Rick talks to cult expert Steven Hassan about the dynamics of cult behavior, with a focus on Donald Trump’s powerful hold over his supporters. Hassan shares his insights on how Trump uses fear, loyalty, and manipulation to maintain control, drawing parallels to cult tactics he’s seen in his personal experiences. They discuss the intersection of religion, politics, and media, emphasizing the need to understand these influences in order to help Trump supporters break free and think critically.
Follow Steven Hassan on X @CultExpert, subscribe to his Substack at stevenhassan.substack.com, and buy his book “The Cult of Trump: A Leading Cult Expert Explains How the President Uses Mind Control” at fine bookstores everywhere.
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.
The term "weird" has always perfectly described MAGA. Mattie Timmer writes, "It's as if suddenly everyone around them removed the milky filter from their eyes and realized what they’d understood all along but couldn’t quite communicate."
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.
Another big warning sign for Trump and MAGA after a massive underperformance in Ohio. Why Sherrod Brown has to be optimistic after a 20 point decline for Republicans... in Trump country, no less. How should Democrats message the Hunter Biden verdict? Joe thinks it's simpler than everyone is making it. And with more good news on the economy - will President Biden's performance start catching up to battleground Senate candidates? And Joe gets his crystal ball back out to answer a few listener questions.
Brian Daitzman examines the dangerous cult-like MAGA movement, its links to violence, and messianic adulation of Trump drawing parallels to Jim Jones and his doomed following.
David Pepper highlights a troubling proposal in Missouri that undermines majority rule through gerrymandering-influenced thresholds for a Constitutional Amendment. Protecting democracy requires united efforts.
