John Avalon's Common Sense Campaign for New York

Al From writes: This will be our most important election since the Civil War. Democracy will be on the ballot. That’s because former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, poses an existential threat to the future of American democracy. President Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, has made the preservation of democracy the central cause of his campaign.

"A conservative Supreme Court is not a new problem. The way to get another Warren court is for Democratic presidents to appoint enough justices," writes Teri Kanefield.

Francis Barry discusses his book "Backroads and Better Angels: A Journey into the Heart of American Democracy" and his cross-country road trip to explore the values that hold America together. He shares stories of meeting people from different backgrounds and political beliefs, highlighting the frustration and division that exists in the country. Despite the challenges, Barry finds hope in the resilience and faith in the country's values that he encounters along the way. He emphasizes the importance of listening, open-mindedness, and prioritizing relationships over politics in order to bridge the divides in America. Follow Francis Barry at @FSBarry on X, read more of his writing at Bloomberg.com, and purchase his new book, "Back Roads and Better Angels: A Journey Into the Heart of American Democracy" at fine bookstores everywhere.

What happens when your PR job is to represent clients including Gaddafi, Assad, and the government of Qatar? Well, for one thing, a great many wild stories. In this episode, Rick welcomes Phil Elwood, the author of "All the Worst Humans: How I Made News for Dictators, Tycoons, and Politicians." Phil shares astonishing tales from his career in public affairs, detailing his work with notorious figures such as the Gaddafi family and Assad, and so many more. From orchestrating media strategies in high-stakes environments to confronting his own moral dilemmas, Phil's journey is both fascinating and eye-opening. Phil's book, "All the Worst Humans: How I Made News for Dictators, Tycoons, and Politicians," available now.

Teri Kanefield looks at the fundamental principles that shape our understanding of crime and punishment, tracing the historical and cultural evolution of these concepts.