The Dispatch Podcast

On today’s podcast, our hosts discuss the Republican Party’s decision to censure two of its own members, Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, over their involvement in the January 6 investigation. Plus, a growing list of states have lifted their mask mandates. What’s changed? Show Notes: -TMD: “Republicans Choose Their Corners in the January 6 Brawl” -The Sweep: “Did McCain-Feingold Ruin America?” -National Journal: “Biden is blowing his COVID moment” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ohio Sen. Rob Portman joined The Dispatch Podcast to talk about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. What is Vladimir Putin doing? Why should Americans care? Plus, Steve and David ask Sen. Portman about efforts to reform the Electoral Count Act. Show Notes: -Sen. Portman on Meet the Press -French Press: “Stop Screwing Around and Reform the Electoral Count Act” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s podcast, our hosts discuss the latest round of statements from former President Donald Trump and new reports about his role after the 2020 election. How are elected Republicans reacting? Plus, President Joe Biden has a Supreme Court seat to fill, and the world turns its eyes toward China as the Winter Olympics get underway. Show Notes: -TMD: “Trump Doubles Down on January 6 Role” -G-File: “This Was Always the Plan” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s podcast, Steve moderates a conversation about the politics of replacing Justice Stephen Breyer on the Supreme Court. Joining Sarah on the panel is Gregg Nunziata, who worked on the Senate Judiciary Committee, and John McCormack, Washington correspondent for National Review. What does replacing a Supreme Court justice look like from behind the scenes? Our panel has that answer and more. Show Notes: -Stirewaltisms: A Supreme Break for Biden -TMD: Breyer to Retire -Advisory Opinions: Justice Stephen Breyer to Retire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The problems in Ukraine are getting worse. Our hosts discuss what led to the current situation and the role President Biden played in getting to this point. Then Sarah, David, Jonah, and Steve talk about two issues that are not getting enough attention as we head to the midterms: immigration and crime. Show Notes: -TMD: Germany Drags Feet On Ukraine -Uphill: What Price Will Putin Pay for a Ukraine Invasion? -NATO spending requirements -Crime stats -San Francisco Mayor crime speech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, Sarah and Steve speak with Heidi Heitkamp, former North Dakota senator and founder of One Country Project. They cover everything from the filibuster to President Biden’s first year in office. What doesn’t work about the Senate? Can Biden turn things around before the midterms? Show Notes: -TMD looks back at Biden’s first year -Uphill looks at the state of Build Back Better Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A year ago, almost to the day, Joe Biden was sworn in as president of the United States. The gang looks back at a year full of shifts to progressive policies from Biden. Is he living up to his promise of restoring normalcy in America? Plus, Gallup says 2021 saw the greatest shift in party preferences for as long as Gallup has been around. What does that mean for the country and our politics? Finally, are we on the brink of World War III with Russia threatening to go into Ukraine? Show Notes: -How Biden’s first year became a tale of two presidencies | POLITICO -Sen. Jim DeMint on what type of Republicans he preferred -Sen. Brian Schatz on the filibuster (from November 2017) -U.S. Political Party Preferences Shifted Greatly During 2021 | Gallup -The Sweep from May 4 on campaign fundraising -David Ignatius’ page on The Washington Post website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rep. Dan Newhouse, one of the 10 House Republicans to impeach Trump, joins Sarah and Steve on today’s podcast. They discuss why he is against Biden’s new voting rights legislation and how much influence the federal government should have over elections. Plus, the congressman talks about his view of the filibuster, and the rightward shift of rural America. Show Notes: -Rep. Newhouse's statement against new voting rights legislation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Biden ran his 2020 campaign on the promise he’d bring back “normal” life in America. Almost one year later, there is still an ongoing pandemic, record-high inflation, and a serious lack of food in grocery stores. The gang discusses it all and what it means for the country. Plus, President Biden spoke about voting rights in Atlanta yesterday and the speech aggravated all four hosts. They discuss the speech and how it adds to the tearing of the social fabric in America. Show Notes: -President Biden’s speech in Atlanta -Stacey Abrams snubs President Biden? -Democrats, Voting Rights Are Not the Problem | Yuval Levin -Tweet that sparked the “worst three-hour drive” debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s podcast, Chris Stirewalt fills in for Steve and Sarah and has a discussion with Josh Kraushaar of National Journal. They talk about the teacher strike in Chicago, which