To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at one way Republicans could try to legally throw out votes to ensure Trump’s victory, the latest Wall Street Journal polling, and the backlash against DEI  Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel:  Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director) Alex Thompson (National Political Correspondent for Axios) Segments this week: (02:06) Starting the steal (20:10) The WSJ Poll and who benefits from RFK Jr’s run  (30:15) The backlash against DEI   [Politicology+] Lab Leak, the origins of human life, and the push for ideological purity that is stifling scientific inquiry Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/ZackCz https://twitter.com/AlexThomp Related reading: Segment 1:  The Bulwark - ‘Start the Steal’: Trump Once Again Planning to Overturn an Election NYT - Here Is One Way to Steal the Presidential Election WP - GOP scrambles to organize early and mail voting despite Trump’s attacks - The Washington Post Segment 2:  WSJ - Trump Leads Biden in Six of Seven Swing States, WSJ Poll Finds WSJ - Five Takeaways From the WSJ Swing-State Poll AP - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. picks Nicole Shanahan as his running mate for independent White House bid | AP News CNN - RFK Jr. names Silicon Valley attorney Nicole Shanahan as running mate | CNN Politics Axios - Conservative media sours on RFK Jr. as an independent Segment 3: Axios - Behind DEI’s rise and fall NBC News - Oregon re-criminalizes small amounts of hard drugs after 2020 voter initiative is overturned Brianna Wu criticizing progressivism  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Ron Steslow respond to your feedback and answer your questions on our latest mailbag episode.  (01:05) The Bannon Line and how the dynamics of this cycle are different from 2020 (09:00) Why the traditional political spectrum isn’t a useful framework and the rise of populism (17:50) The Fairness Doctrine and the impact of its Removal (25:25) The debate over whether Biden should debate Trump  (30:46) Trump’s takeover of the RNC  (41:31) The Republican Party’s brand  (46:26) Authoritarian Reactionary Christians in American Politics  (50:02) The loss of focus on Community  (1:03:00) The threat of Religious Nationalism Have a question for a future Mailbag episode? Send it over to us at podcast@politicology.com! You can also leave us a voice message at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow Ron, and Mike on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at Trump taking Truth Social public, the ISIS terrorist attack in Moscow, and why you weren’t crazy about how bad inflation was Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel:  Al Cárdenas (Advisor to Presidents Regan and George H.W. Bush) Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) Segments this week: (02:50) Truth Social Goes Public (17:00) ISIS attack in Moscow (36:24) Inflation was bad, you’re not crazy [Politicology+] Ronna McDaniel and the MSNBC  On-Air Uproar Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Check out Oh My World!: https://www.ohmyworld.tv/ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/AlCardenasFL_DC https://twitter.com/HagarChemali Related reading: Segment 1:  CNN - Trump bond lowered to $175 million as he appeals civil fraud judgement in New York | CNN Politics Axios - Truth Social faces harsh reality as a public company Time Magazine - Why Is Trump's Truth Social Worth Billions? Experts Have Theories Segment 2:  Radio Free Europe - Putin Blames 'Radical Islamists' For Concert Massacre, But Still Points To Ukraine, U.S. USA Today - ISIS behind brutal Moscow terror attack, France tells Russia, as Kremlin points to Ukraine AP - US gave advance notice of Moscow attack. What is 'duty to warn'? | AP News Segment 3: The Bulwark - Harvard Economists Confirm You’re Not Crazy: Inflation Was Really Bad (From March 8) Bloomberg - Biden Bets Fed Will Cut Rates Soon as He Pledges Housing Help - Bloomberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you win campaigns in a world awash with lies? And why do candidates and campaigns struggle to “use their normal brains” when those lies happen to start online?  In the second episode of this two-part conversation, join host Ron Steslow, Mike Madrid, and Sasha Issemberg to discuss the way Democratic political campaigns are adjusting to the challenges of the new information landscape, as Sasha’s reveals in his new book The Lie Detectives: In Search of a Playbook for Winning Elections in the Disinformation Age. In part 2: (01:53) What strategists learned about combating disinformation from foreign campaigns  (06:30) How a Brazilian candidate turned a lie about him into a branding opportunity  (17:50)How the Supreme Court in Brazil tried to fight disinformation  (30:00) Who gets to decide what’s a lie online?  (38:17) The use of AI in campaigns and disinformation Read The Lie Detectives: https://www.sashaissenberg.com/the-lie-detectives Read The Victory Lab: https://www.sashaissenberg.com/the-victory-lab Follow Ron, Sasha, and Mike on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/sissenberg https://twitter.com/madrid_mike Email your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at Tuesday’s election results and the warning signs for Trump, whether the impeachment inquiry is backfiring on Republicans, and how to talk about “Christian Nationalism” Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel:  Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director) Susan Del Percio  (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert)  Lanae Erickson (Senior Vice President for Social Policy, Education, and Politics at Third Way) Segments this week: (02:27) Trump’s base weakness (19:00) Impeachment  (31:41) “Christian Nationalism” [Politicology+] Should Biden debate Trump?  Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/ZackCz https://twitter.com/DelPercioS https://twitter.com/LanaeErickson Related reading: Segment 1:  Axios - Trump wins Arizona primary, but Haley takes nearly 19% of the vote - Axios Phoenix The Guardian - Trump predicts ‘bloodbath’ if he loses election and claims ‘Biden beat Obama’ CNN - Pence says he ‘cannot in good conscience’ endorse Trump | CNN Politics USA Today - Mike Pence accuses Donald Trump of 'walking away' from the Constitution after refusing to endorse him Segment 2:  Religion in Public - Christian Nationalism is Both Smear and Savior to Many Christians Matt Taylor Thread on “Smear and Savior”  Matt Taylor Thread on Dusty Deevers speech  Segment 3: Axios - Shouting, accusations, a mask: GOP's Hunter Biden hearing erupts into bickering NBC News - Lev Parnas, ex-Giuliani associate, testified allegations against Bidens are false and 'spread by the Kremlin' Reuters - Democratic lawmaker dons Putin mask, mocks Republicans at Biden impeachment hearing | Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you win campaigns in a world awash with lies? And why do candidates and campaigns struggle to “use their normal brains” when those lies happen start online?  In this two-part conversation, join host Ron Steslow, Mike Madrid, and Sasha Issemberg to discuss the way Democratic political campaigns are adjusting to the challenges of the new information landscape, as Sasha’s reveals in his new book The Lie Detectives: In Search of a Playbook for Winning Elections in the Disinformation Age. In part 1: (02:01) Why Sasha wrote The Lie Detectives (03:33) The evolution of campaign tactics in the early 2000s (04:43) The focus on “disinformation” after the 2016 election  (7:10) The Trump campaign’s strategy to depress turnout in 2016, and the difference between “suppression” and “depression.” (10:36) Strategies for discouraging turnout in 2020  (14:30) How campaigns should decide what wrong information to respond to online (20:31) The generational shift in campaign decision makers (30:18) The shift to calling opponents “liars” Read The Lie Detectives: https://www.sashaissenberg.com/the-lie-detectives Read The Victory Lab: https://www.sashaissenberg.com/the-victory-lab Follow Ron, Sasha, and Mike on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/sissenberg https://twitter.com/madrid_mike Email your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we dive into the nuances of Georgia’s Republican primary, No Labels pushing forward with their plan to draft a presidential candidate, and Donald Trump’s takeover at the RNC Joining Ron Steslow on week’s panel:  Greg Bluestein (Politics Reporter at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution) Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) Segments this week: (02:14) The Georgia primary  (12:25) No Labels (34:34) The RNC Purge [Politicology+] Congress's latest push to ban TikTok Not yet a Politicology+ member? It’s our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with 30% more episodes filled with more strategy, analysis, thoughtful discussion…aaand the occasional piece of hot gossip. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell https://twitter.com/bluestein Related reading: Segment 1:  The Hill - Haley gets 77K votes in Georgia GOP primary after dropping out of race | The Hill AJC - PG A.M.: Takeaways from Georgia’s presidential primaries ABC News - Judge throws out 6 counts of Trump's Georgia election interference indictment - ABC News NYT - For This Rookie Judge, a Pivotal Decision Looms in the Georgia Trump Case - The New York Times Segment 2:  WSJ - No Labels Is Expected to Push Ahead With ‘Unity’ Presidential Ticket - WSJ WSJ - No Labels Considering Georgia Republican Geoff Duncan to Lead ‘Unity’ Presidential Ticket - WSJ Segment 3: Politico - RNC installs new leadership as Trump tightens hold on GOP - POLITICO NYT - Election Updates: Big cuts after Trump’s R.N.C. takeover; Biden goes on offensive. - The New York Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over two decades ago, Ruy Teixeira predicted that America was on its way to a bright blue future, thanks to an inevitable demographic shift that would deliver the Party a dominant, durable political coalition. “Demography is destiny” became the mantra of the Democratic Party—proven out by Obama’s decisive 2008 electoral college win. But then, in 2016, Trump upended that coalition, and, consequently, anti-Trumpism naturally became a defining feature of the Democratic Party. But—beyond its opposition to Trump—what does the Democratic Party stand for today? With the Republican Party infected with extremism and so embarrassingly unable to govern, why aren’t Democrats winning sustainable majorities? And why is the Democratic party still losing ground with some of the core parts of its base? In the second part of this two-part conversation, former Center for American Progress senior fellow Ruy Teixeira joins Ron Steslow to discuss his new book Where Have All the Democrats Gone? The Soul of the Party in the Age of Extremes. In part 2: (01:06 ) The shift towards identity politics and how it’s changing the party’s approach to race and civil rights (08:40) Radical approaches to transgender rights (16:50) The change in environmental policy from responsible stewardship to the more extreme positions of the Green New Deal (41:14) The rise in independent voters, what it really means, and how it should impact political strategy (45:45) Whether it’s even possible for structural reforms in our political system to improve the health of our democracy Read Where Have All the Democrats Gone?: https://bit.ly/3P8hpGm Check out The Liberal Patriot: https://www.liberalpatriot.com/ Follow Ron  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. With the presidential nominations locked up after Super Tuesday, Joe Biden kicked off his 2024 campaign in earnest at his “defiant” State of the Union address.  Also: the Super Tuesday results, Nikki Haley bowing out of the primary and the fight for her supporters.  Joining Ron Steslow on week’s panel:  Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP) Alex Thompson (National Political Correspondent for Axios) Segments this week: (01:50) Joe Biden’s State of the Union address (30:20) Super Tuesday results, Haley dropping out, and Trump’s move to purify the Republican party [Politicology+] Katie Porter claims the California Senate Primary was “rigged by Billionaires”   Not yet a Politicology+ member? It’s our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with 30% more episodes filled with more strategy, analysis, thoughtful discussion…aaand the occasional piece of hot gossip. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Related reading: Segment 1:  The White House - President Biden's State of the Union Address NY Times - 5 Takeaways From Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address - The New York Times Yahoo Finance - What Biden gets wrong about 'price gouging' and 'corporate greed' AP - Fact Focus: Claims Biden administration is secretly flying migrants into the country are unfounded | AP News Segment 2:  NY Times - 5 Takeaways From Super Tuesday: Trump Wins and Haley Exits - The New York Times The Bulwark - Nikki Haley Has Chosen to Be a Tool for Authoritarianism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over two decades ago, Ruy Teixeira predicted that America was on its way to a bright blue future, thanks to an inevitable demographic shift that would deliver the Party a dominant, durable political coalition. “Demography is destiny” became the mantra of the Democratic Party—proven out by Obama’s decisive 2008 electoral college win. But then, in 2016, Trump upended that coalition, and, consequently, anti-Trumpism naturally became a defining feature of the Democratic Party. But—beyond its opposition to Trump—what does the Democratic Party stand for today? With the Republican Party infected with extremism and so embarrassingly unable to govern, why aren’t Democrats winning sustainable majorities? And why is the Democratic party still losing ground with some of the core parts of its base? In this two-part conversation, former Center for American Progress senior fellow Ruy Teixeira joins Ron Steslow to discuss his new book Where Have All the Democrats Gone? The Soul of the Party in the Age of Extremes. In part 1: (01:50 ) Ruy’s background (05:00) How the Democrats became the party of the elites  (10:10)The impact of the 2016 election  (23:23) The importance of working class voters in the Democratic party’s victories  (30:20) The party’s increasingly liberal stance on immigration  Read Where Have All the Democrats Gone?: https://bit.ly/3P8hpGm Check out The Liberal Patriot: https://www.liberalpatriot.com/ Follow Ron  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. What will the protest votes in Michigan mean for the Biden campaign? What major Trump weakness did we see in his 20-point win in South Carolina?  Joining Ron Steslow on week’s panel:  Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder)  Anthony York (Fmr. Senior Communications Advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom)  Segments this week: (02:30) Did the “uncommitted” protest vote against Biden in Michigan backfire?  (13:03) The Republican Primary in South Carolina, what it means for Haley, and Trump’s weaknesses with Republicans (30:00) Crosspressure on IVF and reproductive rights vs border security and immigration  [Politicology+] The bipartisan crypto SuperPAC targeting Katie Porter in the California Senate Primary and the partisan realignment on Wall Street Not yet a Politicology+ member? It’s our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with 30% more episodes filled with more strategy, analysis, thoughtful discussion…aaand the occasional piece of hot gossip. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Check out the LA Times series about Latino politics in L.A.: https://bit.ly/3T1qotI Support Molly’s fundraiser for drones for frontline units in Ukraine:  https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/91MGe8XC8A Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/anthonyyork49 Related reading: Segment 1:  Detroit Free Press - 'Uncommitted' Michigan primary vote results: What happens next for Biden, campaign NPR - The push to vote 'uncommitted' to Biden in Michigan exceeds goal NYT - Hamas Rejects Cease-Fire Proposal, Dashing Biden’s Hopes of Near Term Deal - The New York Times Segment 2:  Politico - Takeaways from Trump's thumping of Haley in South Carolina - POLITICO ABC News - Nikki Haley argues Trump not getting 40% of primary voters is clue he'd lose to Biden - ABC News Axios - “Suicide for our country”: Nikki Haley goes scorched earth on Trump AP - Trump calls himself a ‘proud political dissident’ in CPAC speech Segment 3:  Axios - Scoop: House Democrats plan barrage against GOP on IVF Politico - Alabama said frozen embryos are kids. The GOP isn’t sure what to do about it. - POLITICO Politico - Senate GOP poised to block IVF protection bill - POLITICO NYT - Arrest of Migrant in Georgia Killing Turns City Into Latest Battleground on Immigration - The New York Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever thought about what it means to be anonymous?  Have you considered what it means that you can walk down the street or go to the grocery store or out to dinner without someone you’ve never met knowing your name, everything you’ve posted online, or your political leanings? Or when you go on a first date with someone, they’d walk in knowing your dating history, your political affiliations, your credit score or what groceries you buy? Advancements in facial recognition and a secretive startup could end privacy as we know it.  In this two-part conversation, New York Times Tech Reporter Kashmir Hill joins host Ron Steslow to discuss privacy, anonymity, facial recognition software and her book Your Face Belongs to Us: A Secretive Startup’s Quest to End Privacy as We Know It. In part 2: (01:40) “Technical sweetness” and the lack of ethical considerations by the people building these new technologies  (12:30) Privacy laws in the U.S. and Europe  (15:24) The trend of law enforcement agencies skirting constitutional protections by buying information from private companies. (27:20) Balancing security and privacy in the age of ubiquitous surveillance (30:50) What the future of privacy might look like  Read Your Face Belongs to Us: https://bit.ly/49qsbQm Follow Ron and Kashmir  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/kashhill Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Last week, Vladimir Putin had his biggest domestic rival, Alexei Navalny murdered in prison. Now Donald Trump is comparing himself to Navalny.  This week’s panel:  Ron Steslow Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director) Segments this week: (02:50) Navalny’s killing; and the Republican impeachment probe takes a big hit (29:04) Donald Trump is selling sneakers to cover his legal bills (39 :00) Trump allies plotting to make Christian nationalism a key part of a second administration [Politicology+] The hearing about whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis can continue prosecuting Trump and the huge blunder in her relationship with the special prosecutor in the case Not yet a Politicology+ member? It’s our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with 30% more episodes filled with more strategy, analysis, thoughtful discussion…aaand the occasional piece of hot gossip. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Check out Oh My World!: https://www.ohmyworld.tv/ Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/ZackCz https://twitter.com/HagarChemali Related reading: Segment 1:  Reuters - What we know about Alexei Navalny's death in Arctic prison | Reuters NBC News- A now-indicted FBI informant was at the 'heart' of the GOP's case against Joe Biden CNN - Alexander Smirnov: Former FBI informant charged with lying about the Bidens’ role in Ukraine business | CNN Politics Axios - Russia arrests Los Angeles woman on treason charges Segment 2:  NBC News - Judge fines Donald Trump more than $350 million, bars him from running businesses in N.Y. for three years Get Trump Sneakers  ABC News - Trump hawks $399 branded shoes at 'Sneaker Con,' a day after a $355 million ruling against him - ABC News Politico - Trump leadership PAC racked up $4.8 million in new legal bills - POLITICO The Dispatch - Navalny’s Death Sheds Light on the Moral Rot of the American Right - Jonah Goldberg - The Dispatch Segment 3:  Politico - Trump allies prepare to infuse ‘Christian nationalism’ in second administration - POLITICO Politico - Mike Johnson invoked God in a GOP presentation on keeping the majority. It didn’t land well. - Live Updates - POLITICO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever thought about what it means to be anonymous?  Have you considered what it means that you can walk down the street or go to the grocery store or out to dinner without someone you’ve never met knowing your name, everything you’ve posted online, or your political leanings? Or when you go on a first date with someone, they’d walk in knowing your dating history, your political affiliations, your credit score or what groceries you buy? Advancements in facial recognition and a secretive startup could end privacy as we know it.  In this two-part conversation, New York Times Tech Reporter Kashmir Hill joins host Ron Steslow to discuss privacy, anonymity, facial recognition software and her book Your Face Belongs to Us: A Secretive Startup’s Quest to End Privacy as We Know It. In part 1: (01:43 ) Ron and Kashmir discuss anonymity and privacy and the erosion of both in our daily lives  (00:00 ) Balancing convenience and privacy  (11:00) The origins of ClearviewAI  (13:30) Genetic determinism in the development of facial recognition  (18:20) Kashmir dives deep into the history of facial recognition software and how it developed.  (22:37) How Facebook crowdsourced training facial recognition technology (25:00) How much privacy should we have and who should be able to use facial recognition software?  Read Your Face Belongs to Us: https://bit.ly/49qsbQm Follow Ron and Kashmir  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/kashhill Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Last week, a Department of Justice special counsel report concluded that Joe Biden should not be charged for his mishandling of classified documents, but the allegations about Biden’s memory have taken center stage. This week’s panel: Ron Steslow Matt Bennett (Founder & Executive Vice President for Public Affairs at Third Way) Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) Liz Gilbert Cohen (President of the 2020 Democratic National Convention) Segments this week: (03:04) Special Counsel’s report (24:40) NY-3 Special Election (44:12) Russia wants to put a nuke in space + the invasive and controversial surveillance program set to expire soon [Politicology+] No Labels’ dubious presidential ticket and their recent letter asking the Justice Department to investigate their critics Not yet a Politicology+ member? It’s our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with 30% more episodes filled with more strategy, analysis, thoughtful discussion…aaand the occasional piece of hot gossip. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Support Molly McKew’s fundraiser for surveillance and communications drones for frontline units in Ukraine: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/91MGe8XC8A Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/ThirdWayMattB https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell Related reading: Segment 1: Axios - Special counsel report questions Biden's memory ABC News - Overwhelming majority of Americans think Biden is too old for another term: POLL - ABC News Fox - Biden's upcoming physical exam will not include a cognitive test, White House says Politico - Biden v. Trump: The battle over who’s too old, too forgetful or too confused - POLITICO Segment 2: NYT - In New York Win, Democrats Sense a Pivot on Immigration and Border Politics CNBC - Democrats see New York special election win as blueprint for defeating Trump in November NBC News - Pennsylvania Democrats pad narrow state House advantage with special election win Segment 3: ABC News - GOP warning of 'national security threat' is about Russia wanting nuclear weapon in space: Sources - ABC News CNN - House Intel Chairman announces ‘serious national security threat,’ sources say it is related to Russia | CNN Politics Washington Post - Officials sound alarm about new Russian “space threat” - The Washington Post Roll Call - House delays plans on surveillance program reauthorization vote - Roll Call Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy? What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?” How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon? In this two-part conversation, Ron Steslow and Rev. Prof. David Gushee (Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University) discuss these provocative questions and more as they dive into David’s book, Defending Democracy From Its Christian Enemies. In part 1: (04:40) Ron shares a personal note with David about the impact he’s had on Ron’s journey   (07:24) David discussed a few of the transformative moments in his career  (13:08) The historical and current challenges Christianity poses to democratic values  (16:30) Why some Christians are skeptical of democracy and the nuanced reasons behind it (22:02 ) Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity and why it’s a better term for what we’re seeing  than Christian Nationalism  (28:38) How certain Christian groups prioritize their beliefs over democratic norms and values  (34:02) The cycle of secular revolutions followed by religious counter-revolutions  For more of David’s work visit his website: https://www.davidpgushee.com/ Follow Ron  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy? What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?” How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon? In this two-part conversation, we dive into these provocative questions with the Rev. Prof. David Gushee (Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University) and discuss his book Defending Democracy From Its Christian Enemies. Segments to look forward to in part 2: (02:12) Christianity in the reactionary politics of France and Germany in the 20th century   (07:54) The allure of authoritarian leaders who promise to fix cultural issues  (13:06) The idealization of a past Christian nation and the ubiquitous use of anti-LGBT rhetoric in policial mobilization (18:20) The difficulty of appealing to authoritarian-leaning Christians and the influence of leaders in those communities (32:30 ) “Covenantal democracy” rooted in the Baptist tradition (35:18) The importance of civic literacy and political ethics education among Christians to inoculate against authoritarian tendencies (40:00) The importance of long-term cultural and interpersonal work to build stronger democratic norms. For more of David’s work visit his website: https://www.davidpgushee.com/ Follow Ron  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MAGA makes a mess all over the Capitol, including tanking their own  border deal for Trump. Tucker Carlson goes to the Kremlin to be Putin’s mouthpiece. This week’s panel:  Ron Steslow Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder)  Molly McKew (writer and lecturer on Russian influence and information warfare) Segments this week: (03:00) Republican dysfunction in Congress (27:11) Tucker Carlson interviews Putin and evolving Russian information warfare [Politicology+] The money raised and spent by Super PACs supporting Trump’s primary challengers—what it tells us, and why it matters. Not yet a Politicology+ subscriber? It’s a private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus.  Support Molly’s fundraiser for drones for frontline units in Ukraine:  https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/91MGe8XC8A Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike  https://twitter.com/MollyMcKew Related reading: Segment 1:  CNN - Bipartisan border deal on brink of defeat ahead of key Senate vote | CNN Politics Politico - McConnell faces a growing GOP rebellion after border deal breaks down - POLITICO Axios - Senate Democrats strike fast after GOP’s border deal implosion Axios - House GOP erupts in fury over "embarrassing" and "shameful" defeats Segment 2:  WP - Putin interview with Tucker Carlson shows Kremlin outreach to Trump’s GOP - The Washington Post X - Tucker Carlson on Why he’s interviewing Putin NYT - N.S.A. Installs New Director as U.S. Prepares for Election Influence Operations Read George Conway’s piece about the Trump immunity decision:  The Atlantic - An Airtight Ruling Against Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What sort of person decides to step back from an esteemed career as a civil liberties legal advocate and embark on one of the most exhausting and thankless prospects you can imagine—a bid for congress?  Exactly the sort of person Congress needs at this moment.  Civil Rights Attorney and advocate Joe Cohn returns to Politicology to discuss his decision to run for congress.  Segments to look forward to: (02:06) Why Joe’s running for congress (06:30) What makes him different from the rest of the field   (08:20) His experience in civil rights litigation and legislative advocacy  (14:12) The role of elected officials in depolarization  (20:40) The threats to democracy (25:20) Curbing executive power and encouraging legislative action (37:13) The broken incentive structure in Congress  (47:47) New Jersey Politics and the County Party Line (50:27) Winning in an environment that values spectacle (52:45)Prioritizing reasonableness and dialogue Check out Joe’s website: https://www.joecohnforcongress.com/ Follow Ron and Joe  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/JoeCohnNJ3 Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. On this weekly roundup, Biden praises the border security deal and pledges to “shut down” the border if it passes, an Iranian-backed militia kills three U.S. soldiers in Jordan, and Nikki Haley goes on offense. This week’s panel:  Ron Steslow Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder)  Olivier Knox (veteran politics and foreign policy reporter, most recently at The Washington Post ) Segments this week: (02:35) The border deal (18:00) Iran-backed militias (36:13) Nikki Haley [Politicology+] The MAGA conspiracy theory that the Super Bowl is rigged and Taylor Swift is a PsyOp. Not yet a Politicology+ subscriber? It’s a private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus.  Check out Olivier’s substack: https://olivierknox.substack.com/ Watch Spiritual Warriors: Decoding Christian Nationalism at the Capitol Riot —https://bit.ly/3UqNfl6 Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/OKnox  https://twitter.com/madrid_mike  Related reading: Segment 1:  WP - Lankford defends bipartisan border security bill after attacks by Trump, GOP The Hill - House Republicans poised to torpedo GOP’s best chance in years to pass border bill | The Hill Axios - Bloomberg poll: Biden losing ground to Trump on immigration White House - Statement from President Joe Biden On the Bipartisan Senate Border Security Negotiations | The White House WSJ - A GOP Border Reckoning - WSJ Segment 2:  CNN - Jordan drone attack: Three US troops killed at Tower 22, more than 30 injured | CNN Politics NPR - U.S. identifies the 3 service members killed in drone strike in Jordan : NPR NYT - 3 American Soldiers Killed in Drone Strike in Jordan, U.S. Says Axios - Biden says he's decided how to respond to deadly Jordan attack AP - Iran threatens to respond to any US strikes as Biden weighs how to react to a base attack in Jordan Segment 3:  The Bulwark - An Open Letter to Nikki Haley - by Michael Wood NYT - Nikki Haley Goes After Trump and Biden in ‘Grumpy Old Men’ Campaign - The New York Times Axios - Nikki Haley's coast-to-coast money week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices