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

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."

Grab a cold one, folks. This episode is HOT! Rick, Stuart, and Joe are joined by powerhouse Tara McGowan, founder of Courier Newsroom. Sick of traditional media not doing their jobs to push back on lies and stand up for democracy? So was Tara - and she and her amazing team of digital journalists are getting real news to the people in swing state across America!

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.

Stuart Stevens writes: "Over the next months, Americans will decide if the American experiment continues."

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."

David Pepper knows that we can begin to bring some accountability to Tennessee extremism through the Blue Tennessee program - because it's already been successful in other states.

In a special guest episode, author and screenwriter Bill Carter joins Joe and Alex to discuss his new movie "Kiss the Future" - a powerful story about the siege of Sarajevo and the role art (including U2) can play in a violent conflict. Joe and Bill discuss their mutual connection to Bosnia - including Joe's powerful experience there. Bill shares the inside story behind the film and what we can all learn from it. Watch at AMC: https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/kiss-the-future-76053 Pre-order Bill's book, "Fools Rush In": https://amzn.to/3UGUm95

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.

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.

We all have a role to place in maintaining, strengthening, and participating in our democracy. David Pepper stresses the significance of the Voting Rights Act and urges on current and expanded efforts to protect and expand democracy.

This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin. Together, they discuss Raskin's efforts to uphold the Constitution in bizarre Trump-infected America. They dive into the Trump presidency, particularly his financial gains from foreign entities and violations of the emoluments clause. The two discuss the authoritarian movement central to the Republican Party.

Rick opens the show talking about his home being SWATTED last night and how it is but one demonstration of the hate and toxicity of Trump and MAGA. He and Stuart contrast that with Biden's launch message of patriotism, unity, democracy, and public service. Throw in some Trump VP speculation and a well-deserved takedown of Tom Cotton and you have yourselves quite a show. Catch up now!

This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by author Brad Meltzer to discuss his children's book series "Ordinary People Change the World," marking its 10th anniversary. Together, they speak to the importance of providing young readers with real role models through stories of historical figures like Amelia Earhart, Abraham Lincoln, Mr. Rogers, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

On this episode of The ZeroLine, Sarah Ashton-Cirillio connects with executive editor of Resolute Square, Lisa Senecal. This week, the discussion focuses on the critical role of journalism across the globe. Drawing parallels between Ukraine and the United States, they emphasize the essential role of a free press in a functioning democracy, distinguish between journalism and propaganda, and explore the challenges faced by journalists worldwide.

Several members of the Veterans for Responsible Leadership team join founder and President Dr. Dan Barkhuff to share their stories, experiences, reasons for joining and what they hope to accomplish by being a part of VFRL.

"With the threat of authoritarianism growing around the world...it is easy to be laser-focused on what is wrong," writes Ruth Ben-Ghiat. She also reminds us that it's essential to be alert to what's right.

With their characteristic verbal fire, Rick and Tara talk Trump, hurdles facing the Democrats, and the critical role that representation in the media plays in shaping public perception.

Retired Commander Bobby Jones, a twenty-year veteran of the US Navy and former surface warfare officer, joins former Navy SEAL and VFRL President Dan Barkhuff along with Iraq veteran and historian Jason Belcher to explain why diversity is a strategic asset for the U.S. military.