The Ultra MAGA Movement

USAID being dismantled before our eyes is just the beginning. In this episode Rick is joined by Josh Rogin, Lead Global Security Analyst for Washington Post Intelligence, to discuss the shocking dismantlement of USAID by Elon Musk and Donald Trump. They explore the broader implications of this decision, including the erosion of America’s global influence, the potential humanitarian crisis, and how adversaries like China and Russia stand to benefit. The conversation also delves into Trump’s complicated relationship with Xi Jinping, the future of Taiwan, and the geopolitical risks of a second Trump presidency—particularly regarding Ukraine, where Vladimir Putin is poised to take advantage.

The question isn't just how we got here - it's what we do next. Joe and Alex are re-joined by Katherine Stewart for a special guest episode. Katherine has been researching the far right- from Christian nationalists to MAGA - for over 15 years, and her new book, "Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy" is a powerful look at how we got here - and what we have to do to defeat MAGA and restore American democracy long-term. What single lesson do pro-democracy advocates need to learn from the past decade? And what are the six reasons Katherine is hopeful for the future? Order "Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy" now: https://www.amazon.com/Money-Lies-God-Movement-Democracy/dp/163557854X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robert McElvaine writes, "Insecure men see sexual equality as taking something away from them. That something is the Kevlar covering of unquestioned—unquestionable—male superiority. Without it, they feel exposed, defenseless against all their internal fears of inadequacy."

With little more than a week until election day, fascists and authoritarians are working feverishly to end American democracy. If we don’t “do democracy,” Dr. Jennifer Mercieca warns, they might succeed.

Rick dissects Trump’s blatant lies about Biden’s response to Hurricane Helene, and the long history of MAGA using tragedy for political gain. He discusses the use of social media and AI to disseminate disinformation, particularly Marjorie Taylor Greene’s absurd claim that “they” control the weather.

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 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.

This episode is a banger! Jen Mercieca, Rick, Stuart, and Joe cover everything from Trump as the "Second Coming" to MAGA's VERY BAD IDEA of declaring war on Taylor Swift and the Swifties. Jen unpacked the rhetorical tricks that fuel MAGA and hijack their brains. Catch up now!

The word "idionut" as the 2023 Word of the Year? The term for willfully ignorant and insane individuals or members of extremist cults should enter everyones lexicon.

Pres. Biden & Tommy Tuberville offer a sharp contrast in priorities, leadership, and intellect between Dems and the MAGA GOP. Could these opposing styles, viewpoints, and competency give us a glimpse into the strategies of either side going into ‘24? How do you fight stupid? Reed, Rick, Stuart, and Joe have got the answers.

Jen Mercieca warns of the propaganda power of nostalgia: Your memories about the past are incomplete, easily shaped by others, and a vulnerability to propaganda. Fascists know that.

Presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is walking us all to the edge of a flat Earth, promising to push us into the abyss. Sadly - but not surprisingly - a lot of folks have volunteered to jump on his behalf. Strained analogy aside, what path does RFK Jr. see forward? What's really behind his run? Reed, Rick, Joe, and Stuart break down the past, present, and future of America's official Chief Conspiracist. Plus, famous Trump fighter...Bret Baier?

Kristin Kobes Du Mez describes how Evangelism has transformed and its relationship to masculinity, oppression, and nationalism. Kristin is a pastor and a professor of History and Gender Studies at Calvin University. Her book, Jesus and John Wayne, reveals “how evangelicals have worked to replace the Jesus of the Gospels with an idol of rugged masculinity and Christian nationalism.”

The Federal Indictment of Trump is shocking in what it contains, but conviction is far from certain. So what does it mean politically for Trump, the GOP field, and is this a distraction for Dems or exactly what they need? Watch this special Indictment episode with Rick, Reed, and Stuart.

Our friend Mike Podhorzer joins Joe and Alex to talk 2024 and what's coming. Ron DeSantis had a horrendous campaign launch but clowning on him is missing the bigger threat. Mike also makes a really important point: Why is history repeating itself - and why ultra-MAGA tactics look a lot like Jim Crow.