Politicology

The U.S. is monitoring more national security threats than at any point since World War II and last week, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin went to the hospital because of complications from a recent survey. But no one told the President for three days. In this episode, Hagar Chemali (Former spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) joins Ron Steslow to discuss Austin’s hospitalization and the delay in telling the White House. Segments to look forward to: (01:45) Ron sets the stage with a rundown of the timeline of Sec. Austin’s hospitalization and when the White House was informed (03:13) Hagar breaks down her initial reaction to the news and the political and media uproar (05:00) The role of the Secretary of Defense in national security and what risks Austin’s absence could have posed (06:43) Hagar provides an overview of the current national security climate, including the rising tension in the Middle East, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the situation in China and Taiwan and places Austin’s hospitalization in this broader context. (14:11) The standard protocols for handling this situation within government agencies (33:11) Analyzing the political and public relations fallout from the incident, and how it could impact domestic politics and foreign policy Check out Oh My World!: https://www.ohmyworld.tv/ Follow Ron and Hagar on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/HagarChemali Email questions and thoughts to [email protected] 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, the ongoing immigration crisis, the legal and illegal corruption in Congress, and President Joe Biden’s insurrection pivot. This week’s panel: Ron Steslow Liz Gilbert Cohen (President of the 2020 Democratic National Convention) Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP) Segments this week: (02:23) The border crisis (24:05) Congressional stock trading and Bob Menendez’s corruption charges (45:30) The Biden campaign’s pivot to Trump’s role in the insurrection [Politicology+] Is this the beginning of the end of DEI? Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Send your questions to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/LPDonovan Check out Unusual Whales: https://twitter.com/unusual_whales Related reading: Segment 1: The Hill - House GOP to begin 2024 with focus on border | The Hill ABC News - Migrant encounters along southwest border reach all-time high of 302,000 - ABC News Fox News - Migrant encounters at southern border hit record 302K in December, sources say Fox News - Eric Adams says NYC is at ‘breaking point’ as he warns of another surge of migrants from Texas Chicago Sun Times - With Chicago’s migrant crisis worsening, Biden should step up Politico - Opinion | The Root Causes of Congressional Dysfunction - POLITICO Segment 2: Unusual Whales - The Unusual Whales Congress Trading Report for 2023 ABC News - Citizen watchdogs eye Congress' 'killing it' approach to stock trading - ABC News CNN - Sen. Menendez charged with receiving gifts from Qatar in new allegations in corruption scheme | CNN Politics Segment 3: Axios - Biden will target Trump in speech at war site on Jan. 6 anniversary Wash Post: Biden campaign amps up focus on Trump, starting with Jan. 6 speech - The Washington Post AP News - 2024 election: Biden will start the year at sites of national trauma | AP News Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michele Gelfand (Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Professor of Psychology by Courtesy at Stanford University) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss culture, social norms, and her book Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World (01:46) Why she decided to study culture (04:34) What are tight and loose cultures (06:12) Why tight and loose cultures evolve (10:38) The tradeoffs between tight and loose and how different cultures responded to the Covid pandemic (16:19) Tightness-looseness and willingness to change (19:57) Red and Blue vs Tight and Loose (30:36) Tightening around core values, even in loose cultures (34:56) Real and manufactured threats (44:15) How we we can put this framework into action You should read Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: https://amzn.to/3Qy8DQc To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Follow Michele and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MicheleJGelfand https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. On Monday, Egypt proposed a plan for a long-term ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) and Zack Czajkowski (Principal at Title Fight) discuss Hamas rejecting the plan and the bias in media coverage about the war. Then they dive into the plagiarism allegations levied against Harvard President Claudine Gay Next, they discuss the debate around Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and Donald Trump’s eligibility to be president Segments this week: (02:06) Israel-Hamas (12:30) Harvard Plagiarism Allegations (35:06) Trump’s Ballot Eligibility [Politicology+] Your Phone Is Listening to Every Word You Say Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Send your questions to [email protected] 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/ZackCz To learn more about the 14th Amendment argument, listen to these great deep dives on Yale Professor Akhil Amar’s podcast: Amarica's Constitution: The Two Experts on Section Three - Special Guests William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen on Apple Podcasts Amarica's Constitution: The Two Experts, Part Two - Special Guests William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen on Apple Podcasts ‎Amarica's Constitution: An Officer and a President on Apple Podcasts ‎Amarica's Constitution: 2 Experts, 3 Courts, Section 3, Part 3 - Special Guests William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen on Apple Podcasts ‎Amarica's Constitution: The World Turns to Section Three Related reading: Segment 1: TIME - Egypt Proposes Ceasefire Amid One of the Deadliest Israeli Airstrikes Yet to Hit Gaza Strip Reuters - Hamas, Islamic Jihad reject Gaza gov. overhaul for permanent ceasefire, Egyptian sources say | Reuters Israel National News - New York Times headline falsely claims Gaza war has most Arab deaths in 40 years NYT - Opinion | I Am Gaza City’s Mayor. Our Lives and Culture Are in Rubble. - The New York Times JP - NYT criticized for running op-ed by Hamas-appointed Gaza mayor - The Jerusalem Post Segment 2: NYT - Harvard Finds More Instances of ‘Duplicative Language’ in Claudine Gay’s Work - The New York Times WP - Opinion | Harvard’s president, Claudine Gay, should resign now - The Washington Post NYT - Opinion | Why Harvard’s Claudine Gay Should Go - The New York Times Jewish Insider - Harvard controversy casts spotlight on Penny Pritzker, former Obama official atop university board Segment 3: CNN - Michigan Supreme Court rejects ‘insurrectionist ban’ case and keeps Trump on 2024 primary ballot | CNN Politics Politico - Michigan Supreme Court allows Trump to appear on 2024 primary ballot - POLITICO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus In our digital age, people have grown to see social media platforms as mere tools and applications. Marcus Collins, the award-winning marketer, former digital strategist for Beyoncé, and author of "For The Culture", argues otherwise. Join host Ron Steslow as he sits down with Marcus to unravel the deep-seated influence of culture on social media and our daily choices. Marcus elaborates on his assertion that "social media is people" and why understanding this fundamental idea changes our approach to digital platforms. He also delves into the crucial role of culture in hyperpolarization and how it weaves into the fabric of our society. Segments to look forward to: (01:20) How Marcus came to study culture: "I feel like I'm at my best when I'm helping people realize the best version of themselves…” (04:26) The connection between marketing and psychology (08:42) The importance of purpose in advertising: "Start with what you believe and when you start with what you believe people who see the world the way you do go, 'Finally, someone said it. That's my person.'” (17:02) The influence of culture on consumer choice (20:40) The connection between culture and politics (24:00) Case study: How Patagonia leveraged culture to build their brand You Should Read For the Culture: https://amzn.to/3QjLDaH Check out Predictably Rational by Dan Ariely: https://amzn.to/3rPeWHL Follow Ron and Marcus on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/marctothec Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hagar Chemali, Susan Del Percio, and Ron Steslow discuss Former New York Times Opinion Editor James Bennet’s scathing analysis of The New York Times and their illiberal bias in The Economist Related reading: The Economist - When the New York Times lost its way https://www.economist.com/1843/2023/12/14/when-the-new-york-times-lost-its-way Judith Miller -I used to work for the New York Times. Former editor is right about paper becoming a 'culture of intolerance' https://judithmiller.com/27403/new-york-times-intolerance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. On Tuesday, the Colorado State Supreme Court ruled Donald Trump is eligible to be on the ballot in the state. On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Hagar Chemali and Susan Del Percio discuss the ruling and how it will impact the political landscape. Then they dive into the negotiations over border security, immigration reform and foreign military aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan Next, they discuss the alarming levels of Holocaust denialism among younger Americans and the antisemitism in public schools. Segments this week: (03:30) Colorado Supreme Court Case (25:00) Border security and foreign military aid (46:10) Alarming levels of Holocaust denialism [Politicology+] Former New York Times Opinion Editor James Bennet’s scathing analysis of The New York Times and their illiberal bias Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Send your questions to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/HagarChemali https://twitter.com/DelPercioS To learn more about the 14th Amendment argument, listen to these great deep dives on Yale Professor Akhil Amar’s podcast: Amarica's Constitution: The Two Experts on Section Three - Special Guests William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen on Apple Podcasts Amarica's Constitution: The Two Experts, Part Two - Special Guests William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen on Apple Podcasts ‎Amarica's Constitution: An Officer and a President on Apple Podcasts ‎Amarica's Constitution: 2 Experts, 3 Courts, Section 3, Part 3 - Special Guests William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen on Apple Podcasts Related reading: Segment 1: CBS News - Colorado Supreme Court rules Trump is disqualified from presidency for Jan. 6 riot - CBS News The Hill - Dan Patrick suggests taking Biden off ballot in Texas | The Hill Axios - Landmark Trump ruling gives Supreme Court an unexpected New Year's agenda Axios - Congress erupts after court disqualifies Trump from Colorado ballot Segment 2: NYT - Congress Abandons Ukraine Aid Until Next Year as Border Talks Continue - The New York Times WP - Opinion: A border deal can save Ukraine, aid Israel and Taiwan, and help Biden WP - Opinion | A deal on Ukraine and immigration would show that the center can hold - The Washington Post The Hill - Border Patrol says surge in border crossings is overwhelming its resources | The Hill NBC News - Xi warned Biden during summit that Beijing will reunify Taiwan with China Segment 3: The Economist - One in five young Americans thinks the Holocaust is a myth FP - How U.S. Public Schools Teach Antisemitism | The Free Press Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last few months, there’s been a stark change in tone from some of Ukraine’s biggest supporters—there’s a growing pessimism that Ukraine can take back their land from the Russian invaders and win the war. In this insightful episode, host Ron Steslow invites Molly McKew, an expert on Russian influence and information warfare, to discuss the ongoing Ukraine conflict. As we approach nearly 700 days since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, this episode delves into the war's current state, the changing narratives, and the strategic implications for global democracy. Segments to look forward to: (01:27) Understanding the current state of the war (06:50) The change in attitudes toward Ukraine (11:10) The delay in ramping up production capacity for munitions (15:20) What do the numbers of “military capacity” losses actually mean? (19:05) Ukraine’s counteroffensive (25:05) The need for a change in military strategy (30:13) The domestic political implications if Ukraine doesn’t win (39:00) What Ukraine needs to do to win and what we need to do to help them (49:10) Whether a negotiated settlement is feasible Follow Ron and Molly on X: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/MollyMcKew Email questions and thoughts to [email protected]. Can you leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts? It’s a big help 🙏 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. (01:20) Wendy H. asks “Why isn't anyone talking about the fact that if Trump gets back into office, he will not try to leave once his time is up?” (04:53) Your feedback on our two-part ‘Holy War’ episode and Mike’s reaction to the New Apostolic Reformation (14:55) Listener Rohanna W. inquires: "What motivates Steve Bannon, and what resources can help understand his goals?" (20:21) John R. asks: "Why don't political leaders like Biden utilize the power of short, aspirational speeches?" (27:11) Your feedback on our two-part ‘Identity Trap’ episode with Yascha Mounk (27:50) John from Augusta shares thoughts on enforcing the 14th Amendment against Trump. (33:55) Ron shares your reviews Have a question for a future Mailbag episode? Send it over to us at [email protected]! 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

Poler Family Professor and chair of the psychology department at Amherst College Dr. Catherine Sanderson joins Ron Steslow to talk about how giving can make you happier. (02:08) What is happiness and how can we measure it? (08:31) Does giving make you happy or do happy people give more? (10:20) Types of giving and the impact on happiness (14:50) The effect of giving on bad moods (28:58) Gratitude letters The Positive Shift by Dr. Catherine Sanderson https://benbellabooks.com/shop/the-positive-shift/ Politicology - March 10: Becoming Moral Rebels with Dr. Catherine Sanderson https://politicology.com/episodes/dr-catherine-sanderson-becoming-moral-rebels/ To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Are you learning from Politicology? Contribute now at https://politicology.com/donate! Follow Catherine and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandersonSpeaks https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. The new, darker Donald Trump and his allies have been previewing how he’d use the Oval Office to seek revenge if he gets reelected. On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Olivier Knox (National Political Correspondent) discuss Trump’s darker turn and what, if anything, we can do now to prepare for a potential second term. Then they look at Liz Cheney raising the alarm about Donald Trump, how her potential presidential run could impact the 2024 race, and her call for a potential new conservative party. Next, they discuss the remarkably bad testimony from the presidents of Harvard, Penn, and MIT, the double standard for protecting free speech, and how they’re using the value of free speech as a weapon to punish disfavored speech. Segments this week: (02:34) Dark Trump (22:17) Liz Cheney and the 2024 election (37:14) The college presidents who won’t say calls for genocide are bullying and harassment [Politicology+] Kevin McCarthy’s resignation and why lawmakers are ditching congress at a record pace Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. 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: The Atlantic—The Danger Ahead - The Atlantic WP - Trump and allies plot revenge, Justice Department control in a second term - The Washington Post Segment 2: Axios - Meet the spoilers: Who's declared or considering third-party White House bids NPR - Democracy is at stake if Trump is reelected, Liz Cheney warns in her new book Segment 3: The Dispatch - Antisemitism Is Just a Symptom - The Dispatch The Atlantic - There Is No Right to Bully and Harass Politico - 5 takeaways from college antisemitism hearing - POLITICO Axios - University leaders criticized after Congressional hearing on antisemitism Mediaite - Democrats Mock Harvard President for Citing Commitment to Free Speech During Anti-Semitism Hearing: 'Harvard Ranks Last' on Free Speech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last 100 years, we have streamlined the process of food production. A hundred years ago, 99% of people were engaged in the agricultural process in some way. Today, that number is 1%. As a result, our relationship with food has become desperately impersonal. But what are the consequences of all that efficiency? Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of our food systems with Jeff Tkatch (CEO of the Rodale Institute) and host Ron Steslow. In this captivating conversation, we dig deep into the living soil beneath our feet, our disconnection from nature, and the mechanisms driving our extractive farming systems. Jeff provides a comprehensive understanding of the difference between soil and dirt, explaining why one gives life while the other is lifeless. He shares his personal journey towards regenerative agriculture and elaborates on the role Rodale Institute plays in shaping the future of farming. Segments to look forward to: (2:10) Understanding the difference between soil and dirt: "If soil could talk to us, what would it be saying right now? Feed me. Rest me. Water me. Feed me. Rest me. Water me. I'm a living, breathing organism just like you. And by the way, you depend on me for life." (03:30) Jeff's journey into regenerative agriculture and the role of the Rodale Institute (13:30) How we became disconnected from nature and our food (15:30) Who feeds the world? (16:20) A deep dive into the extractive farming system and the need for sustainable agricultural practices (19:50) Unraveling the incentives that have shaped our agricultural system (23:00) The various faces of agriculture: sustainable, regenerative, and organic regenerative (27:35) The cost of organic food and the unseen cost of not eating organic (30:00) “Agriculture is the great healer of our time” (37:15) Policy changes that could revolutionize farming and an overview of the Pennsylvania State Farm Bill (40:52) The challenge of organic food fraud (51:10) How changing our understanding of food production could reduce polarization: “It starts with gratitude...when we begin to see our brother and sister through food, we're creating a metaphorical table. We're actually sitting down at a table every moment of every day here in this country and hopefully around the world." Learn more about the Rodale Institute: https://www.rodaleinstitute.org/ Get involved and connect with local farmers near you. As Jeff says, "Everybody should get to know a farmer." Follow Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Over 100 of the hostages taken captive by Hamas have been freed over the last week as part of a ceasefire deal with the Israeli government On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) and Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP) discuss the deal and the bias in media reporting about the Israel-Hamas conflict. Then they look at the “Bidenomics” messaging falling flat, voters' low trust in president Biden to handle the economy, and what he can do to change it before the election. Next, they discuss the negotiations in congress over increasing border security in exchange for aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Segments this week: (02:30) Israel-Hamas (28:08) Bidenomics messaging falling flat (40:04) Border security [Politicology+] The power of the administrative state and how Donald Trump could wield it in a second term. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell https://twitter.com/LPDonovan Related reading: Segment 1: Tablet - An Insider’s Guide to the Most Important Story on Earth Axios - How Arab American voters' backlash could imperil Biden's 2024 campaign NBC News - In major speech, Schumer warns of consequences if Americans don't condemn antisemitism TOI - Hamas 'willing' to extend temporary ceasefire by additional 4 days -- report | The Times of Israel Segment 2: The Bulwark —Dear Democrats: Here Are the Facts of Life Axios— Americans' savings are dwindling, new poll shows CBS News - Americans need an extra $11,400 today just to afford the basics - CBS News Axios - U.S. economy was hotter than previously thought, new GDP data shows Gallup - Poor Marks for Biden: Middle East, Economy, Foreign Affairs FRED - Consumer Loans: Credit Cards and Other Revolving Plans, All Commercial Banks (CCLACBW027SBOG) | FRED | St. Louis Fed Segment 3: Politico - Playbook: Why the left is blanching at the border talks - POLITICO WSJ - Senators’ Top Target in Border Talks: Tighter Asylum Rules for Migrants - WSJ The Bulwark - Biden's Dangerous Border Problem - by Charlie Sykes The Dispatch - An Increasingly Unsustainable Stalemate on Immigration - Chris Stirewalt - The Dispatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A woman is weeping over a covered body on a street in Gaza. She's surrounded by people. She turns to the camera and screams: “All this is because of the dogs of Hamas.” And then two men grab her and literally silence her. They hold a hand over her mouth. What if we could hear real stories from people living in Gaza about how Hamas treats them? The Center for Peace Communications is helping to do just that with the video testimony they’ve published in their “Whispered in Gaza” and “Voices in Gaza” projects. In this episode, Joseph Braude (president of the Center for Peace Communications) joins Ron Steslow to discuss how Gazans talk about Hamas, the way they are treated and who they blame for the war. Segments to look forward to: (03:03) Joseph’s background and how it shaped his understanding of the Arab world. (05:30) The “Whispered in Gaza” project. (09:09) The challenges and process of creating the “Whispered in Gaza” project amid the repressive Hamas regime. (10:08) Joseph recounts emotional stories gathered from Gazans, revealing the harsh realities of life under Hamas. (10:38) The discussion turns to how well these stories represent the views of Gazans and the broader implications for Palestinian society. (12:12) Ron and Joseph discuss the challenges and biases in media coverage of the Gaza situation. (25:00) How the global perception of Hamas has been disconnected with the realities in Gaza. (30:00) Exploring how Gazans view the October 7th Attack, Israel’s response, and how they blame Hamas for the humanitarian crises. (32:16) Challenges to delivering aid to those who need it most in Gaza. (35:12) Discussion on the possibilities of change in the governance of Gaza. (36:33) Joseph offers clarity on common misunderstandings about the Israel-Palestine conflict. (42:40) Joseph shares the plea from their interviewees that their voices be heard. (45:17) Final thoughts on how listeners can show meaningful support to Gazans striving for change. Watch the video testimony in Whispered in Gaza: https://bit.ly/3GnQyRA Follow Ron and Joseph on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/josephbraude Email questions and thoughts to [email protected]. Can you leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts? It’s a big help 🙏 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. On Tuesday, Israel approved a short-term ceasefire in exchange for the return of hostages being held captive by Hamas in Gaza. On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Hagar Chemali (Former spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) discuss the deal, Hamas’s wide reaching financial empire, and the fight against jihad. Then they look at the challenges facing Joe Biden as he heads toward reelection, the policy failure hurting him with Latino voters, and why messaging alone won’t fix the problems Next, they discuss Sam Altman’s firing and rehiring at OpenAI and the tension between rapid commercialization and extreme caution over the risks AI poses to humanity. Segments this week: (02:30) Israel-Hamas (22:03) Democrats’ problems run deeper than messaging (47:30) OpenAI and tensions over the speed of commercialization [Politicology+] Donald Trump becoming even more unhinged, the stakes in the 2024 election, and the challenge of building an anti-Trump coaltion…again. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow ​​ https://twitter.com/HagarChemali Related reading: Segment 1: Axios - Israeli Cabinet meets to vote on deal with Hamas on hostage release and ceasefire The Economist - Inside Hamas’s sprawling financial empire WP - Opinion | Joe Biden: U.S. won’t back down from the challenge of Putin and Hamas - The Washington Post WP - U.S. close to deal with Israel and Hamas to pause conflict, free some hostages - The Washington Post FP - Why Western Women Are Converting to Islam | The Free Press Quillette - The Return of the Progressive Atrocity Segment 2: NYT - Biden Faces Economic Challenges as Cost-of-Living Despair Floods TikTok - The New York Times The Dispatch - Support for Israel Is Costing Biden. But for How Long? - Chris Stirewalt - The Dispatch CNN - CNN Poll: Trump narrowly leads Biden in hypothetical rematch | CNN Politics NYT/Siena College Cross tabs -Cross-Tabs: October 2023 Times/Siena Poll of the 2024 Battlegrounds Segment 3: The Atlantic - The Money Always Wins - The Atlantic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid the sea of Trump flags outside the Capitol on January 6th, there were signs that read “Jesus is my Savior, Trump is my President.” A group of protestors carried a giant cross as they marched around the Capitol. Why were these Christian images on prominent display? What role did Charismatic Christianity play in the buildup to the riot at the capitol? How is it continuing to shape our politics? In this two-part episode, Matthew Taylor (writer and creator of the audio-documentary series “Charismatic Revival Fury: The New Apostolic Reformation” ) joins Ron Steslow to discuss how non-denominational Charismatic Christianity built to the attack on January 6th and what it will mean going forward. Segments to look forward to: (01:43) The theological basis for believing Trump being chosen by God to be president (06:15) Belief that political leaders are appointed by God (11:10) Strategic spiritual warfare at the Capitol on January 6th (16:44) The discourse of violence in Charismatic Christianity leading to jan (24:04) The lack of understanding of Charismatic Christians in American media (37:06) Being precise about the threats to pluralism presented by part of Charismatic Christianity (43:16) What he’s seeing in the subculture as we head to 2024 Listen to the full Charismatic Revival Fury series: https://bit.ly/49jqqVb Follow Ron and Matt on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/TaylorMatthewD Email questions and thoughts to [email protected]. Can you leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts? It’s a big help 🙏 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. On Wednesday, President Joe Biden met with Chinese Leader Xi Jinping for the first time in a year after months of building tensions between the two countries. On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Molly McKew (writer and lecturer on Russian influence and information warfare) and Zack Czajkowski (former Lincoln Project Political Director; Principal at Title Fight) discuss the meeting and how it connects to the Israel-Hamas war and Russia’s war in Ukraine. Then they look at Joe Biden’s denial of the multiple battleground state polls showing Donald Trump leading in 2024 Next, they discuss Israel’s raid on a Hamas command center at Gaza’s largest hospital and the spiraling distrust in news media. Segments this week: (1:44) Biden-Xi Meeting (28:18) Biden’s polling denial (47:30) Israel raids Hamas command center at Gaza hospital [Politicology+] Speaker of the House “MAGA Mike Johnson” working with Democrats to successfully avoid a government shutdown and what you really need to know about the strange flag prominently posted outside his office. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow ​​ https://twitter.com/MollyMcKew Related reading: Segment 1: AP News—Biden and Xi are meeting in San Francisco, seeking better US-China relations despite tough issues Axios—Biden holds much-anticipated meeting with China's Xi Axios—Chinese state media turns on the charm ahead of Biden-Xi meeting Segment 2: C-SPAN—President Biden White House Departure | November 9, 2023 | C-SPAN.org Bloomberg—Israel-Hamas War Has Voters Trusting Trump Over Biden in Key States: Poll - Bloomberg Toplines CNN—Joe Manchin won’t run for reelection, giving GOP an opening to flip West Virginia seat | CNN Politics Axios—Manchin says he would consider 2024 presidential run Segment 3: Reuters—Hamas command centre, weapons found at Gaza hospital, Israeli military says | Reuters NYT—U.S. Says Hamas Operates Out of Gaza Hospitals, Endorsing Israel’s Allegations - The New York Times BBC—Apologizing for error saying Israel was targeting medical teams during operation NYT—Israel Accuses Freelance Photographers of Advance Knowledge of Oct. 7 Attack - The New York Times NBC—Throngs gather for March for Israel rally at D.C.’s National Mall to condemn antisemitism FreeP—Metro Detroit Jews miss March for Israel due to bus driver walk-out, trip organizers say The Atlantic—Hamas Must Go - The Atlantic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last month, a compelling global poster campaign has emerged, gripping cities and towns worldwide with its poignant message. These posters, emblazoned with the word "Kidnapped" in bold letters, feature some of the 240 people abducted from Israel into the Gaza strip by Hamas on October 7. This campaign, now viral, transcends language barriers, its message echoing through the streets from Times Square billboards to remote corners of the world. The faces on these posters not only symbolize the heinous act committed by Hamas but also reflect the deep longing and hope of families for the safe return of their loved ones. In this episode, visual poet Nitzan Mintz and street artist Dede Bandaid join Ron Steslow to discuss their work and the poster campaign. (02:05) Nitzan and Dede discuss their early careers and influences (10:56) Insights into the conception and motivation behind their moving poster campaign (18:18) The process of creating and distributing the posters, and the challenges faced (31:25) How media coverage influenced public perception and the campaign's impact (37:50) Their reactions to people vandalizing and ripping down the posters (48:23) How you can get involved and support the campaign (51:18) Nitzan and Dede share the emotional toll and their commitment to this effort If you’d like to put up posters, you can download them here: kidnappedfromisrael.com Follow Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Follow Dede, Nitzan, and the campaign on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidnappedfromisrael/ https://www.instagram.com/nitzanmintz/ https://www.instagram.com/dedebandaid/ Email questions and thoughts to [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. On Tuesday, Democrats and abortion rights advocates scored election victories in Virginia and Ohio On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) discuss the results of those elections and the New York Times / Siena College Poll that has Trump leading Biden in five of six battleground states. Then they discuss the foreign influence campaigns shaping our culture and politics from TikTok to universities. Next, they dive into Donald Trump’s plans to hire lawyers who will help him defy the law—even if it won’t hold up in court. Segments this week: (1:44) Elections and the NYT Poll (28:18) Foreign Influence (47:30) Trump preparing to hire lawyers who will help him defy the law [Politicology+] The third Republican primary debate. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow ​​ https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell Related reading: Segment 1: WP—Exit poll results from Ohio Issue 1 ballot measure on abortion rights - The Washington Post Axios—Virginia Democrats seize statehouse, dashing Youngkin's hopes for GOP takeover NYT/Siena college—Cross-Tabs: October 2023 Times/Siena Poll of the 2024 Battlegrounds NYT—Abortion Rights Fuel Big Democratic Wins, and Hopes for 2024 - The New York Times NYT—Tuesday Was Great for Democrats. It Doesn’t Change the Outlook for 2024. - The New York Times Segment 2: The Free Press—Is Campus Rage Fueled by Middle Eastern Money? | The Free Press The Guardian—TikTok is part of China’s cognitive warfare campaign | Nita Farahany | The Guardian The Economist—Israel is more popular than social-media posts suggest Axios—On TikTok, views of pro-Palestine posts far surpass views of pro-Israel posts Segment 3: NYT—If Trump Wins, His Allies Want Lawyers Who Will Bless a More Radical Agenda Insider—Trump wants to use the DOJ to probe high-profile critics if he wins a second term in 2024, report says The Dispatch Podcast—Trump Davidians Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid the sea of Trump flags outside the Capitol on January 6th, there were signs that read “Jesus is my Savior, Trump is my President.” A group of protestors carried a giant cross as they marched around the Capitol. Why were these Christian images on prominent display? What role did Charismatic Christianity play in the buildup to the riot at the capitol? How is it continuing to shape our politics? In this two-part episode, Matthew Taylor (writer and creator of the audio-documentary series “Charismatic Revival Fury: The New Apostolic Reformation” ) joins Ron Steslow to discuss how the non-denominational Charismatic Christianity built to the attack on January 6th and what it will mean going forward. Segments to look forward to: (04:55) Matt’s Background (10:42) Why January 6th made him examine this brand of Charismatic Christianity (17:00) Why he used “Charismatic Revival Fury” (21:21) How January 6th intersected with Charismatic Christianity (26:19) How independent Charismatic leaders became early Trump supporters (35:18) Why “Christian Supremacy” is a better than “Christian Nationalism” (38:38) How the term “White Christian Nationalism” misses the multi-racial makeup of the movement (44:47) The theology that led to an increase in political engagement among Charismatic Christians Listen to the full Charismatic Revival Fury series: https://bit.ly/49jqqVb Follow Ron and Matt on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/TaylorMatthewD Email questions and thoughts to [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Since Hamas launched their horrific terrorist attacks in Israel, violent antisemitism has spiked across the United States and most visibly on college campuses On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Liz Gilbert Cohen (President of the 2020 Democratic National Convention) and Marc Polymeropoulos (Former CIA Official) discuss how it’s fueling the fracturing of the Democratic party and what it could mean for Democratic politics. Then they discuss Iran’s role in the Israel-Hamas war and how our foreign policy failures could further destabilize the region. Segments this week: (02:24) Rising Antisemitism (24:38) Biden takes heat from his own party on Israel (53:01) Iran’s role in the Israel-Hamas war [Politicology+] The Minnesota congressman who’s running to challenge Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination—and the shadow primary to become the nominee if Biden bows out. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Listen to our conversation with Marc about his book: https://bit.ly/3u0XUI0 Get Marc’s book Clarity in Crisis: https://bit.ly/3MsP7VH Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow ​​ https://twitter.com/Mpolymer Related reading: Segment 1: The Dispatch—The MAGAfication of the Left - The Dispatch CNN—Cornell student accused of threatening to kill Jewish students is expected in court today | CNN NPR—Cornell student arrested in connection with antisemitic threats on New York campus Reuters—​​US antisemitic incidents up about 400% since Israel-Hamas war began, report says | Reuters LA Times—Opinion: Nothing has prepared me for the antisemitism I see on college campuses now Politico—Jewish leaders to Biden officials: ‘We’ve never seen anything like this ever’ - POLITICO Segment 2: Time—https://time.com/6330102/biden-israel-gaza-arab-americans-trump/ NBC—Swing-state Muslim Americans threaten to vote against Biden [March 2023] Gallup—Democrats' Sympathies in Middle East Shift to Palestinians Politico—The generational rift that explains Democrats' angst over Israel - POLITICO JP—​​​​​​​​Hillary Clinton: 'People who call for ceasefire do not understand Hamas' - Israel News - The Jerusalem Post Segment 3: ABC News—Yemen's Houthi rebels claim attacks on Israel, drawing their main sponsor Iran closer to Hamas war - ABC News Yahoo News—How Biden miscalculated on Iran Axios—Behind the Curtain: Rattled U.S. government fears wars could spread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus Journalist, Public Speaker and Author Celeste Headlee (@CelesteHeadlee) joins host Ron Steslow (@RonSteslow) to reveal the science and history behind human communication, share keys to unlock deeper conversations, and explain how critical empathy is for our ability to listen and connect. For more information, to contact us, or to contribute to Politicology, visit Politicology.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. After more than three weeks of chaos, the House of Representatives has elected a new Speaker. On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Katty Kay (veteran reporter and NYT bestselling author) and Susan Del Percio (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert) discuss Speaker Mike Johnson’s rise to take the gavel, the most pressing issues before the House, and putting a bonafide election denier in the Speaker’s chair. Then they discuss Qatar’s role as an intermediary in hostage negotiations, a financial backer of Hamas, a major ally of the United States, and their quest to buy influence from major U.S. universities. [Politicology+] The continuing erosion of support for democracy and data that indicate the appetite for political violence is rising across the spectrum. Segments this week: (02:22) Mike Johnson becomes speaker (31:31) Qatar [Politicology+] The erosion of support for democracy and increasing willingness to resort to political violence Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Find out more about Katty’s work with Claire Shipman: https://www.kayandshipman.com/ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow ​​ https://twitter.com/KattyKay_ https://twitter.com/DelPercioS Related reading: Segment 1: Axios—What to know about new House Speaker Mike Johnson NBC News—GOP speaker nominee Mike Johnson played a key role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election The Hill—Democrats seize on new Speaker Mike Johnson’s anti-abortion record | The Hill The Hill—Where House