The Latest

Fascists want to control what we talk about and how we think about it. To save democracy, we have to weirdify what fascists desperately want to make normal.

On July 24, 2024, President Biden ended his candidacy for reelection, acknowledging it was best for America that he “pass the torch to a new generation” as “the best way to unite our nation.” But, writes Steven Beschloss, "It was much more: This was his profound articulation of what’s at stake that supersedes his personal ambition."

Jennifer Mercieca writes: "Democrats can learn from the Swifties: when you see anti-Kamala content or trending topics, co-opt it and flood their zone with positivity. Re-frame trending topics to lessen their power to control the conversation."

Rick talks to Michael Steele about the candidacy of Kamala Harris and the excitement and energy she brings to the campaign. They also touch on the lack of a “plan B” from the Trump campaign, and the need to prepare for potential election challenges from the right. Follow Michael Steele on X at @MichaelSteele, listen to his podcast - The Michael Steele Podcast - on your favorite podcasting platform, and watch him on The Weekend on MSNBC. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.

America is at a crossroads, starring potential autocracy dead in the face. As the election inches closer, we are forced to consider the implications of autocrats and their impact on society. In today's episode Rick is joined by acclaimed author Anne Applebaum to discuss her new book, "Autocracy, Inc. The Dictators Who Want to Run the World." Anne shares insights into the modern autocratic landscape, detailing how today's dictators prioritize power and wealth over ideology and support each other to maintain control. The conversation covers the troubling rise of authoritarianism globally and its implications for the United States, the role of technology in repression and manipulation, and the potential consequences of a second Trump administration on international democracy and alliances. Anne's book, "Autocracy, Inc. The Dictators Who Want to Run the World," available now.

Jessica Tarlov breaks down Trump’s rambling mess of a speech from the RNC, Laura Ingraham praises Hulk Hogan the compares Donald J. Trump to Ronald Reagan. Rep. Cory Mills and Eric Trump claimed THEY tried to kill Donald J. Trump. Who is they? Greg Gutfeld is outraged that anyone would call Trump Hitler than he called Joe Biden Hitler. Fox News featured a woman who has appeared on the network for the past four years as an undecided voter. I RANT A LOT IN THIS ONE. PBS NewsHour does not hold back when they called Republicans out for their lies.

Pulitzer Prize winning historian and author Anne Applebaum joined Rick, Stuart, and Joe to discuss how autocracies around the globe are working together to undermine the democratic world. Her new book released today, "Autocracy, Inc." is an immediate best-seller. Anne explains why she's calling on America and democracies around the world to fundamentally reorient their policies to fight a new kind of threat - while there is still time.

Rick talks with Lincoln Project Chief Counsel Mario Nicolais about Biden’s withdrawal, the Supreme Court case over eliminating Trump from the Colorado ballot and the implications of the immunity decision. They also discuss the current political landscape and make predictions leading up to the 2024 election.

Adding Gretchen Whitmer as Veep will bring a massive victory for the DEMOCRACY PARTY

Gevin Reynolds writes: "While the race remains an uphill battle for us democracy defenders, I’ve seen just how hard Vice President Harris works when the cameras are off. Her ascent to the top of the ticket should give us newfound hope for victory in November."

The future of war is a complex mix of public and private, dated hardware and new technology. In this episode Rick speaks with Chris Kirchhoff and Raj Shah, authors of "Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley are Transforming the Future of War." They dive into the significant technological shifts impacting modern warfare, highlighting the disparity between military and consumer tech development. The conversation explores the bureaucratic challenges and innovative efforts of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to merge these ecosystems. Real-world examples from Ukraine and discussions on the future of autonomous systems and AI in warfare underscore the urgency for the US to adapt quickly and efficiently. Chris and Raj's book, "Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley are Transforming the Future of War," available now.

Andra Watkins writes: The Republican Party and 45 may try to gaslight about their ties to Project 2025, but it is the true platform of the Fascist Republican Party.

Al From weighs in on JD Vance, what a younger generation opponent could mean for Trump and why he thinks that could place his candidacy in real trouble.

Stuart Stevens writes: A good and decent man is running against a horrible human being who has no respect for the rule of law, a man entirely out of the mainstream of American politics.

Rick Wilson dives head-first into the bizarre spectacle of the Republican National Convention. From Trump’s relentless self-adulation to the GOP’s cult-like devotion, the cracks in the MAGA movement, and the Trump family’s quest for dynastic rule. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.

Al From and Craig Fuller discuss the political consequences of the failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and his decision to make U.S. Senator J.D. Vance his running mate. Al and Craig also trade thoughts on the mounting pressure within the Democratic Party to replace President Joe Biden as their nominee.

Amee Vanderpool writes: "Despite Donald Trump’s attempts to distance himself from the substantial conservative opus generated by the Heritage Foundation that he has publicly praised and acknowledged in the past, nothing happens on a large scale within the GOP without Trump’s express consent."

David Pepper writes: “For the first time in modern memory, Ohio Republicans attached conditions to legislation that extended the deadline for a presidential nominee to be placed on the Ohio ballot. In the past, including in 2020, this has always been done as a matter of course, and for nominees of either party. "

The darkest corners of American society are bred on the internet. In this episode Rick is joined by journalist and author Elle Reeve to discuss her new book, "Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics." They dive into the rise of far-right extremism, the origins and impacts of 4chan and 8chan, and the evolution of white nationalist movements. Elle shares her firsthand experiences and insights into the cultural and political influence of online troll communities, the disturbing realities behind QAnon, and the personal toll on individuals drawn into these extremist ideologies.