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.

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.

Rick speaks with Doug Jones about the documentary “War Game”, which explores the potential for another insurrection similar to January 6. They discuss the fragility of democracy, the role of military personnel in political extremism, the dangers of misinformation, and the increasing radicalization of certain groups, particularly within the MAGA movement. They emphasize the importance of maintaining democratic guardrails and the need for vigilance in the face of political violence and misinformation, particularly leading up to the upcoming election. Follow Doug Jones on X @DougJones and learn more about the film “War Game” at www.wargamefilm.com. 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.

David Pepper writes, "One of the most damaging consequences of the narrative that our battle for democracy is only a federal contest, playing out in just a few swing states, is that it leaves the false impression that most of America isn’t involved in that battle."

Andra writes, "Fascist Republicans underpin their labor policies with the Christo-fascist notion that men work outside the home, and women stay home and mother children."

Sarah Ashton-Cirillo writes, "JD Vance says he wants to destroy America’s Constitution while rounding up its citizens and hoping the world can believe his lies long enough for Donald Trump to become the country’s first King".

Recent years have shown a steady decline in the strength of our democracy. In this episode, Rick welcomes Bob Bauer, a seasoned Washington operative and former White House counsel, to discuss his new book, "The Unraveling: Reflections on Politics Without Ethics and Democracy in Crisis." Bauer shares insights on the ethical and institutional challenges facing American democracy, contrasting the current political climate with the Watergate era. The conversation delves into the critical role of the White House counsel, the dangers of an overpowered presidency, and the corrosive impact of disinformation and treating political opponents as enemies.

On July 24, 2024, President Biden ended his candidacy for reelection, acknowledging it was best for America that he “pass the torch to a new generation” as “the best way to unite our nation.” But, writes Steven Beschloss, "It was much more: This was his profound articulation of what’s at stake that supersedes his personal ambition."

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. "