Threats to Democracy

Simon Rosenberg explains the pro-democracy, center-left imperative of becoming information warriors

Pro-democracy messages and mission through a wide variety of voices using innovative technology

Joe breaks it down: Why we're here, why it matters, and why the time is now.

In these final days before the election, Trump has doubled down on his authoritarian, fascist rhetoric. To help us make sense of the chaos leading up to the big day, Rick welcomes historian and political analyst Heather Cox Richardson for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of American democracy. Together, they delve into the stark contrasts between democracy and authoritarianism, the Republican Party’s transformation under Trump, and the growing influence of tech billionaires pushing anti-democratic agendas. With the 2024 election upon us, they examine the stakes, the shifts in voter sentiment, and the potential for new political coalitions to reshape our reality.

Reminding us again what's at stake this election, Capitol Police Officer Danny Hodges and his fellow officers held the line for our country on January 6th. 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.

Nerding Out on Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis In case you didn't know, Rick is a history buff, especially when it comes to American presidents. In this episode Rick sits down with acclaimed historian and biographer Nigel Hamilton to discuss his upcoming book, Lincoln vs. Davis: The War of the Presidents. Together, they explore the contrasting leadership styles of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis during the American Civil War, examining how each president’s psychology, military background, and decisions shaped the course of the conflict. Hamilton dives into Lincoln's struggles with his generals, the impact of the Emancipation Proclamation, and Davis’s strategic mindset. The conversation offers a deeper understanding of two pivotal figures in American history. Nigel's book, Lincoln vs. Davis: The War of the Presidents, available for pre-order now.

How do we fact check in an ocean of lies? In this episode Rick is joined by Bill Adair, the founder of PolitiFact and a professor at Duke University, to discuss the growing epidemic of political lying, especially within the Republican Party. They explore the history of political dishonesty, the role of conservative media in amplifying misinformation, and the challenges of fact-checking in an era dominated by figures like Donald Trump. The conversation highlights the danger that widespread deception poses to democracy and addresses the role of new technologies, like deepfakes, in further distorting truth in political discourse. Bill's book, Beyond the Big Lie: The Epidemic of Political Lying, Why Republicans Do It More, and How It Could Burn Down Our Democracy, available now.

How can big tech and a healthy democracy coexist? In this episode Rick is joined by Marietje Schaake, author of The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley. Together, they delve into the growing influence of big tech companies on global democracy, the dangers posed by unchecked data collection, and the rise of tools like Pegasus spyware. Schaake highlights the need for greater transparency, regulation, and accountability in the tech sector, while addressing the potential threats to privacy and democratic freedoms. They also discuss the weaponization of data by companies like Palantir and Cambridge Analytica, as well as potential solutions to safeguard democratic systems in the face of advancing technology. Marietje's book, The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley, available now.

Democracy is under siege, and state-sanctioned vigilantes are leading the charge. In this episode Rick speaks with Jon Michaels and David Noll, authors of the upcoming book Vigilante Nation: How State-Sponsored Terror Threatens Our Democracy. They discuss the alarming rise of state-backed vigilante activities, particularly through laws like Texas SB8, and how these efforts are aimed at achieving authoritarian political control. The conversation explores the MAGA movement's tactics, the threats to democratic institutions, and the potential dangers surrounding future U.S. elections. It's a chilling analysis of how private actors, with state approval, are shaping America’s political landscape.

The front lines in the fight for our democracy is taking place at the state level with a battle for the integrity of a system on the brink. In this episode Rick welcomes Jena Griswold, the Secretary of State of Colorado, for an in-depth discussion about the current state of democracy in the United States. They explore the challenges and successes of election security, the rise of election denialism, and the impact of disinformation and deep fakes on the electoral process. Jena shares insights from her experience in overseeing Colorado's elections, highlighting the importance of maintaining a secure and accessible voting system. She also discusses the ongoing efforts to hold bad actors accountable and the resilience of the American people in defending democratic values.

We must not forget the dramatic implications of a second Trump presidency. In this episode Rick interviews Andrew McCabe, former deputy director of the FBI. They discuss the potential consequences of a second Trump presidency, focusing on the threats to democracy and the justice system. McCabe provides insights into the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election and reflects on Trump's use of power and influence. The conversation highlights the importance of protecting democratic institutions and maintaining accountability in government.

Stuart Stevens writes, "All that was asked of these weak men and women of the GOP was to reject a man who violated every value they had spent their careers espousing. But at every turn, whenever given a chance to distance themselves from the odious Donald Trump and the collection of grievances and hatreds that form Trumpism, they chose to pull Trump closer."

Joe breaks it down: Why we're here, why it matters, and why the time is now.

Join election expert, speaker, and Lincoln Project advisor Trygve Olson for this free, 90-minute class and discover the Five Things he’s Learned about American democracy’s essential and lasting role as the inspiration and beacon of hope for all – and about all we must do to continue to protect it today.

For Christian Nationalists, it means "I can discriminate against you, but you can't discriminate against me," writes Project 2025 expert Andra Watkins.

Robert McElvaine writes: "If some way could be devised to get around the tsunami of disinformation from Russians, Trumpsters, and other authoritarians inundating a large fraction of the American citizenry...the mortal danger to the American Experiment in democracy and the rule of law would evaporate."

Teri Kanefield explores the significance of juries in the landmark Zenger Trial and their role in the American legal system.

The Christian Nationalist's plan for America in a second Trump term is a masterclass in crafting propaganda. Andra Watkins explores the disturbing world of Project 2025, where all media is manipulated to support the president's agenda.

It's not your imagination. The deck is stacked in favor of the super-wealthy. Brian Daitzman explains why inequality continues to expand in the US and how tax policies under Trump advantaging the rich made them far richer at the expense of middle and lower income Americans.

With Trump's indictment looming, the culmination of a 17-year battle is upon us. But Jen Mercieca writes that we don't need to wait to see who won in the grand scheme. Way to reclaim your humanity, Stormy Daniels!

Teri Kanefield explains, "Media audiences and producers may say they want decoding, but often they don’t. Often they want “scorecard” analysis. They want to know who is winning."

Democracy will be won or lost in America's exurbia. In today's episode, Rick speaks with author David Masciotra, discussing his new book "Exurbia Now! The Battleground for American Democracy." The conversation dives into the transformation of American political life influenced by the migration from urban to suburban and ultimately to exurban areas. Masciotra sheds light on how these shifts reflect broader societal changes, contributing to the rise of authoritarian right-wing ideologies in less densely populated exurbs.