"Messy?" That's Very Generous...

Is democracy in decline? Clearly. In this episode Rick sits down with Emily Amick, co-author of Democracy in Retrograde, to discuss the challenges facing American democracy and how to reclaim civic engagement in the age of polarization and outrage. They explore the rise of minority rule, the impact of social media on public discourse, and the erosion of community ties. Emily shares actionable insights from her book, including how individuals can create sustainable civic action plans and rebuild connections to strengthen democracy. Emily's book, Democracy in Retrograde, available now.

We begin this episode with a quick note of appreciation from Rick, to you and everyone who has supported in this fight. From there Rick sits down with New York Times bestselling author Michael Tackett to discuss his new book, The Price of Power: How Mitch McConnell Mastered the Senate, Changed America, and Lost His Party. Tackett unpacks McConnell's transformation from a pragmatic politician to a key architect of modern conservatism, his mastery of Senate rules, and his role in reshaping the judiciary. The conversation explores McConnell's relationship with Trump, his controversial post-January 6 decisions, and the enduring impact of his leadership. Michael's book, The Price of Power: How Mitch McConnell Mastered the Senate, Changed America, and Lost His Party, available now.

Stuart Stevens writes: "Pain is the only teacher in politics, and the Republican Trump party must be defeated again and again, up and down the ballot, until finally, a sense of self-preservation will drive it to change."

When 2/3 of the polls being released are red waving... and the media's lapping it up... we get it. But take it from Trippi - why 40 years of experience says everyone needs to chill out. The panic isn't just premature, it's ridiculous. And Alex dives into the data showing the race is the same as it's been for weeks - and it's moving in one direction. And what's Joe looking at that others might have missed?

Rick Wilson sits down with Congressman Jared Moskowitz to unpack the performative politics dominating the Republican caucus, highlighting how spectacle often overshadows substance in today’s GOP, and how good it feels to make James Comer eat his words. They explore the impact of these theatrics on effective governance, especially during crises, and how misinformation fuels political grandstanding. Follow Jared Moskowitz on X at @JaredEMoskowitz or connect with him at moskowitz.house.gov. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com. Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at @ProjectLincoln.