The Front Lines of Democracy

Presidential historian, author, and former sports journalist Doris Kearns Goodwin goes on the record with host Rick Wilson and gives an inside look at what it was like to be behind the scenes at the Whitehouse during Kennedy's aspirational "Camelot Era" and into LBJ's "Great Society" period. As the wife of the late Dick Goodwin, the speechwriter who penned LBJ's "We Shall Overcome" speech, Doris remains deeply involved in American politics and served as a fellow for LBJ's administration. Follow Doris Kearns Goodwin on X at @DorisKGoodwin and buy her book “An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s” at her website – doriskearnsgoodwin.com – or at fine bookstores everywhere. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X or at https://bsky.app/profile/therickwilson.bsky.social at Bluesky, and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.

As the post election dust begins to settle, we look to the future. On today's episode Rick is joined by political strategist and author David Pepper to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the post-Trump landscape. They delve into the importance of state-level elections, the lessons from past midterms, and the critical need for focused messaging to counteract chaos. David also introduces his compelling Project 2025 series, which uses storytelling to highlight the real-world impacts of Trump’s proposed policies. Together, they explore how to prepare for the battles ahead and inspire proactive action to defend democracy.

In the bizarro world that is Trump's America, Michael Flynn sued Rick. In today's special episode, Rick details the case and how, at long last, he prevailed. A victory for common sense and free speech.

Debuting a new installment of the LP podcast, Rick reads and answers mail from our devoted LP audience. If you'd like Rick to answer your burning question, please email it to podcast@lincolnproject.us for future Q+A episodes. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and all the other social media platforms, 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. And please subscribe, rate and review this podcast, thank you!

Without Freedom, We Are Lost Is America heading toward a tyrannical, authoritarian system? Taking for granted our basic pursuit of freedom? In today's episode Rick is joined by historian and Yale professor Timothy Snyder to discuss his latest book, On Freedom. Building on the themes of his influential work On Tyranny, Snyder explores the deeper meaning of freedom, its vulnerabilities in modern America, and how to preserve it against rising authoritarian tendencies. The conversation digs into the dangers of "sado-populism," the distortion of free speech, and the seductive appeal of authoritarianism. Snyder offers a powerful case for the value of freedom as a cornerstone of human dignity and creativity. Timothy's book, On Freedom, available now.