The Lincoln Project Podcast

Rick Wilson and Michael Cohen break down Donald Trump’s declining mental state and the chaos of his ongoing campaign. They dive into his increasingly erratic debate performances, weakening rally appeal, and the dangerous global implications of a Trump return to power.

Rick talks to Senator John Fetterman about the neck and neck presidential race in Pennsylvania, where the winner will likely decide the election. They discuss the razor-thin margin Trump won the state by in 2016 and the hot-button issues this year like abortion and the economy. Fetterman emphasizes the importance of authenticity in political candidates, and his belief that winning hinges on keeping it real.

Rick is joined by The Lincoln Project’s Senior Creative Advisor as the two former Republicans reflect on their experiences during the Trump years. They also offer a glimpse under the hood at the creative process and strategy behind The Lincoln Project, revealing how they develop their hard-hitting political messaging and campaigns. Follow Ben Howe on X @BenHowe and buy his book “The Immoral Majority: Why Evangelicals Chose Political Power over Christian Values” 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. And please subscribe, rate and review this podcast, thank you!

Ryan Hampton dives into the origins of the fentanyl crisis, exposing the systemic failures fueling the epidemic. He stresses the need for accessible tools like Narcan and a compassionate approach to addiction recovery. Ryan also shares his journey running for state assembly, shedding light on the political stigma of addiction and the urgent call for bipartisan solutions. Follow Ryan Hampton on X @RyanForRecovery, follow and support his campaign at www.ryanfornevada.com, check out his personal site at www.ryanhampton.com, and buy his book “Fentanyl Nation: Toxic Politics and America’s Failed War on Drugs” 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.

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.

Rick speaks with Doug Jones about the documentary “War Game”, which explores the potential for another insurrection similar to January 6. They discuss the fragility of democracy, the role of military personnel in political extremism, the dangers of misinformation, and the increasing radicalization of certain groups, particularly within the MAGA movement. They emphasize the importance of maintaining democratic guardrails and the need for vigilance in the face of political violence and misinformation, particularly leading up to the upcoming election. Follow Doug Jones on X @DougJones and learn more about the film “War Game” at www.wargamefilm.com. 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.

Rick talks to Peter Simi, a sociology professor and expert in extremism, about the alarming rise of white supremacy in the U.S., where the movement has evolved from the overt image of the Klan to a slick, social media-driven force. Simi highlights how figures like Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson amplify these ideologies and how younger generations are being recruited online. He emphasizes the need for intervention programs to help individuals leave the movement and combat its growing influence. Buy Peter Simi’s book – “Out of Hiding: Extremist White Supremacy and How It Can be Stopped” – at fine bookstores everywhere.

Rick is joined by Whitney Fox, a local candidate running for Congress in Florida’s 13th district, to discuss her campaign’s focus on affordable housing, healthcare, and the rising cost of homeowners insurance in Florida. They criticize her opponent, Ana Paulina Luna, for following the radical MAGA playbook, prioritizing culture wars and media attention over the needs of local Floridians. Luna, often compared to Boebert, doesn’t even live in Florida—she resides in California. Follow Whitney Fox on X @whitfox and donate to her Congressional campaign at whitneyfoxforcongress.com. 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.

Rick talks to Adam Frisch – who is running for Congress in Colorado’s 3rd district – and his son Felix – who is working on his campaign – on the importance of focusing on local issues and building trust with voters instead of getting caught up in national political drama. They highlight the issues facing his district, including immigration, water conservation, and access to affordable healthcare. Follow Adam Frisch on X @AdamForColorado and donate to his Congressional campaign at https://adamforcolorado.com/.

Rick talks to Andrew Wilson about Harris’s surge in the polls since becoming the nominee, analyzing her approval ratings and her coalition’s evolving demographics. They also discuss the fracture within the Republican Party, and the impossibility of keeping Trump on-message. 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.

Rick talks with Beto O’Rourke and Claire Dewar about the ripple effects of Harris’s entry into the race on Texas politics, sparking a surge in volunteerism and voter engagement. They also discuss the deepening corruption and extremism within the Texas GOP, as well as the crucial role immigrants play in the local Texan economy. Follow Beto O’Rourke on X @BetoORourke, follow Claire Dewar on X @ccdewar, and join Powered By People here http://www.poweredxpeople.org. 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.

Rick talks to Mesa, Arizona Mayor John Giles – a never-Trump Republican – at the DNC. They discuss the importance of country over party, the need for our political leaders to have character and a commitment to the Constitution, as well as the ongoing legacy of John McCain. Follow Mayor Giles on X @MayorGiles