Defending Democracy

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

MeidasTouch Network is loud and proud about democracy

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

Ben Meiselas describes people's longing to make connections within the pro-democracy movement and how to build links.

Joe Trippi on Resolute Square's 2023 mission to build technology that provides a platform for amplifying pro-democracy voices and building community.

Ben Meisalas on Building Interconnectedness

Joe Trippi explains how for decades Democrats chose to fight in limited states and abandoned many that have become extremists now. But - the fight is on everywhere now and Dems are winning.

Eighty years ago, members of the Greatest Generation raised the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima in defense of freedom and democracy. Today, the test of our times is a battle against fascism and in defense of democracy on our own soil. Everything is at stake and, this time, winning is on us.

As Trump continues his war on the media, our guest, journalist and media expert Mark Jacob says this might actually be an opportunity for journalists and outlets to regain their independence from the tyranny of ACCESS. Could these attacks actually make journalism stronger? Catch up now as Mark, Rick, and Joe discuss what the media has to do - and what we all have to do when they don't do their job of holding power accountable.

Another crazy week of the Trump administration is in the books. Why Joe thinks Trump's Ukraine "negotiations" are one of the most incompetent things he's ever seen... which is saying something. Why Alex thinks this is just another long-term problem the Republican Party faces post Trump. Plus - Joe's take on what Democrats can rally around, right now - and his unique idea to unite the Trump opposition sooner rather than later.

Evelyn Quartz writes: "The ACA fight proved that Americans want progress. They took an imperfect system and fought for it because the alternative was too horrible. It only worked because ordinary Americans refused to let it be taken away."

Is the world on the brink of permanent instability? In this episode Rick Wilson sits down with renowned author and geopolitical analyst Robert D. Kaplan to discuss his latest book, Wasteland: A World in Permanent Crisis. Together, they explore the challenges of our increasingly interconnected and unstable world, from the decline of great powers and the erosion of democracy to the disruptive forces of AI and automation. Kaplan offers a sobering comparison to the Weimar Republic and stresses the urgent need to rediscover the principles of historic liberalism in the face of rising global disorder.

Presidential historian, author, and former sports journalist Doris Kearns Goodwin goes on the record with host Rick Wilson and gives an inside look at what it was like to be behind the scenes at the Whitehouse during Kennedy's aspirational "Camelot Era" and into LBJ's "Great Society" period. As the wife of the late Dick Goodwin, the speechwriter who penned LBJ's "We Shall Overcome" speech, Doris remains deeply involved in American politics and served as a fellow for LBJ's administration. Follow Doris Kearns Goodwin on X at @DorisKGoodwin and buy her book “An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s” at her website – doriskearnsgoodwin.com – or at fine bookstores everywhere. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X or at https://bsky.app/profile/therickwilson.bsky.social at Bluesky, and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.

As the post election dust begins to settle, we look to the future. On today's episode Rick is joined by political strategist and author David Pepper to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the post-Trump landscape. They delve into the importance of state-level elections, the lessons from past midterms, and the critical need for focused messaging to counteract chaos. David also introduces his compelling Project 2025 series, which uses storytelling to highlight the real-world impacts of Trump’s proposed policies. Together, they explore how to prepare for the battles ahead and inspire proactive action to defend democracy.

In the bizarro world that is Trump's America, Michael Flynn sued Rick. In today's special episode, Rick details the case and how, at long last, he prevailed. A victory for common sense and free speech.

Debuting a new installment of the LP podcast, Rick reads and answers mail from our devoted LP audience. If you'd like Rick to answer your burning question, please email it to podcast@lincolnproject.us for future Q+A episodes. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and all the other social media platforms, 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. And please subscribe, rate and review this podcast, thank you!

Without Freedom, We Are Lost Is America heading toward a tyrannical, authoritarian system? Taking for granted our basic pursuit of freedom? In today's episode Rick is joined by historian and Yale professor Timothy Snyder to discuss his latest book, On Freedom. Building on the themes of his influential work On Tyranny, Snyder explores the deeper meaning of freedom, its vulnerabilities in modern America, and how to preserve it against rising authoritarian tendencies. The conversation digs into the dangers of "sado-populism," the distortion of free speech, and the seductive appeal of authoritarianism. Snyder offers a powerful case for the value of freedom as a cornerstone of human dignity and creativity. Timothy's book, On Freedom, available now.

It’s an open question if Trump and his Project 2025 minions have hearts, but they do understand that hearts and minds are won in our schools and universities—places, Jason Stanley explains, that democratic societies across the world are now ill-prepared to defend against the fascist assault currently underway. How do we punch back at those trying to erase our history to change the future? Maya and Jason talked how to punch up and back!

Turns out, Joe called a lot of this... way back in 2008. Seriously. What does "the overthrow of everything" look like now? What can the pro-democracy movement learn from what MAGA has been able to build? Joe and Alex talk about the difference between "resistance" and "opposition" and why we have to start building the opposition yesterday. Happy Thanksgiving weekend, everyone.

With Trump headed back to the Oval Office, the MAGA Republican strategy to roll back civil, political, and privacy rights and subvert American democracy are well underway. David Noll, co-author of Vigilante Nation, joined Stuart Stevens and Lisa Senecal to discuss what comes next and the untapped power of the democracy's fierce defenders.

Host Maya May dives into The Day After with activist and White Women for Harris co-chair Liz Minnella and comedian Allison Reese. This is an incredible conversation - raw, realistic about what we face but also what comes next in protecting our loved ones and creating political and social change.

Rick sits down the LP political team who measure, move, and make a difference with voters on the ground in key swing states. Follow all these people on X! Phillip Germain at @PhillipJGermain Trygve Olson at @TrygveOlson Mary Slowinski at @MarySlowinski Stuart Stevens at @StuartPStevens Jeff Timmer at @JeffTimmer 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. And please subscribe, rate and review this podcast, thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

National security expert, daughter of a Mexican immigrant, and former right-hand to Vice President Mike Pence, Olivia Troye and host Rick Wilson open up about what it means to speak out against their Republican party and to put Country over Party. Follow Olivia Troye on X at @OliviaTroye. 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. And please subscribe, rate and review this podcast, thank you!

Lisa Senecal writes, "Beyond voting, she needed to make her support known publicly. For her, the urgency was about more than knowing we were in the final days of an election she cared deeply about; she was also in her final days."

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.

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 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.