The Lincoln Project Podcast

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

Rick Wilson checks in from the DNC in Chicago and brings you his interview with Stephen Ukaki about his film, 'Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism's Unholy War on Democracy.’ Their discussion explores the ways in which evangelical activism and religious manipulation have shaped the political landscape and caused the emergence of Christian Nationalism, a dangerous bastardization of the Gospels that helped Donald Trump win the election in 2016 and, if left unchecked, could help him win this year as well. Follow Stephen Ujaki on X @StephenUjaki, watch his film – ‘Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism's Unholy War on Democracy’ – on fine streaming platforms everywhere, learn more about the film or arrange a screening at www.badfaithdocumentary.com.

Rick dives deep with Brian Tyler Cohen about his explosive new book, "Shameless: Republicans’ Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy." Together, they unpack the glaring hypocrisy between the GOP’s ‘patriotic’ talk and their counterintuitive actions, while also stressing the urgent need for Democrats to stay focused and secure the necessary votes to preserve democracy.

Rick speaks with hostage negotiator Mickey Bergman on what it takes to bring wrongly-detained Americans home from Russia and other hostile actors.

Rick Wilson interviews Preet Bharara on Trump’s alleged ten million Egyptian bribe, as well as his ongoing corruption and legal troubles. They also dive into the impact of Kamala Harris’s campaign, attacks on her identity, and the crucial 2024 election. Follow Preet Bharara on X @PreetBharara, listen to his podcast - “Stay Tuned With Preet” - on your favorite podcasting platform, and buy his book - “Doing Justice: A Prosecutor's Thoughts on Crime, Punishment, and the Rule of Law” at fine bookstores everywhere.