The Latest

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.

Donald Trump doesn't appeal to the majority of Americans. Author and columnist Jill Lawrence explains that the looming question is, "Can Democrats get their acts together?" Jill, Joe, Rick, and Stuart cover this and much more - time to catch up!

In this episode, Rick Wilson and legal analyst Tristan Snell discuss Judge Cannon’s dismissal of Trump’s case, the recent assassination attempt on Trump, and its impact on political discourse. They also explore the issues of broken young men, online extremism, and legal immunity for the tech and gun industries. Follow Tristan Snell an X at @TristanSnell, read his Substack at www.tristansnell.com and buy his book “Taking Down Trump” at fine booksellers everywhere.

"I have heard from experts on Russia, the US, wrongful detentions, etc. They all caution that detainee trades may not happen until after the US presidential election. They see Ksenia as another of a long line of cases that need to be resolved. I see her as a person who I love and miss."

Rick Wilson explains what Trump's attempted assassination means for the MAGA cult: "For MAGA, this is the moment of martyrdom, the ascent of Trump to 'God’s chosen' status, a man whom even an assassin’s bullet won’t stop."

In the wake of an assassination attempt, we remain clear and resolute. In this episode we welcome Bakari Sellers, prominent political commentator, former SC Representative, and author. They dive into a range of pressing topics, including the attempted assassination of Trump, the political climate surrounding the 2024 campaign, and the broader implications for American democracy. Bakari offers insights from his latest book, "The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn't and How We Can All Move Forward," discussing the ongoing challenges of race relations in the U.S. and the missed opportunities for meaningful change. Rick also gives us a clear directive, nothing has changed.

The sky is not falling! Joe explains how Democrats can end the noise, get to work - and beat Donald Trump this fall. Hint: when 53% of undecided voters think you're a threat to democracy, it's not going to end well... And why the winning contrast keeps getting clearer. What can Democrats do to really hammer it home? And what new issue data (not head to head polls) points to even more growth for Democrats this fall?

In this episode of “The Elephant in the Room,” Rick Wilson discusses the recent media portrayal of Joe Biden as frail and incapable, contrasting it with Biden’s strong performance at the NATO summit press conference. Rick emphasizes the divergence between media expectations and reality, highlighting Biden’s command over foreign and domestic policies. He also delves into the relentless efforts of the Lincoln Project to combat Donald Trump’s influence and potential return to power. The episode critiques the media’s role in shaping public perception and underscores the ongoing political battle against Trump

Andra Watkins boils it down: "Project 2025’s economic plan is 1. China evil; 2. oil, gas, and extraction good; 3. immigration bad; 4. incarcerated enslaved labor good; 5. taxing the rich bad; 6. tricking dumb nuts to vote for their own tax increases, no Social Security, no Medicare good."

Brian Daitzman writes: "By laundering unofficial acts through official channels, exploiting the presumption of immunity, using preemptive pardons, and retaliating against legal authorities, a president can evade prosecution and undermine democratic governance."

Stuart Stevens in his weekly members-only campaign memo: "I've worked for a lot of candidates. All have been flawed. Obama and Bill Clinton were once-in-a-generation talent, and they were hardly flawless. To be clear, I would support Rob Gronkowski if he were the Democratic nominee. I actually sort of like that idea."

Rick Wilson talks with New York Times bestselling author Daniel Silva about his latest novel, 'A Death in Cornwall,' which takes place against the backdrop of the British political scene. The book explores the use of fine art for money laundering and the global oligarchy of the super-rich. The conversation also touches on the rise of Putinism, the link between doctrinaire Christianity and hard-right authoritarian politics, and the historical context of his Gabriel Allon series.

Fox News spent a lot of time trashing Biden even including segments during the July 4th celebrations. The network also is starting to pivot to trashing Vice President Kamala Harris. She’s the mastermind of a vast conspiracy to cover up Biden’s declining mental state. Hunter Biden has the nuclear codes. Bernie Sanders and The Squad are going to rip the country in half. The Democrats will stack the Supreme Court! Trump definitely won’t abuse his power and a preview of what life might look like under Project 2025.

How did conservatism in America become the bizarre mess it is today? To help us explore this question, Rick welcomes Joe Conason, author of "The Longest Con: How Grifters, Swindlers, and Frauds Hijacked American Conservatism." Together, they explore the historical trajectory of the conservative movement in America, from the professional anti-communists of the 1950s and 60s to the rise of the Tea Party and the ultimate grift of Donald Trump. Conason delves into the intricate scams and deceitful tactics used by key figures and organizations, revealing how political manipulation and financial exploitation have shaped modern conservatism.