Speaker Mike Johnson stands on Ukraine, Israel | The Hill Segment 2: The Free Press—Qatar’s War for Young American Minds | The Free Press The Guardian—Yuval Noah Harari backs critique of leftist ‘indifference’ to Hamas atrocities The Atlantic—The Reckoning That Is Coming for Qatar - The Atlantic Axios—Behind the Curtain: Rattled U.S. government fears wars could spread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Politicology+ now for exclusive content - https://politicology.com/plus Dr. Catherine Sanderson, Poler Family Professor, Chair of Psychology at Amherst College and the author of Why We Act: Turning Bystanders Into Moral Rebels joins host Ron Steslow to analyze why Trump was able to exert control on the Republican party, how to recognize leaders who will stand up for what’s right—and what we can do to become moral rebels. Catherine Sanderson Twitter: @SandersonSpeaks Ron Steslow Twitter: @RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the two weeks since Hamas began their terrorist attacks in Israel, many people around the globe have, stunningly, taken to the streets to cheer on the assault. Ron Steslow calls Yascha Mounk (Author of The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time), to explain the people cheering Hamas on, the identity synthesis that is driving their action, the failure of major news organizations pushing out Hamas’s press releases, and the elite institutions that have chosen deafening silence in this moment. Note: We’re learning more and more about the atrocities Hamas has committed and about the events of the war every day. We may not know the full extent of the terrorist attacks for some time. To keep up to date on breaking news, check trusted news sources like the Associated Press and other newswire services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Against a backdrop of American and Israeli flags, President Joe Biden told Israel that as long as the United States stands, Israel will never be alone. On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Matt Bennett (Executive Vice President for Public Affairs at Third Way) discuss the Biden’s trip, Hamas’s lie that Israel bombed a hospital, the major news sources, including the New York Times that published Hamas’s lie, and the information war Then they break down the House GOP’s struggle to find a new Speaker. After we recorded, the House Republican conference scrapped their plan to install Patrick McHenry as an interim Speaker. Segments this week: (02:04) Biden’s trip to Israel (38:40) The Speaker election drags on [Politicology+] The Donald Trump legal battle that’s flying under the radar—and that could keep him off the ballot in 2024. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow ​​ https://twitter.com/madrid_mike Follow Mike on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mykemadrid Related reading: Segment 1: AP—President Biden wraps up his visit to wartime Israel with a warning against being 'consumed' by rage White House —Remarks by President Biden on the October 7th Terrorist Attacks and the Resilience of the State of Israel and its People: TEXT | VIDEO The Free Press—When the Misinformation Comes From Inside the House | The Free Press Axios—Gaza hospital blast: Initial U.S. intel assessment is Israel "not responsible" Segment 2: CNN—Jim Jordan loses second vote for House speaker amid steep GOP opposition | CNN Politics Axios—Bipartisan talks gain steam as Jim Jordan struggles with speaker vote Jake Sherman—NEW -- HOW HOUSE DEMS THINK ABOUT EMPOWERING SPEAKER PRO TEM Axios—GOP scrambles for escape hatch as Jim Jordan falls short again Politico—Jim Jordan’s allies tried strong-arming his GOP critics. It backfired. - POLITICO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hamas’s attack on Israel has heightened concerns about safety and security for Jewish people around the globe. Ron Steslow calls Michael Masters, National Director and CEO of the Secure Community Network, to discuss the threats to Jewish communities in the United States and what organizations and individuals can do to increase their safety We’re learning more and more about the atrocities Hamas has committed every hour, including confirmation from the Israeli government details about the brutal murder of babies. We may not know the full extent of their barbarism for some time. To keep up to date on breaking news, check trusted news sources like the Associated Press and other newswire services. Learn more about United Hatzalah: https://israelrescue.org/ Learn more about NATAL: https://www.afnatal.org/ Learn more about the Secure Community Network: https://www.securecommunitynetwork.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Internet is awash in horrifying images and videos coming from inside Israel and Gaza. Ron Steslow calls Catherine Sanderson, Ph.D. (Poler Family Professor and chair of the psychology department at Amherst College), to discuss what you can do to mind your mental health when consuming disturbing media. Note: We’re learning more and more about the atrocities Hamas has committed and about the events of the war every hour, including the blast at the hospital Catherine talked about during this call. We may not know the full extent of the terrorist attacks for some time. To keep up to date on breaking news, check trusted news sources like the Associated Press and other newswire services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During Hamas’s rampage in Israel last weekend, they kidnapped an estimated 150 people, including women, children, and the elderly. Ron Steslow calls Danielle Gilbert, Ph.D. and Assistant Professor of Political Science at Northwestern University (and Liz Gilbert Cohen’s sister), to discuss the Gaza hostage crisis, how hostage taking tactics developed and why this situation is different. They discuss Hamas’s vow to use hostages as human shields and what the conditions for hostages might be, and what types of negotiations we may see. We’re learning more and more about the atrocities Hamas has committed every hour, including confirmation from the Israeli government details about the brutal murder and beheading of babies. We may not know the full extent of their barbarism for some time. To keep up to date on breaking news, check trusted news sources like the Associated Press and other newswire services. Read Danielle’s article in Good Authority: https://bit.ly/3ZWkNIf Learn more about Dr. Gilbert: http://www.danigilbert.com/ Read the Bellingcat guide on maintaining mental hygiene: https://bit.ly/3ZX6d3a Learn more about Hostage US : https://hostageus.org/ Learn more about the Bring Our Families Home Campaign: https://bit.ly/3FhQN0c Learn more about the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation: https://bit.ly/3tuAlXQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Israel is still reeling from an unprecedented and gruesome terrorist attack by Hamas last weekend. Over a thousand Israelis, including babies, children and the elderly, have been brutally massacred. On this weekly roundup, guest host Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) and guests Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Rina Shah (Former Senior Aide on Capitol Hill) reflect on the horrifying news. They discuss the morally repugnant pro-Hamas rally in New York City endorsed by the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and the Democrats condemning the event. They break down President Biden’s address reaffirming U.S. support for Israel and the importance of the U.S. being a global leader in times of crisis. Next, they look at Republicans scrambling to elect a new Speaker of the House and what happens when performative politics meets a real world crisis Segments: (02:27) The terror attacks in Israel (35:17) The Speaker campaigns [Politicology+] Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announces his independent presidential run . Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow Mike and Rina on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mykemadrid https://www.threads.net/@rinaindc Follow Lucy on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell Related reading: Segment 1: NYT—Hamas Leaves Trail of Terror in Israel CNN—Children found ‘butchered’ in Israeli kibbutz, IDF says, as horror of Hamas’ attacks near border begins to emerge The Hill—The ghosts of Gaza | The Hill C-SPAN—President Biden Delivers Remarks on Hamas Attacks on Israel (Video) | Text WP—Democratic divisions over Israel resurface after ‘cease-fire’ comments - The Washington Post NYT—U.S. Envoy to NATO Says Aid to Israel Won’t Come at Ukraine’s Expense - The New York Times Segment 2: NYT—Hamas Leaves Trail of Terror in Israel CNN—Children found ‘butchered’ in Israeli kibbutz, IDF says, as horror of Hamas’ attacks near border begins to emerge The Hill—The ghosts of Gaza | The Hill C-SPAN—President Biden Delivers Remarks on Hamas Attacks on Israel (Video) | Text WP—Democratic divisions over Israel resurface after ‘cease-fire’ comments - The Washington Post NYT—U.S. Envoy to NATO Says Aid to Israel Won’t Come at Ukraine’s Expense - The New York Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ron Steslow calls Hagar Chemali to discuss the brutal terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel, the massive intelligence failure, how the U.S. and Israel have responded, the reports Iran helped to organize and green light the attack, and why more leaders at home should be condemning the attacks. We’re learning more and more about the atrocities Hamas has committed every hour, including details about the brutal murder and beheading of babies. We may not know the full extent of their barbarism for some time. To keep up to date on breaking news, check trusted news sources like the Associated Press and other newswire services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time in American history, the Speaker of the House of Representatives was ousted in a vote of no