leads to a broader discussion of Biden and the Democratic Party’s unwillingness to challenge the extremes of the party. Plus, they discuss the upcoming midterms and the projected Republican landslide that could be the party’s largest majority since the 1920s. Show Notes: -Josh’s Interview with Jared Polis -Josh’s article about Democrats/Joe Biden pandering to extremes of the party -Poll on how two-thirds of Republicans believe the election was stolen -David Shor on how the progressives have “hijacked” the Democratic Party -Josh’s podcast Against the Grain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the eve of the anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, the podcast is dedicated entirely to the events at the Capitol. The gang recounts their memories from that bleak day in Washington and what it has meant for the country over the past year. A lively discussion about what role Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the left played in the lead-up and aftermath ensues. Finally, what will be different about how we talk about January 6 in 20 years? Show Notes: -First-ever editorial from The Dispatch calling for Trump impeachment -The Dispatch Podcast from January 7, 2021 -Inside the Capitol Riot: An Exclusive Video Investigation | New York Times -Rep. Mike Gallagher on January 6 -Sen. Lindsey Graham on the Senate floor on January 6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final episode of “The Dispatch Podcast” in 2021, our hosts talk about Joe Manchin’s non-reliability for the Democrats, the increasing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and the growing spread of the more-infectious Omicron variant. They close by asking a question: How will historians in 100 years view the past two decades? Show Notes: -Give someone a Dispatch subscription this Christmas -TMD: “Manchin Says No to Build Back Better” -Jonah: “Democrats Are Still Misreading Political Reality” -Dmitri Alperovitch Twitter thread on Russian aggression -TMD: “Biden Inches Toward New Pandemic Paradigm” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, our hosts discuss the House’s vote to hold Mark Meadows, Donald Trump’s former chief of staff, in criminal contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the January 6 Select Committee. Plus, are we taking threats to vote counting seriously enough? Is Jonah right about Omicron? And, is President Biden being unfairly treated by the media? Show Notes: -TMD on Mark Meadows text messages -The Atlantic: “Trump’s Next Coup Has Already Begun” -Jonah’s G-File with his Omicron argument Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s podcast, Sarah and Steve are joined by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. In 2020, Georgia was at the center of claims of voter fraud that kept President Trump from returning to the White House, and before that in 2018, the state was the site of claims of voter suppression that kept Stacey Abrams from the governor’s mansion. Raffensperger, author of the new book Integrity Counts, tells our hosts why Americans should have confidence and trust in our country’s elections. Show Notes: -Axios: “Trump-backed Perdue says he wouldn’t have certified Georgia 2020 results” -Integrity Counts, by Brad Raffensperger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his new book, Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show, Jonathan Karl, ABC News' chief Washington correspondent, details what was really going on in the final months of the Trump administration, and in the aftermath of the 2020 election. What was happening behind-the-scenes as Trump left the White House? How should the press cover a potential 2024 campaign by the former president? Show Notes: -Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show by Jonathan Karl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With all eyes on the Supreme Court today, the gang starts with an explainer of what is happening in the oral arguments of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. What’s at stake? Is it as monumental as some are making it out to be? When might we know how the court rules? Plus, a new COVID variant emerges, Russia builds up its military presence near Ukraine, and blue states fail to live up to their own ideals. Show Notes: -SCOTUSblog on Dobbs v. Jackson -TMD on Omicron -U.S., Allies Warn Russia Over Military Buildup Around Ukraine | WSJ -David Ignatius’ latest column on Ukraine -Blue States, You’re the Problem | NYT -Everyone’s Moving to Texas. Here’s Why. | NYT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's podcast, our hosts discuss how to solve a problem like inflation. Will Biden's Build Back Better Act actually bring down prices? Plus, Sarah and the guys discuss pandemic fatigue driving voters to the GOP, what's going on at the Naval Observatory, and what the Kyle Rittenhouse and Ahmaud Arbery trials tell us about ourselves as a nation. Show Notes: -TMD: “Can the Build Back Better Act Curb Inflation?” -The Sweep: “Dems’ Permanent Pandemic Mindset Deepens Midterm Gap” -CNN: “Exasperation and dysfunction: Inside Kamala Harris' frustrating start as vice president” -Harris has a Veep moment -David in The Atlantic: “Kyle Rittenhouse Is No Hero” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Sarah and Steve sit down with Scott Lincicome, senior fellow at the Cato Institute and author of The Dispatch newsletter Capitolism, to discuss the details of our global supply-chain issues. Plus, Lincicome answers questions about inflation, wages, and problems with our labor force participation. Show Notes: -Make sure you get Capitolism in your inbox -Lincicome’s latest Capitolism tackles our supply-chain woes -Lincicome’s Capitolism looking at our labor shortage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show, our hosts discuss issues up-and-down the supply-chain, and the political fallout it brings. Plus, the ripple effects of the House passing the infrastructure package, what we think we know about the 2022 midterms, and the latest news around the Steele dossier. Show Notes: -Lincicome’s latest Capitolism tackles our supply-chain woes -Uphill breaks down the bipartisan infrastructure bill -The Sweep digests the election results from last week -Politico: “The Surprising Strategy Behind Youngkin’s Stunner” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode of The Dispatch Podcast is a little bit different than the typical Friday version. Steve interviewed Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse at the Aspen Security Forum on the topic of America’s response to the digital revolution across the globe. Among some of the more interesting topics discussed: China and “chuckleheads,” as Sen. Sasse refers to some members of Congress. Sen. Sasse explains why even though the country faces an immense amount of problems he is still optimistic about the future. Show Notes: Link to video of the discussion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes the news of the day calls for some good old-fashioned rank punditry and after Tuesday’s elections today’s Dispatch Podcast does just that. Sarah, David, Jonah, and Declan look at the results not just in Virginia, but New Jersey, Minneapolis, and Buffalo, too. What do the results mean for the 2022 midterms? Anything at all? Our hosts break it all down. Show Notes: -TMD on election night in America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's podcast, Sarah and David talk with Ian Prior, executive director of Fight for Schools, to discuss what exactly is happening in Loudoun County, Virginia. Critical race theory in schools? A sexual assault controversy? And how will this all affect the race for governor in Virginia? Show Notes: -Prior “More Va. Public Schools Using Kids As Guinea Pigs For Critical Race Theory” -French Press “When the State Kinda Sorta Parents Your Child” -The Sweep: Down to the Wire in Virginia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, our hosts discuss a new proposal from Democrats to tax the unrealized capital gains of billionaires. Is it constitutional? Plus, Taiwan and “strategic ambiguity,” the Facebook files, and who will Virginia elect as governor next week? Show Notes: -The Dispatch: “Washington Should Deter an Attack on Taiwan” -Wall Street Journal “The Facebook Files” -The Sweep: Down to the Wire in Virginia -The Dispatch “President Biden Stumps for Terry McAuliffe” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Sarah and Steve talk with Klon Kitchen, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and veteran of the intelligence community to discuss the latest news out of China. What do China’s hypersonic missile tests mean for the balance of power between the United States and China? Are we at the start of a new "cold war?" Kitchen answers these questions and more. Show Notes: -“Why China’s Hypersonic Missile Tests Are So Concerning” by Klon Kitchen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s podcast, our hosts tackle a wide range of topics. From China’s hypersonic missiles to the ongoing situation in Loudoun County, Steve, Sarah, Jonah, and David grapple with what those issues mean for the country with heavy doses of concern and skepticism. Plus, some good old-fashioned rank punditry. Sarah asks whether political operatives are responsible for ruining our politics? And some level-setting on Jonah’s third party idea that has caused a stir on the right. Show Notes: -“The Greatest Cold War Myth of All” - Charles Krauthammer -Jonah’s Los Angeles Times column on a third party -Jesse Singal on Loudoun County Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Rep. Dan Lipinski, Democrat from the Chicago area, and Reid Ribble, Republican from Wisconsin, join Sarah and Steve about how Congress works or doesn’t work, rather. The two former elected officials highlight the failures of the House of Representatives with troubling personal stories and insights. Fair warning, this conversation is as distressing as it is informative. Plus, stick around to hear what the Wisconsinite and Illinoisian think about this weekend’s Packers vs. Bears game. Show Notes: “The House of Representatives Is Failing American Democracy” - Lipinski in The Atlantic “Confessions of a pro-life Catholic Democrat in a divided nation” - Lipinski in America Magazine Dan Lipinski’s website “Daniel Lipinski on Common-Good Republicans” - First Things Podcast Reid Ribble’s Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To quote the great Ozzy Osbourne, “We’re going off the rails on the crazy train.” In today’s podcast, our hosts look at Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s ban on vaccine mandates, the DOJ memo aimed at school boards, an update to the January 6 committee, and President Biden's slumping numbers among independents. And finally, what does all of this mean for 2022 and (even though it’s way too early) 2024? Show Notes: -Abbott says businesses control their merchandise -Abbott says businesses cannot control who is vaccinated in their store -Merrick Garland letter -National School Board Association letter -McAuliffe: "I don't think parents should be telling schools what they should teach." -Tragic homicide story over vaccines in Maryland -Daily Wire Loudoun County story -“We Came So Close to Disaster” - French Press -Eastman Memo: “It’s Real and It’s Not Spectacular” - Advisory Opinions -Bill Kristol and William Baude -The Sweep on Biden’s polling struggles -Ezra Klein and David Shor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Jonah hijacks hosting duties from Sarah to have a conversation with Steve as The Dispatch celebrates its second anniversary. How did we get here? What is the state of the company? And where are we going? Show Notes: -The Dispatch manifesto from 2019 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's podcast, our hosts discuss China's recent incursions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, and how seriously the United States should take the Chinese Communist Party’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Plus: Democrats are in disarray on Capitol Hill, a State Department official resigns over the Biden administration’s border policy, and Facebook is feeling the heat from all directions. Show Notes: -Read TMD on China’s deployment of aircraft near Taiwan -Subscribe to Uphill for the latest news from Capitol Hill -Facebook Files from WSJ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's podcast, Steve is joined by Haley Byrd Wilt, who writes Uphill for The Dispatch, and John McCormack, Washington correspondent for National Review, to discuss what exactly has been happening on Capitol Hill this week. After House Democrats delayed a vote on the infrastructure bill, can both factions find a way to end the stalemate? Show Notes: -Subscribe to Uphill for the latest news from Capitol Hill -Read McCormack at National Review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All eyes are focused on Capitol Hill this week as the debt ceiling, government funding, and infrastructure talks continue to heat up in both houses of Congress. Also happening in both chambers is testimony on Afghanistan from Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and U.S. Central Command Commander Gen. Kenneth McKenzie. Sarah has the week off, so Steve, David, and Jonah discuss it all on this week’s episode. And for dessert: the future of the Republican Party. Show Notes: -TMD on Afghanistan testimony -Uphill on what the heck is going on in Congress -Jennifer Graham Afghanistan reporting -Robert Kagan on our constitutional crisis in the Washington Post -The Eastman memo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Brian Riedl, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, joins Sarah and Steve as Congress debates lifting America’s borrowing cap. Will Democrats and Republicans come to an agreement to lift the debt limit? Are we heading toward another government shutdown? Is anyone in Washington concerned about our ballooning national debt? Show Notes: -The Morning Dispatch looks at Biden’s make or break week -Riedl’s piece from earlier this summer “Trillions and Trillions” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the latest surge of migrants in the border town of Del Rio, Texas, our hosts discuss how the Biden administration has handled the immigration issue since taking office. Plus, President Biden continues to have foreign policy problems. What happened with the botched drone strike in Afghanistan? Why is France mad at us? All of that leaves Jonah with one big question: Is Biden just bad at his job? Show Notes: -Jonah on Biden’s foreign policy -The Morning Dispatch breaks down the drone strike that killed civilians in Afghanistan -TMD catches you up on the deal between the U.S., U.K., and Australia -Tom Joscelyn on AUKUS in Vital Interests Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, CNN’s S.E. Cupp joins Sarah and Steve to talk about the Biden administration, Congress, and why extremism is taking over the politics of today. Plus, the trio discusses the effects of social media on the news business and the challenges that come with being the target of internet trolls. Show Notes: “The Conservative Coma” by SE Cupp in Vanity Fair S.E. opens up about living with anxiety WSJ report on the effects of social media on teen girls “Why You're Wrong About the Right” by S.E. Cupp and Brett Joshpe “Losing our Religion” by S.E. Cupp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalists Bob Woodward and Robert Costa have a new book coming out that is full of more scandals from the Trump era, most notably one involving Gen. Mark Milley possibly going around the chain of command in the final days of the Trump administration. Before that discussion, the gang discusses the legality and politics of the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate. Plus, a potpourri of topics pertaining to the GOP and what to make of the California recall election. Show Notes: -Excerpts from Peril by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa -Reporting from Jennifer Griffin -More excerpts from Peril -Scott Lincicome’s latest Capitolism newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah and Steve talk with Sen. Ben Sasse about the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan and what to do next. For a longer summary of the interview, check out an article on The Dispatch website. Plus, Steve talks with Peter Wehner who was a speechwriter for President George W. Bush on September 11, 2001. They share reflections on that day at the White House and the last 20 years. Show Notes: -“The Vanishing American Adult” by Ben Sasse -“Them” by Ben Sasse -Peter Wehner at The Atlantic -Peter Wehner at The New York Times -“The Death of Politics” by Peter Wehner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Biden is having a no good, horrible, very bad summer. The gang, with Chris Stirewalt subbing in for David, discuss whether Biden can recover from the last few weeks. Is the only thing that can save Biden a reemergence of former President Trump? Trump is slated to visit Iowa and the group discusses what that means for 2024. And finally, Afghanistan is still in shambles and we’re coming up on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Listen to hear what Sarah, Jonah, Steve, and Chris were doing 20 years ago and how it impacted the rest of their lives. Show Notes: -Amy Walter on Biden’s approval rating -Jonah’s 9/11 piece Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, declined to block a Texas abortion law from going into effect. In Thursday’s Advisory Opinions podcast, Sarah and David tackled the legal aspect of the law and the court’s decision. Today, they turn to the politics--not just of the Texas law, but of the issue of abortion itself. Where does the pro-life movement stand today? Where does it go from here? Show Notes: -David’s piece breaking down the Supreme Court’s decision -David and Sarah’s legal analysis of the Supreme Court’s ruling -Study: “How Americans Understand Abortion” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are no more troops in Afghanistan, and President Biden is telling us we had no other option. The gang talks about all the problems with Biden’s speech from the White House at the end of the war in Afghanistan. Plus, as political violence seems to be ticking up recently our hosts debate whether or not that is something to worry about. And finally, creeping a little bit into Advisory Opinions territory, what’s going on with all of the big cases in the Supreme Court? Show Notes: -Biden’s speech on the end of the Afghan War -McConnell honors Joe Biden in 2016 -David’s latest newsletter on political violence -Sen. Ron Johnson is a closet normal -Eviction moratorium ends -Texas abortion law Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rep. Mike Gallagher joins Sarah and Steve on the podcast and tries (with no luck) to understand the logic behind the Biden administration’s withdrawal plan in Afghanistan. Gallagher puts it quite bluntly, “The whole thing is a mess, and there are very few options we have right now.” The Marine Corps veteran explains what he’d like to see from the Biden administration going forward and how the GOP should handle national security issues going forward. Plus, find out what brutal book the congressman just finished reading (hint: it’s about Sarah’s home state). Show Notes: Office Space Michael Bolton scene Rep. Gallagher’s Small Wars Journal piece with plenty of Office Space references Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Qwynne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, the gang leads the podcast with yet another conversation about the crisis in Afghanistan. As they tick through all the bad takes floating around the internet surrounding the situation one by one, it’s clear the main takeaway is that it’s still really bad and sad to watch. Plus, more infrastructure talk! Has Nancy Pelosi lost her political touch? The Dispatch Podcast team breaks down how the political maneuvering of infrastructure will affect 2022. And for dessert: the California gubernatorial recall election. Show Notes: -Can the Taliban become a reliable partner to the U.S.? Only time will tell. - David Ignatius -History of the Dunkirk evacuation -David subs for Jonah on The Remnant -TMD tries to explain the House infrastructure rule -TMD on California recall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Steve moderates a conversation with David French and Tom Joscelyn about the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan. They cover the Biden administration’s decision not to begin evacuations before the Taliban captured Kabul, intelligence failures, the state of the Afghan military, and much, much more. Show Notes: -Read Vital Interest for Tom’s latest analysis on Afghanistan -Read The French Press for David’s latest analysis on Afghanistan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the large majority of today’s podcast, our hosts discuss the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan and how it will affect domestic politics in the United States. Perhaps David summed up the conversation around the Afghanistan situation as succinctly as possible, “There’s no way to spin this as anything other than a direct American defeat.” Plus, short conversations about the state of COVID-19 and the new census data. Show Notes: -The Remnant with Eli Lake -The Sweep on issue polling -All of Thomas Joscelyn’s latest Vital Interests -New census data -Americans Color Outside the Lines - Chris Stirewalt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his first interview after voting yes on the historic bipartisan infrastructure bill, Sen. Bill Cassidy joins Sarah and Steve to talk about how it feels to see that bill pass the Senate. Plus, Cassidy puts on his doctor hat to talk about COVID-19. Then Steve is joined by Tom Joscelyn to discuss the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. How much longer until the Taliban seizes full control of the country? Show Notes: -Closer look at passing of the infrastructure bill from Uphill -David French’s view on Afghanistan -Read Vital Interest for the latest analysis on Afghanistan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At long last, infrastructure week is here! The gang contemplates what the bipartisan plan and Democratic reconciliation package mean for the country and the economy. Also, how would Sen. Goldberg vote on the bipartisan bill? Then the discussion turns to what should be done about the latest damning climate report. Plus, everyone’s worst fears about Afghanistan from a few weeks ago seem to be coming true. And finally, for dessert, Andrew Cuomo. Show Notes: -Uphill’s latest update on infrastructure -IPCC report -Pentagon press secretary John Kirby -State Department spokesman Ned Price -Cuomo resigns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you solve a problem like Iran? Richard Goldberg, a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, is here to talk with Sarah and Steve about the Biden administration's approach to Iran after six months in office. Was moving away from the Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign the right move? Show Notes: -Goldberg’s piece in The Dispatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s podcast, our hosts kick things off with a discussion about New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who refuses to resign despite a damning sexual harassment report and calls from national Democrats, including President Biden, to step aside. They then dive into the CDC’s decision to extend the eviction moratorium again and debate the possibility of a federal vaccine mandate. Next, David talks about the right’s new obsession with Hungary and Viktor Orbán and how it mirrors the left’s fascination with Scandinavia. Finally, the gang discusses the recent dropoff in PAC contributions, and how the rise in small dollar donations may be contributing to American partisanship. Show Notes: -The battle for 1042 Cutler Street -Web/fundraising email loop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former U.S. Representative Will Hurd from Texas joins Sarah and Steve to talk about dysfunction in Congress, the January 6 committee, and the centralization of power in Washington. Hurd tells our hosts that there’s no incentive to solve real issues in Congress and we’re incapable of dealing with generation-defining issues because our political system is full of silly issues. Plus, why it’s imperative to teach students how to code. And why, contrary to Republican talking points, January 6 was not an ordinary day. Finally, how the Republican Party can be more competitive with people of color, young people, and suburban women. Show Notes: -Will Hurd’s upcoming book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The select committee to investigate the January 6 attack held their first hearing on Tuesday, our hosts are here to discuss the substance and politics of what we heard. Plus, the CDC is out with new guidelines recommending vaccinated Americans wear masks indoors in certain parts of the county. Can Jonah contain his anger at the CDC's messaging? And why are opinions on Simone Biles' decision to withdraw from competition a race to the bottom? Show Notes: -The Morning Dispatch recap’s January 6 committee hearing -CDC updated its COVID-19 mask guidance -Simone Biles drops out of Tokyo Olympics team final Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Ruffini, a co-founder of the predictive analytics and research firm Echelon Insights, joins Sarah and Chris to discuss his recent analysis of the American electorate. Ruffini tells our hosts where the ideological center of gravity seems to be and why cultural issues might be driving voter turnout. Chris asks whether a party can adopt a perfect policy position and if party bases tolerate ideological flexibility. Plus, why are moderate Democrats outperforming progressives? And why are educated voters drifting left, but non-educated voters are drifting right? Show Notes: -Echelon Insights Four Quadrants of American Voters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices