intricacies of SPACs and Their Impact

09:21 The Financial Mechanics Behind Truth Social's Strategy

20:53 Predictions and Implications for Trump

Did the basic elements of the OJ Simpson trial give us a preview of Trump's America? The comparison isn't as far-fetched as it might seem. Also, the impliations of the recent Arizona ruling implementing a total abortion ban, and how did that lead to Lindsay Graham being called a Republican in name only (RINO). Also... Lenny Kravitz's fashion choices?!?

00:17 The OJ Simpson Saga previewed the age of Trump

09:02 Exploring the Impact of Arizona's Abortion Ban

12:26 The MAGA Conundrum: Logic, Loyalty, and Lindsey Graham

20:30 FISA Controversy: National Security vs. Political Allegiance

29:54 Lenny Kravitz's Leather Pants

The implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be profound, wonderful, and maybe terrifying. Eric Daimler -- a former AI advisor to President Obama -- helps us sort through the good, the bad, and whether the AI apocalypse is actually a risk (hint: yes, sort of).

01:36 The Real Concerns and Misunderstandings of AI

08:04 The Surprising Origins and Current Challenges of Cybersecurity

13:50 The Ubiquity of AI: From Everyday Anxieties to Real-World Applications

17:32 Flipping the Script: The Positive Side of AI

23:47 The Power of Data in Government and Business

26:37 The Future of AI

31:28 Debating the AI Apocalypse

38:52 Empowering Individuals in the Age of AI

We're talking about the best movie about politics ever today, and we'll bet it's not what you think. Maybe you brought to mind Mr. Smith goes to Washington, or the American President. Maybe even the Reese Witherspoon classic Election? NOPE. We want to make a case today that the most accurate, the most insightful, the most hilarious movie about politics ever made is this amazing classic from 30 years ago that not only captures real truths about how the system does and doesn't work, but is also downright hilarious, and even predicted the rise and fall of George Santos. We bring in the writer and Executive Producer of the film to discuss.

00:00 Introduction: Unveiling the Best Political Movie Ever

02:34 The Making of a Political Satire Masterpiece

10:38 Insider's View: The Realism Behind the Comedy

15:35 The Lobbyist System Exposed

21:17 The Art of Political Speechwriting

23:04 Breaking Down the Best Political Speech Ever

27:09 Navigating the Complex World of Congress

31:15 The Challenge of Satire in Today's Political Landscape

33:50 Envisioning a Sequel

40:26 Reflecting on the Impact and Legacy of the movie

Marjorie Taylor Greene's is trying to remove Mike Johnson as House Speaker, supposedly over his government funding deal, but really over his proposal for Ukraine aid. But it's really a sign of how Trump's small MAGA sect -- and their patron Vladimir Putin -- continue to exercise leverage over the rest of America. Then, was there a critical shift in the Israel-Hamas war this week? Also, Trump's legal and financial maneuvers, and we highlight the most bizarre far-right conspiracy theories related to Monday's eclipse.

00:00 Diving into Trump's Political Maneuvers and House Speaker Drama

00:17 Exploring the Complex Dynamics of US and Israel Politics

00:50 Unpacking the Intricacies of the Ukraine Conflict and US Support

08:37 Analyzing the Political Landscape and Public Perception in Israel

15:17 Shifting Perspectives on Israel and the Impact on US Politics

19:36 A Lighter Take: This Week in Trump and Legal Battles

27:05 Navigating the World of Conspiracy Theories and Eclipse Madness

32:33 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Greek Independence Day

One thing to notice today is a news story in Politicoabout how the anti-abortion movement is scheming to turn the Republican party and ultimately all of America against in-vitro fertilization. What's amazing is that this is actually just the latest result of an intentional cynical, carefully calculated project begun in secret 50 years ago, it's sort of a Frankenstein monster of political power that's changed the face of America. And since it's broken lab containment, I may continue to affect all of us for decades to come.

***This mini-episode is part of a pilot project to try short, daily, focused episodes focusing on one key idea, number, or news item. We really want to know what you think of it. You can answer the poll question (on Spotify), or email us at matt.beyondpoliticspodcast@gmail.com.***

On the surface, the day's big headline was about Republican dysfunction. Underneath, it really revealed something that's been going wrong with all of American politics for a long time. One polling number, and one long-forgotten episode of a television science fiction series, help illustrate the problem.

Imagine the leaders of America's right wing sitting down and writing a plan for a radical re-shaping of American government and society, a blueprint to put in place if they manage to elect Donald Trump again. It actually happened. Today, we go inside 'Project 2025' with Ben Olinsky from the Center for American Progress Action Fund, and find out what's in the plan, and why on Earth if they have such an alarming set of ideas designed to scare swing voters they would ever write it down.

00:51 The Shocking Contents of Project 2025

04:17 Schedule F: Trump's Plan to Politicize the Federal Bureaucracy

09:14 Weaponizing the Department of Justice Under Trump

13:20 Immigration Policies in Project 2025: Expanding Expedited Removal

15:55 The Achievability of Project 2025's Goals

20:29 Hidden Agendas: Labor Policies and Christian Nationalism

24:07 The Strategy Behind Publicizing Project 2025

31:24 Defending Democracy: Strategies Against Project 2025

There were two significant deaths in the news on Wednesday: one got all the headlines, but the other one changed the world. And that's the one thing to pay attention to: how Daniel Kahneman led a quiet revolution in understanding how people think that is still rippling through the world and will for decades to come. He's even likely influenced the things you say and do.

We really want to know what you think. You can answer the poll question (on Spotify), or email us at matt.beyondpoliticspodcast@gmail.com.

Donald Trump just made billions by taking his media company built on Truth Social public. Is that really going to change anything politically? Or in terms of the fact that he seemed to be nearly bankrupt at the beginning of the week? (01:09). Then the Ronna McDaniel saga at NBC where she got hired and promptly fired. Alicia Preston shuts down the Republican counter backlash in one line. (12:51) Also, which party should be more nervous about the rise of RFK Jr.(21:25) , the legacy of Joe Lieberman (24:46), AND, based on the news that Donald Trump is selling Trump-branded Bibles, we came up with our own list of Trump branded religious paraphernalia that he should try to sell next (28:45).

Today, we're testing a new concept: 10 minute daily episodes highlighting the things happening in the news that are worthy of your attention, but that don't make the headline skim. The kind of important number or idea that somehow slips down 8 paragraphs in the story, or onto the back pages. Something that might make you think about the world a little differently, or help connect some dots that put current events in a new light.

We really want to know what you think. You can answer the poll question (on Spotify), or email us at matt.beyondpoliticspodcast@gmail.com.

Today, the thing to notice is the number 35. Earlier this week, a cargo ship lost power and plowed into the Francis Scott Key bridge in the port of Baltimore killing six bridge workers. The effects will ripple across America for years to come. But it's the number 35, tucked into a New York Times op-ed, that makes one think about the bigger role of the federal government and what it quietly does in the shadows.

Joe Khan was the lawyer for a critical swing county in Pennsylvania in 2020 when he noticed something...odd. He joins us to tell the story of how he and a group of lawyers banded together to defend the Pennsylvania election outcome - and ultimately American democracy - from the Trump onslaught. And now that he's running for Attorney General of Pennsylvania, what lessons will he apply in 2024, when Pennsylvania appears to be under even greater threat of Trump election interference?

01:30 The Early Signs of Election Interference in Pennsylvania

04:29 Building a Legal Coalition to Defend the Vote

09:01 Frontline Strategies: Preparing for Every Scenario

15:41 The Fight Against Social Media Giants

21:49 The Critical Role of the Attorney General in Future Elections

There is a sneaky huge shift happening in American music right now right under our very noses (or ears). Private equity's takeover of the music business could have major consequences for what we hear and whether we hear anything new at all. Whitney Houston's catalog acquisition, Taylor Swift's battle over her masters, and the fight over Pink Floyd's music are just a handful of examples. Music industry writer Marc Hogan joins to explain his fascinating piece about this in the New York Times.

00:00 The Unseen Impact of Private Equity on Music

01:27 A Deep Dive into Music Rights and Private Equity

05:00 The Taylor Swift Case

10:50 Exploring the Financialization of Music and Its Effects

17:59 The Future of Music: Creativity vs. Commercialization

27:01 Exploring the Potential for Innovation in Music and Visual Media

30:28 The Future of Music: Opportunities and Challenges

A Chaotic Republican Hearing and Trump's Legal and Financial Woes: the round table runs through a tumultuous Republican hearing meant to highlight Republicans' fantasy of wrongdoing by President Biden, which backfired spectacularly on themselves and Donald Trump. Also, Judge Aileen Cannon's ham-handed slow-walking of the Trump documents case, and the incredible shrinking Trump fundraising base.

02:29 The Republican Hearing Debacle

14:15 The Media's Role and Public Perception in Political Narratives

21:48 Judge Cannon Tries to Bury The Case in Florida

28:27 Breaking News: The Government's New Lawsuit

38:50 Trump's Legal and Financial Troubles Are Deep

45:31 The RNC Takeover and Trump's Fundraising Woes

50:40 The Bizarre World of Political Fundraising Emails

How on earth is Trump beating Biden right now? It's the question that has baffled and enraged Democrats for months. And it's the question that Matt Robison tackled in his new article for Washington Monthly. Matt lays out one of the biggest reasons, something that analysts tend to overlook, and adds material that didn't make it into the article.

00:05 The Puzzling Popularity of Donald Trump

02:07 The Low Information Trap: Unpacking Voter Awareness

03:45 The Stark Contrast: Trump's Failures and Crimes

10:49 High vs. Low Information Voters: Bridging the Gap

17:48 The Impact of Information on Voter Perception

22:25 Looking Ahead: What Does this Mean for 2024?

Three charges were just dismissed against Donald Trump in Georgia. Will this make a major, lasting difference in his legal peril? Also, Never Trump Republicans fold bigly, is a MAGA takeover bid for TikTok a good thing, and is the AI apocalypse here?

00:46 Analyzing the Legal Implications and Prosecutorial Missteps

11:16 The Political and Legal Ramifications of the Case

12:46 Trump's New Never-Trump Republican Endorsements

19:21 The RNC Takeover: Trump's Personal Agenda

27:29 The TikTok Dilemma: National Security

33:09 AI Apocalypse: The End of Humanity as We Know It?

We look back today at the biggest, and probably most forgotten scandal in the whole Trump-Russia web of corruption. When Charles McGonigal, former head of counterintelligence at the FBI, was recently convicted for money laundering and working for Russia, the media barely took notice. In this interview recorded a year ago just after McGonigal's arrest, our expert guest Craig Unger laid out just how deep the Trump-Russia-FBI ties go, and how disturbing the implications are.

00:00 Introduction: The Unseen Scandal of American Intelligence

03:06 The Forgotten Ties: Trump, Russia, and the FBI's Compromised Investigation

09:59 The Historical Context: Trump's Long-standing Ties with Russia

20:37 The Media's Role and the Need for Counterintelligence Investigation

28:29 Confronting the Challenges: How to Combat Disinformation and Silence

Beyond Politics: Biden's Impact, Trump's Troubles, and Democratic Strategies

Biden's recent turn in tone, language, and strategy that he started at the State of the Union seems ripped from the pages of a Hollywood script. Political analyst Cliff Schecter thinks it comes right out of "The American President," but Matt Robison has a couple other movie moments in mind. Also, does Trump's decision to appoint Lara Trump to head the RNC a hint o how deep his financial troubles are? And when will Nikki Haley bend the knee to Trump??

01:54 The Rise of 'Dark Brandon'

11:55 The Power of Counter Attack

14:35 Movie Metaphors for Political Strategies

18:12 The Trump Crime Family and the RNC

22:02 The Financial Struggles of Donald Trump

27:32 The Future of Nikki Haley and the Republican Party

President Joe Biden's fiery, fiesty State of the Union drew raves from analysts, with Politico writing "it’s hard to imagine how the SOTU could’ve gone much better for Biden." But what impact did it actually have with the swing voters that will decide the 2024 election? And will it reset a race that's been looking dangerous for the President? Pollsters Ian Smith and Gabi Parra of Navigator Research explain what their live dial testing with swing voters revealed, what moments really stuck out, and whether this speech accomplished what Joe Biden truly needed.

02:02 The Impact of State of the Union on Swing Voters

07:11 The Importance of Democracy and Voting Rights

09:54 The Impact of Biden's Economic Policies

10:58 The Role of Women in Politics

12:16 Immigration

19:56 The Age Issue

23:15 Women's Political Power

26:33 The Moment that Mattered

With major polls showing President Joe Biden continuing to trail Donald Trump, Democratic insiders believe that the State of the Union speech this week has now become a make-or-break moment for the President. But is it? And what does he need to accomplish for it to be successful? Also, the hidden significance of Super Tuesday that could be sneaky good news for Democrats, major rulings from the Supreme Court that help Trump and cast doubt on the Court, and Matt and Alicia get parodied on social media.

02:10 State of the Union: Predictions and Expectations

12:01 Super Tuesday: Significance and Predictions

17:49 Supreme Court Decisions and Their Impact

30:06 The Lighter Side of Politics: Parody Accounts

When Alabama's Supreme Court redefined the legal status of stored embryos, equating them to children under a law from 1872, it unleashed a tidal wave of outrage, fear, and recriminations. Sabrina Talukder, Director of the Women's Initiative at the Center for American Progress, joins to talk through the continuing repercussions of the ruling, whether all the concern is warranted, and how the ruling will shape the debate and the politics of reproductive freedom and women's health in the coming year.

01:34 Alabama Supreme Court's Decision

04:02 Legal Analysis and Repercussions

09:08 Discussion on the Political Implications

19:02 The Politicization of Medicine

21:11 Future Implications

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What is the meaning of the Haley vote in South Carolina and the "uncommitted" vote in Michigan? Is Trump or Biden more vulnerable to weakness in his own party? Also, how should the Biden campaign shift strategy after the Supreme Court took up the Trump immunity case and pushed back the election subversion trial indefinitely? And what is the meaning of Mitch McConnell's stepping down and the emerging MAGA bloc search for a successor in the Senate. And, the hilarious politics story of the week: a MAGA troll gets ratio-ed on Twitter!

01:27 Supreme Court Decision on Trump's Immunity

04:25 Election Strategy

08:43 IVF Ruling and its Political Impact

13:56 Primary Results in South Carolina and Michigan

20:13 Mitch McConnell's Departure and its Implications

23:48 Fun Politics Story of the Week

The Supreme Court's decision to consider Donald Trump's claim of absolute immunity could massively change the course and the outcome of the presidential election. With this decision, the Court seems to be taking away the biggest driver of voters turning away from Trump. Guest Andy Kroll of ProPublica helps examine why the Court did this, what the political implications are, and what might eventually unfold. ***Please rate&Review on Apple Podcast App!***

02:04 The Supreme Court's Decision: A Detailed Breakdown

05:31 The Legal and Political Implications of the Decision

13:27 The Impact on the Presidential Election

16:05 The Future of the Legal Cases Against Trump

23:05 The Potential Outcomes and Their Implications

Today, we revisit an interview with Justin Elliot from ProPublica on his groundbreaking investigation into corruption allegations against Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. We cover the financial ties between Thomas, his wife, and right-wing billionaire Harlan Crow, which included expensive vacations and significant contributions to private school tuition. And we go inside the world of investigative reporting to understand what it takes to break a story like this.

00:00 Introduction and Context

00:01 The Clarence Thomas Corruption Story

00:26 The Impact of Corruption on the Supreme Court

01:39 The Role of Journalism in Uncovering Corruption

02:33 Interview with Justin Elliot

02:39 The Importance of Investigative Journalism

07:08 The Challenges of Reporting on the Supreme Court

08:25 The Unusual Financial Ties Between Crow and Thomas

12:48 The Power of Public Records in Journalism

18:47 The Influence of Money in Politics

24:55 The Need for Transparency in the Supreme Court

36:39 The Role of the Senate in Investigating Corruption

39:38 Conclusion and Call to Action