confidence. On this weekly roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Scott Tranter (Investor and Advisor to Decision Desk HQ) discuss the Republican infighting, the reforms Matt Gaetz asked for, what it means, and where we go from here . Then they break down Robert F. Kennedy Jr. teasing a third party presidential run, who it could help and who it could hurt Finally, they look at the organized labor stories all over the headlines and what the renewed strength of organized labor could mean for our elections. Segments to look forward to: (02:28) McCarthy loses the Speaker’s gavel (33:45) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. flirts with a third party presidential run [Politicology+] The realignment in working class voters and rising organized labor Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Listen to Will Baude on Advisory Opinions: https://bit.ly/3LN5snH Listen to William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen on America’s Constitution with Akhil Amar: Part 1: https://apple.co/48IK7W6 | Part 2: https://apple.co/48IKiRg Check out Hands Off my Rewards: https://handsoffmyrewards.com/ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/stranter https://twitter.com/madrid_mike Related reading: Segment 1: NYT—Behind Kevin McCarthy’s Extraordinary Downfall as House Speaker - The New York Times CNN—October 3, 2023 - Kevin McCarthy ousted as Speaker of the House The Hill—5 takeaways from the ouster of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker | The Hill NYT—Gaetz’s Ouster of McCarthy Draws Attention to His Ethics Issues - The New York Times WP—Months of bad blood between McCarthy and Democrats help sink his speakership Segment 2: NYT—Robert Kennedy Jr. Hints Strongly at Third-Party Presidential Bid - The New York Times Politico—Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s super PAC preps for him to run for president as an Independent - POLITICO The Dispatch —RFK JR. Could Play Spoiler, but Not for Biden - Chris Stirewalt - The Dispatch Echelon Insights Verified Voter Omnibus Nate Silver —RFK Jr. probably won't hurt Biden. He might even help him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Claire Wardle (co-founder and co-director of the Information Futures Lab, and Professor of the Practice at the Brown School of Public Health) joins Ron Steslow to discuss the challenges( and failures) in improving our information landscape (02:12) Claire’s background and how it led to her research (05:52) Why terms like “misinformation,” “disinformation,” and “malinformation” have become less and less useful (08:45) How the real world doesn’t fit the framework of “misinformation” and “disinformation” (10:50) Why we share stories online and how that shapes the information environment (21:40) The problems that arise from research silos (25:13) How platforms can include users in content moderation decisions (37:07) What role do troll farms actually play in information pollution? (39:44) How the focus on foreign actors stops researchers, academics, and government officials from reflecting sincerely on their failures (44:00) Why we share stories online and how that shapes the information environment (50:28) Improving community-led resistance (55:53) How viewing social media users as a product shapes content moderation decisions (1:01:30) How AI could impact the information landscape… Watch Operation InfeKtion from the New York Times: https://bit.ly/3IjJUxo Read Claire’s piece “Misunderstanding Misinformation”: https://bit.ly/3IlSFa1 Watch the video op-ed where the NYT turned Claire into Adele: https://bit.ly/3MzvNq5 Follow Ron and Claire on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/cward1e Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can Donald Trump use the UAW strike to win over voters in Michigan? Did anyone need to hear Mike Pence tell a sex joke? Has a key member of the Senate been compromised by Egypt? On this weekly roundup, guest host Hagar Chemali (Former spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) and guests Susan Del Percio (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert) and Marc Polymeropoulos (Former CIA Official) dive into all of that and more. They break down Donald Trump’s speech outside Detroit and his return to the economic populism that fueled his 2016 campaign. Then they turn to the second Republican Presidential debate and the growing rifts in the party over support for Ukraine Next, they look at NJ Senator Robert Menendez’s indictment over allegations he aided the Egyptian government in exchange for cash Finally, they look at bombshell new reporting that Iran orchestrated an information campaign to influence how the West views Tehran Segments to look forward to: (02:10) Trump’s Speech and the Republican Debate (19:29) The Menendez Indictment (42:57) The Iran Experts Initiative [Politicology+] The whistleblower testimony alleging the CIA tried to cover up its own assessment that Covid-19 likely came from a lab leak. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Check out Hagar’s show Oh My World on YouTube: https://www.ohmyworld.tv/ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HagarChemali https://twitter.com/DelPercioS https://twitter.com/Mpolymer Related reading: Segment 1: NYT—Trump Tries to Court Blue-Collar Workers at a Nonunion Factory WP—Opinion | Vivek Ramaswamy has a China problem — and a Hunter Biden problem WP—Candidates’ differences on Ukraine reflect stark divide within GOP - The Washington Post Segment 2: SDNY—U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, His Wife, And Three New Jersey Businessmen Charged With Bribery Offenses | United States Department of Justice NPR—Senate Democrats to Bob Menendez: Resign : NPR NBC News—Sen. Bob Menendez pleads not guilty to bribery charges as resignation calls grow louder Just Security—The Ongoing National Security Threats Posed by Senator Bob Menendez Segment 3: Semafor—Inside Iran’s Influence Operation | Semafor Iran International —Inside Tehran’s Soft War Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Reeves (author of Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It) joins Ron Steslow to discuss his book and the struggles facing boys and men. (02:13) Richard’s work and how it led to studying boys and men (04:00) The risks if the problems are not addressed (07:30) The gendered education gap (0z8:20) How economic shifts have impacted men (11:20) Intersectionality in the research on gender (30:30) Recognizing these problems as structural and not individual (34:40) Weighing the biological differences between women and men You can order the book here: https://www.brookings.edu/book/of-boys-and-men/ Follow Ron and Richard on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/RichardvReeves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Reeves (author of Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It) joins Ron Steslow to discuss his book and the struggles facing boys and men. (02:04) The toxicity of “toxic masculinity” (08:00) The “right” at war and the “left” in denial (13:00) How negative partisanship only increases the problem (15:00) The differences in funding and institutional support for men and women (23:00) Redshirt the boys (28:00) The criticism Richard has faced for his writing on boys and men You can order the book here: https://www.brookings.edu/book/of-boys-and-men/ Follow Ron and Richard on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/RichardvReeves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While lawmakers argued over the federal budget, our national debt passed $33 trillion dollars this week. On this week’s roundup, host Ron Steslow and guests Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP), Andy Kroll (Investigative Reporter at ProPublica), and Romina Boccia (Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy at the Cato Institute) discuss why it’s significant and break down the fighting within the Republican party as they argue over a budget. Then they break down how the auto worker strike has Joe Biden caught between two key democratic constituencies They also discuss the migrant crisis in New York City and how it’s growing rifts in the Democratic party Finally, they look at Biden’s defiance in the wake of a Federal Appeals Court ruling that said his Administration likely violated the First Amendment and his campaign’s alarming move to combat what it’s calling “political misinformation.” Segments to look forward to: (02:40) The Debt and the Budget fight (31:31) The United Auto Workers Strike (46:00) New York City Migrant Crisis [Politicology+] The Biden 2024 campaign’s alarming move to combat what it’s calling “political misinformation.” Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/LPDonovan https://twitter.com/AndyKroll https://twitter.com/RominaBoccia Related reading: Segment 1: NYT—U.S. National Debt Tops $33 Trillion for First Time Cato—Don’t Let the Government‐​Shutdown Charade Distract You From the Debt Crisis Axios—GOP defectors sink McCarthy's push to advance Pentagon funding NYT—Right-Wing House Republicans Derail Pentagon G.O.P. Bill, Rebuking McCarthy - The New York Times The Hill—McConnell: Government shutdowns are ‘a loser for Republicans’ | The Hill Segment 2: WP—Biden aides try to quell tension with UAW as Trump plans Detroit trip - The Washington Post Politico—‘Trump scooped us’: Dems sound alarm on Biden’s handling of the auto worker strike - POLITICO Politico—Autoworkers lash out at Biden in the UAW president’s hometown - POLITICO Segment 3: NYT—In Escalation, Adams Says Migrant Crisis 'Will Destroy New York City' WSJ—Why Biden’s Border Policies Aren’t Working - WSJ WP—Opinion | On immigration, Democrats should admit they are wrong - The Washington Post NYT—Suing. Heckling. Cursing. N.Y.C. Protests Against Migrants Escalate NBC—Concern rises in the Biden administration that New York has fumbled its migrant problem, U.S. officials say Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even after historic civil rights progress over the last sixty years, there’s no denying that certain groups of people still face real, serious, and even systemic discrimination. In pursuit of justice, many well-meaning activists have made identity central to their cause—arguing, for example, that in order to right wrongs, rules and laws must treat people differently, not equally, depending on the groups to which they belong. Whatever you think of the term “wokeness,” this new ideology has spread like wildfire through academia, journalism, entertainment, governments, and corporations, radically changing politics, policy, and our public discourse. But what if they have missed the mark? What if crusading identitarianism is doing more harm than good? What if it’s actually chipping away at some of the bedrock principles of our liberal democracy? If we want honest answers, we have to take these ideas seriously. In this two-part series, host Ron Steslow and Yascha Mounk break down his new book, “The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time.” In this first episode, they discuss the rapidly changing meanings of words like “woke” and why Yascha coined the term “identity synthesis” to replace it. They look at the spread of the identity synthesis and how quickly it is changing our politics. They dive into the intellectual underpinnings of the identity synthesis and why Yascha decided to write the book now. Segments to look forward to: (04:21) Yascha’s background (06:50) Why he decided to write this book (16:30) Why Yascha uses the term “trap” (21:40) The philosophical underpinnings of the “Identity Synthesis” Get the book: Order a hardcover copy: https://amzn.to/3PKN6pR Get the audiobook: https://amzn.to/3Ps7CKe Get it on Kindle: https://amzn.to/3rpAB9B Follow Ron and Yascha on X (previously Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/Yascha_Mounk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even after historic civil rights progress over the last sixty years, there’s no denying that certain groups of people still face real, serious, and even systemic discrimination. In pursuit of justice, many well-meaning activists have made identity central to their cause—arguing, for example, that in order to right wrongs, rules and laws must treat people differently, not equally, depending on the groups to which they belong. Whatever you think of the term “wokeness,” this new ideology has spread like wildfire through academia, journalism, entertainment, governments, and corporations, radically changing politics, policy, and our public discourse. But what if they have missed the mark? What if crusading identitarianism is doing more harm than good? What if it’s actually chipping away at some of the bedrock principles of our liberal democracy? If we want honest answers, we have to take these ideas seriously. In this two part series, host Ron Steslow and Yascha Mounk break down his new book, “The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time.” In this second episode, they discuss how the identity synthesis moved from college classrooms, to Tumblr, to newsrooms and workplaces. They discuss the common “with us or against us” attitudes the identity synthesis produces and the infighting at progressive institutions over identity issues. They discuss the impact that “cancel culture” can have over trust in scientific research and why the identity synthesis isn’t compatible with liberal democracy. Segments to look forward to: (01:14) How the identity synthesis moved from college classrooms, to Tumblr, to the workplace (10:40) The “with us or against us attitude” that dominates institutions overtaken by the identity synthesis (16:00) The crippling infighting at progressive institutions over identity issues (16:50) The identity synthesis and cancel culture (26:32) How cancel culture erodes trust in research and institutions (36:21) Why the identity synthesis is incompatible with liberal democracy (44:00) How to handle backlash Get the book: Order a hardcover copy: https://amzn.to/3PKN6pR Get the audiobook: https://amzn.to/3Ps7CKe Get it on Kindle: https://amzn.to/3rpAB9B Follow Ron and Yascha on X (previously Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/Yascha_Mounk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ron Steslow and guests Zack Czajkowski (Principal at Title Fight), Lanae Erickson (Senior Vice President for Social Policy, Education, and Politics at Third Way) , and Jim Swift (Senior Editor at The Bulwark) break down the intra-party politics around the Biden impeachment inquiry and what it could mean for the electoral dynamics in 2024. They also discuss the piece by one of Joe Biden’s favorite columnists urging him not to run in 2024. Finally, they break down the ruling from the 5th Circuit court of appeals ruling that the White House and some government agencies likely violated the first amendment in their communications with social media companies about content moderation Segments to look forward to: (02:41) Biden Impeachment Inquiry (22:12) Should Joe Biden Run in 2024? (33:10) What’s the line between coercion and persuasion when government agencies push for content moderation? [Politicology+] “What Mitt Romney Saw in the Senate,” and why he won’t seek reelection next year. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/JimSwiftDC https://twitter.com/LanaeErickson Related reading: Segment 1: WP—Kevin McCarthy directs House committees to open Biden impeachment inquiry - The Washington Post Vanity Fair—Marjorie Taylor Greene: Impeach Biden Now or I'll Shut Down the Government | Vanity Fair NYT—Trump Privately Encouraged Republican Lawmakers to Impeach Biden - The New York Times NBC News—Far-right Republicans tell McCarthy his impeachment inquiry won't soften their spending demands Politico—How Donald Trump’s DOJ gave Biden a major assist in the coming impeachment probe - POLITICO Segment 2: Axios—Biden's words fuel impeachment push WP—Opinion | President Biden should not run for reelection in 2024 - The Washington Post Segment 3: WP—5th Circuit finds Biden White House, CDC likely violated First Amendment The FP—The Government Censored Me and Other Scientists. We Fought Back—and Won. | The Free Press Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can order Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation now at https://www.jonwardwrites.org/ Jon Ward (Journalist and author of Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation) joins Ron Steslow to discuss growing up in the Evangelical Church, “Christian Trumpism,” and his new memoir. (03:28) Why Jon wrote the book (08:10) Being a “border-stalker” (14:36) The Jesus Movement (21:07) Understanding the different motivations (abortion and race) for Evangelicals joining the Republican party (23:00) The insular church community and how it impacted his worldview (30:00) How Christian belief in the end times impacts action (32:50) The connection between being a spiritual warrior and a political warrior (36:15) Spiritual ecstasy as a sign of devotion to God (and the burnout it caused) (41:41) How anti-intellectualism reinforced the social bubble Order Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation—https://www.jonwardwrites.org/ Follow Ron and Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/jonward11 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can pre-order Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation now at https://www.jonwardwrites.org/ Jon Ward (Journalist and author of Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation) joins Ron Steslow to discuss growing up in the Evangelical Church, “Christian Trumpism,” and his new memoir. (06:05) Why Sarah Palin resonated with so many Christians (10:36) What having difficult conversations can teach you engagement and defensiveness (20:00) Evangelicals showing more fear than faith (28:50) How the structures in evangelical communities enabled Trump to distort reality (31:06) Right Makes Might vs Might Makes Right (36:32) How can outsiders engage positively with Evangelicals on reforming the movement Pre-order Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation—https://www.jonwardwrites.org/ Follow Ron and Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/jonward11 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ron Steslow and guests Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) spill the tea on No Labels’ irresponsible presidential gambit and examine the very real need for structural reform in our political system. Then they dive into rising concerns among parents about their kids’ anxiety, an award-winning essay from a high schooler’s perspective, the record low trust in public schools, and the ‘family feud’ in the GOP that presents a political opportunity for Democrats—but does the will exist to meet it? Segments to look forward to: (02:13)The No Labels’ presidential blunder (29:09) The GOP’s ‘family feud,’ rising concerns among parents, how our public school system is failing high-achievers and struggling students alike, and a political opportunity for Democrats [Politicology+] MAGA Republicans in Wisconsin attempting to oust a State Supreme Court Justice who was just elected in a landslide because their gerrymandered maps hang in the balance. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell Related reading: Segment 1: WP—No Labels preps playbook to select presidential candidates, broaden support - The Washington Post The Dispatch—Democrats Are Making a Risky Bet A With Biden CBS—Larry Hogan says he has "not closed the door" to running for president under a No Labels ticket - CBS News Third Way—No Labels’ Magic Polling Asterisks Segment 2: Politico—What Republicans’ ‘Family Feud’ Gets Wrong About Parenting in America - POLITICO The Free Press—A Constitution for Teenage Happiness | The Free Press Politico—California kids may get personal finance 101 - POLITICO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Picture this: It’s the middle of the Israeli summer and the sun is blazing down. Crowds of people are in the streets, banners aloft, voices raised. Protests have erupted over extremely controversial reforms—reforms that sound alarm bells about the very foundations of Israeli democracy. Switch scenes to Chicago, Illinois. A Democratic congresswoman calls Israel a 'racist state.' Fairly swiftly, her colleagues in Washington, DC disavow her words, reaffirming the extraordinarily close but complex U.S.-Israel alliance. In this episode host Ron Steslow and Avi Mayer (Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post) break down the judicial reforms in Israel, the tinderbox of recent protests, that incendiary “racist state” comment, and the legislative maneuvering that followed—Congress's reaffirmation that yes, we “will always be a staunch partner and supporter of Israel.” Segments to look forward to: (02:00) The importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship for both nations (09:00) Basic overview of how Israel’s political system works (13:30) The aggressive push for controversial judicial reform in Israel (24:34) How some of the proposed reforms would limit the power of the Supreme Court (28:20) The crisis that could arise from a standoff between the Knesset and the Supreme Court (31:00) What compromise might look like (35:18) Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s remarks that Israel is a “racist state” (42:00) The House of Representatives’ resolution reaffirming support for Israel (44:44) Anti-Semitism from across the political spectrum Follow Ron and Avi on X (previously Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/AviMayer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What will BRICS expansion mean for the United States? Is your pension paying for China’s aircraft carriers? How did China spend four years conducting an influence campaign on the biggest social media platforms before they were caught? Why do Republican voters think Donald Trump has the best chance at beating Joe Biden in 2024? Join our host, Ron Steslow, as he explores the latest political news with this week’s guests: Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Hagar Chemali (Former spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN). Segments to look forward to: (02:44) The BRICS Summit and expansion (08:01) Breaking down the biggest news about the U.S. China Relationship (12:44) China’s real estate market crisis (22:40) Is your pension fueling the Chinese military and surveillance state? (35:30) Meta executes its largest ever removal of accounts linked to a four-year-long Chinese influence campaign (:50) Why Republicans Don’t want to be saved by Donald Trump [Politicology+] How Artificial Intelligence will shape our elections and be a tool for bad actors on the world stage. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/HagarChemali You should check out Oh My World on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ohmyworldwithhagarchemali Related reading: Segment 1: CBS News—The 4 biggest moments from this week's BRICS summit — and why they matter - CBS News CNN—BRICS expansion is a big win for China. But can it really work as a counterweight to the West? | CNN CNN—China's Xi unexpectedly skipped a key BRICS event. No one is saying why CNBC—China's property giant Evergrande files for bankruptcy protection in Manhattan court WP—Opinion | Rep. Mike Gallagher: U.S. investment in problematic Chinese companies has to stop - The Washington Post NYT—Meta’s ‘Biggest Single Takedown’ Removes Chinese Influence Campaign - The New York Times SCMP—Republican candidates talk ‘tough on China’ as Trump skips first debate Segment 2: NYT—The Thing Is, Most Republicans Really Like Trump - The New York Times Jonathan Last—Joe the Plumber and Partisan Schadenfreude The Atlantic—The Fourteenth Amendment Fantasy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hagar Chemali, Mike Madrid, and Ron Steslow discuss how Artificial Intelligence will shape our elections and be a tool for bad actors on the world stage. What we read: Bloomberg—Opinion: We Need AI Arms Control to Keep the New Cold War From Turning Hot Scientific American—How AI Could Take Over Elections--And Undermine Democracy - Scientific American The Guardian—The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman review – AI, synthetic biology and a new dawn for humanity | Computing and the net books | The Guardian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catherine Sanderson (Poler Family Professor and chair of the psychology department at Amherst College) joins Ron Steslow to discuss emotional intelligence and how it impacts success in the workplace, politics, and our everyday lives (01:40) What emotional intelligence is and how we measure it (03:55) Why emotional intelligence is important (07:03) How self-awareness impacts emotional intelligence (10:15) How you can build self-awareness (13:05) How regulating your emotions shapes your emotional intelligence (16:20) Ways you can improve how well you manage and regulate your emotions (21:19) The importance of grit in emotional intelligence (24:43) Emotional intelligence and being a moral rebel (39:39) The “dark side” of emotional intelligence (41:39) Why emotional intelligence needs a moral backbone (50:53) How you can improve your emotional intelligence You can measure your emotional intelligence using this test: http://bit.ly/3DPYxpX Follow Ron and Catherine on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/SandersonSpeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ron Steslow calls Molly McKew to discuss the plane crash that killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, why Putin decided to kill his former henchman, and what it means for the war in Ukraine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did anyone land a successful punch at the Republican Debate? (And did it matter?) Our reactions to Trump’s interview with Tucker Carlson, and the new song that catapulted a relatively unknown country singer to conservative folk hero and progressive hate object status Join our host, Ron Steslow, as he explores the most important political news with guests Susan Del Percio (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert), Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP) and Liz Gilbert Cohen (President of the 2020 Democratic National Convention). Segments to look forward to: (02:18) A deep dive into the first Republican primary debate, who won and who lost, Nikki Haley’s swipe at Donald Trump, and Vivek Ramaswamy’s annoying performance that could endear him to MAGA voters (31:50) Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson counterprogramming the debate with a pre-taped interview where they discussed whether Trump’s political rivals would try to kill him and whether we’re heading toward a civil war. (41:40) The little known Virginia country singer who was catapulted to conservative folk hero and progressive hate object status for the song “Rich Men North of Richmond” [Politicology+] The continued legal troubles for Hunter Biden and how Joe Biden can respond to the Republican attacks. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To join us there, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/LPDonovan https://twitter.com/DelPercioS Related reading: Segment 1: Politico—How Fox’s Republican debate moderators are thinking about the Trump question - POLITICO NYT—Debate Live Updates: Republican 2024 Candidates, but Not Trump, to Face Off - The New York Times Segment 2: X—Tucker Carlson Interview with Donald Trump CNN—Trump already taped interview with Tucker Carlson that will air on GOP debate night | CNN Politics The Hill—Tucker Carlson asks Trump: Are you worried ‘they’re going to try and kill you?’ | The Hill Segment 3 YouTube—Oliver Anthony Rich Men North of Richmond AZ Lyrics—Oliver Anthony - Rich Men North Of Richmond Lyrics | AZLyrics.com NY Post—What people are getting wrong about 'Rich Men North of Richmond' NYT—How ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’ Reached the Top of the Charts Intelligencer—Oliver Anthony and the Incoherence of Right-Wing Populism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine a world where candidates no longer need to pander to the extremes, where minor candidates don’t tip elections one way or another, and where your vote can truly represent your values. Sounds like a dream, right? States like Alaska and Maine are already proving it's possible. And they’re doing it with Ranked Choice Voting. In this episode host Ron Steslow and Deb Otis (Director of Research at Fair Vote) break down ranked choice voting, how it works, the way it’s changing politics in states like Alaska and Maine, and what it could mean for other campaigns and how it could help us reign in extremism. Segments to look forward to: (02:12) How Deb started working on Ranked Choice Voting reform (03:05) What Ranked Choice Voting is and how it differs from our current system (07:40) Different forms of Ranked Choice Voting (12:00) How Ranked Choice Voting pushes candidates to appeal to more of the electorate (14:36) Ranked Choice Voting in partisan primary elections (17:30) The impact on extremist candidates like Sarah Palin in the 2022 Alaska House Race (20:50) How Ranked Choice Voting helped Lisa Murkowski hold off a primary challenge from her right (22:01) The repeal effort in Alaska (28:48) How Ranked Choice Voting has changed the way states are governed (31:51) Ranked choice voting in New York City primaries (35:35) Why Democrats are fighting Ranked Choice Voting in Nevada (43:37) What other states can learn from Alaska and Maine (47:47) Using Ranked Choice Voting in Presidential Primary elections. Learn more about Fair Vote: https://fairvote.org/ Learn about how Ranked Choice Voting is being used in presidential primaries: https://bit.ly/3QXWwz0 Follow Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices