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 and Alex discuss a bombshell New York Times piece from our friend Tom Edsall on just how deep the Trump dark money apparatus goes -- over 100 groups, $2 billion in funding... and very little of it out in the open. Why Project 2025 is a blueprint for turning America into a pro-Trump authoritarian state. What are we supposed to do about it? Then, Joe and Alex explain why right-wing pollsters have the media trapped in a false polling narrative -- why is the mainstream media so obsessed with pro-Trump polling?

Brian Daitzman writes, "Trump is infamous for his spontaneous outbursts of sensitive information. His reckless disclosure of classified intelligence to Russian officials in 2017 starkly highlighted his disregard for the protocols safeguarding national security secrets. This incident, among others, showcased a pattern of behavior that risked compromising the operational security of U.S. intelligence efforts and the lives of those involved."

David Pepper writes, "Most have no clue their own dollars are playing such a big role in Ohio politics. Still, struggling Ohioans have been bankrolling the campaigns of powerful Ohio politicians for years."

Teri Kanefield writes: "While there were always activists and idealists who believed that a country that boasted of rule by people should give all people a voice, the changes were also driven by self-interests." And it's self-interests working today to silence those voices.

Many Americans are asking the question "what's going on with Trump's legal battles?" Today on the show Rick speaks with author and legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin to dissect the intricate legal battles Trump faces in Georgia, Florida, and D.C., scrutinizing their procedural complexities and wider implications. Their discussion extends to the repercussions of Trump's actions on American democracy, examining themes of executive power and the rule of law. They discuss the societal impact of Trump's rhetoric and the polarized media landscape.

In a time when it can be difficult to find common ground in American politics one thing feels widely agreed upon, our collective dread for the upcoming presidential election. This week on the show we discuss just that with Time Magazine's Charlotte Alter, dissecting the current political landscape and the looming "Dread Election." Rick and Charlotte examine the widespread political fatigue among activists, the crucial role of young voters, and the influence of cancel culture on political discourse. Charlotte also highlights emerging young leaders and the quest for a message that resonates beyond the politically initiated.

Need a dose of hope? Jen Mercieca brings it writing, "Not only...does it make good strategic sense for Democrats to embrace the terms of stability in American political discourse, not only would it help to defend American democracy from autocracy, but embracing these terms now might ultimately help to make America more democratic than it was before Trumpism."

Teri Kanefield covers the ongoing cycle of misinformation and outrage, fueled by fragmented media and profit-driven motives. What is the impact of partisan legal pundits and deliberate confusion tactics employed by certain media ecosystems on our public? Teri explains.

It’s difficult to tell where white Evangelicalism ends and Trumpism begins, so we’re excited Rick is joined by Sarah McCammon, NPR's national political correspondent and co-host of the NPR Politics podcast, about her book "The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church." McCammon shares her personal narrative of growing up within the evangelical movement in the Midwest, her gradual estrangement from its teachings, and her eventual departure.

What does Russia's disinformation attack on the U.S mean for our nation's future? Teri Kanefield examines the connections between the GOP & Putin's Russia, the strategies employed by the Internet Research Agency to spread societal division, and how successful hacking attempts by the GRU may continue to influence our elections.

Brian Daitzman paints a vivid presidential portrait of America and the world in the unstable, dark grip of a second Trump term.

David Pepper writes, "(President Biden) must emphasize….that the state of democracy in our union is only as strong as it is in the states where democracy is weakest. In this ongoing battle, there is where we must focus our fight.”

Despite baseless accusations of espionage and foreign influence, Kyle Parker, a dedicated civil servant involved in Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression, remains steadfast in his support. As Sarah Ashton-Cirillo highlights, those who sacrifice and contribute to Ukraine's cause often face scrutiny, yet their heroic actions cannot be overshadowed by the J.D Vances of the world.

In the midst of a "descent away from the rule of law," Ohio faces a troubling new ethics meltdown of significant proportions. David Pepper uncovers the alarming issues plaguing the Buckeye state and asks: When will the tipping point will be reached?

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.

Teri Kanefield dives into the nature of the anti-democratic opposition, exploring political psychology and its impact on democracy. She highlights the challenge of eliminating this opposition and emphasizes the importance of neutral rules to protect free speech and criticism.

Jen Mercieca writes: "Modern-day tune-outs might still get political news in ambient ways—when they do, it’s usually from unreliable sources and tends to be heavily skewed toward outrage-bait and conspiracy lies."

Teri Kanefield takes us on a journey through books exploring democracy's fragility and the strategies to preserve it. Exploring the work of Ziblatt, Levitsky, and others, she analyzes democratic norms, transitions, and Biden's response to challenges.

"Even a mass of blackshirts saluting the dead Duce in 2024 does not seem objectionable to the neo-Fascist Prime Minister,"writes Ruth Ben-Ghiat.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat sheds light on the unsettling rise of Donald Trump's "holiness" amidst corruption revelations, exploring the manipulation of faith and parallels with authoritarian leaders throughout history.