Republican Party

Rick Wilson calls out the craven political opportunism of the GOP as they immediately focused on how they could benefit from Hamas' attack on Israel, including using it to defund Ukraine and hand it to Putin.

Just how badly is the House's insanity wounding the GOP?

The media appears to finally be coming around to understanding that this is no normal election and the GOP is far from a normal political party, explains special guest Sen. Doug Jones.

Andra Watkins writes: "At every level of government, Fascist Republicans will annihilate federal and state pensions to give tax breaks to their billionaire overlords"

Stuart Stevens writes, "At the moment, this is the Harris-Walz’s campaign to lose, and they seem to have no intention of letting Trump back into the race."

Robert McElvaine: "Forty years ago, I wrote an essay for the New York Times about how the Democrats needed to take back the symbols of America that the Republicans had seized. We didn’t succeed then, but that’s just what is happening now."

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 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.

Mark Jacob writes: "Journalists need to stop inviting politicians on their programs if they refuse to answer questions. Otherwise it’s not news – it’s just a game of dodgeball."

Jessica Tarlov breaks down Trump’s rambling mess of a speech from the RNC, Laura Ingraham praises Hulk Hogan the compares Donald J. Trump to Ronald Reagan. Rep. Cory Mills and Eric Trump claimed THEY tried to kill Donald J. Trump. Who is they? Greg Gutfeld is outraged that anyone would call Trump Hitler than he called Joe Biden Hitler. Fox News featured a woman who has appeared on the network for the past four years as an undecided voter. I RANT A LOT IN THIS ONE. PBS NewsHour does not hold back when they called Republicans out for their lies.

Andra Watkins writes: The Republican Party and 45 may try to gaslight about their ties to Project 2025, but it is the true platform of the Fascist Republican Party.

Rick Wilson dives head-first into the bizarre spectacle of the Republican National Convention. From Trump’s relentless self-adulation to the GOP’s cult-like devotion, the cracks in the MAGA movement, and the Trump family’s quest for dynastic rule. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.

Amee Vanderpool writes: "Despite Donald Trump’s attempts to distance himself from the substantial conservative opus generated by the Heritage Foundation that he has publicly praised and acknowledged in the past, nothing happens on a large scale within the GOP without Trump’s express consent."

David Pepper writes: “For the first time in modern memory, Ohio Republicans attached conditions to legislation that extended the deadline for a presidential nominee to be placed on the Ohio ballot. In the past, including in 2020, this has always been done as a matter of course, and for nominees of either party. "

How did conservatism in America become the bizarre mess it is today? To help us explore this question, Rick welcomes Joe Conason, author of "The Longest Con: How Grifters, Swindlers, and Frauds Hijacked American Conservatism." Together, they explore the historical trajectory of the conservative movement in America, from the professional anti-communists of the 1950s and 60s to the rise of the Tea Party and the ultimate grift of Donald Trump. Conason delves into the intricate scams and deceitful tactics used by key figures and organizations, revealing how political manipulation and financial exploitation have shaped modern conservatism.

When did journalist lose interest in calling out members of Congress for lying to their constituents?

The old Republican Party is dead. In this episode Rick Wilson welcomes special guest Governor Christie Todd Whitman, former governor of New Jersey, for a discussion on the current state and future of the Republican Party. They dive into the decline of the party’s principles, the rise of the Forward Party, and the impact of the Trump era on American democracy. The conversation touches on critical issues such as the erosion of the rule of law, the importance of civic education, and the repercussions of the Supreme Court’s decisions.

There is a shift taking place amongst black male voters in America. In today's episode, Rick speaks with Leah Wright Rigueur, assistant professor of public policy at the Kennedy School of Government and author of "The Loneliness of the Black Republican." They jump into the current state of the 2024 election, discussing the widespread frustration with the repeat matchup of 2020 candidates and the underlying racial dynamics influencing political behaviors. Leah offers insights into the slow migration of Black men to the Republican Party, the erosion of democratic principles, and the troubling rise of grievance politics. The conversation also touches on the potential implications of having a convicted felon on the presidential ballot and the ongoing struggle for true democratic accountability in the United States.

Amee Vanderpool writes, "The continued review, right before another major election, has also reminded the American electorate of the important adage that should be applied particularly to this case given the many lengthy inquiries, which is 'where there is smoke, there is fire.'"

In this episode, host Rick Wilson and CNN Pundit and former Daily Beast editor John Avlon discuss John's campaign as a common sense Democrat in New York's first district, the frustrations around affordability, the need to rebuild the middle class, and the importance of reaching out to Republicans. John also emphasizes the stakes of the race and the need for a broad patriotic coalition to defend American democracy. Follow John Avlon at @JohnAvlon on X and support his campaign at johnavlon.com.

Host Rick Wilson has a come-to-Jesus moment with the campaigns and politicians who stand in opposition to Donald Trump. The lesson? Get on message.