The Mona Charen Show

Sasha Havlicek and Philip Bump join the panel to discuss online disinformation, the GOP reaction to Trump guilty verdict, and the Fauci follies in Congress. highlights / lowlights Sasha- The 80th Anniversary of D-Day at Normandy American Cemetery. Damon- The Tower and the Sewer by Mark Lilla (NYR) Linda- This Catholic leader shelters migrants. Texas says he runs ‘stash houses.’ (WaPo) Philip- Two years later, Dinesh D'Souza's obvious misinformation is finally taken down Mona- World War II Veterans meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky at Normandy and "The Biggest War on the Small Screen" by Benjamin Parker (Bulwark)

Famed presidential photographer David Hume Kennerly joins Bill Kristol and regulars to discuss the Ford Library's cowardly refusal to honor Liz Cheney, how Democrats should handle the Trump verdict, and Biden's standing with the young and old. highlights / lowlights David: In closing, Trump’s team takes the jurors for idiots (Dana Milbank, WaPo) Mona: Why Trump is hobnobbing with rappers facing gang-related charges (MSNBC) Bill Kristol: The impressiveness of the Manhattan Trump Trial (NYT). Linda Chavez: Mexican Democracy Hangs In The Balance (Enrique Krauze, Persuasion) Bill Galston: Highlight: NATO’s boss wants to free Ukraine to strike hard inside Russia (The Economist) Lowlight: Almost 6,000 Dead in 6 Years: How Baltimore Became the U.S. Overdose Capital (NYT) show notes: The Danger of a Small Act of Cowardice by David Hume Kennerly. (Includes the Cheney / Ford photo referenced in the show.) David's Resignation Letter from the Ford Presidential Foundation

Joe Klein joins the panel to discuss Haley's Trump support, Alito's freak flags, and polls showing Americans are deeply misinformed about the state of the economy.highlights / lowlightsDamon: Is the Biden Campaign Running on False Hope? (Isaac Chotiner, NYer)Linda: Three Books to Help You Understand Nations in Transit 2024 (Freedom House)Joseph: The U.S. assembles the pieces of a possible Gaza war endgame (David Ignatius, WaPo)Mona: The Birth of a MAGA Conspiracy Theory (Andrew Egger, The Bulwark)Bill: If Trump wins, what would hold him back? (Andrew Prokop, Vox)

Sarah Longwell, Chris Cillizza, Will Saletan join Mona and Bill to discuss the upcoming debates, the polls (and Biden's response to them) and how to spend a record $61 million on a Senate primary and still get trounced. highlights / lowlights Mona: Thousands sign petition urging canceled concerts by Israeli ensemble to go ahead in Amsterdam (Times of Israel) Sarah: GOP Sen. Mitt Romney says Biden should have pardoned Trump (NBC) Biden killing the presidential debate commission. Chris: The beauty of no audience at the Presidential debate. Bill: Can the Declaration of Independence’s Ideals Hold America Together? (Colin Woodard, Washington Monthly) Lowlight: The reports from the battlefield in Ukraine, after the GOP delayed aid for so long. Will: RFK Jr.’s Rich Running Mate Just Added $8 Million to His Effort. The hypocrisy of Congressional Republicans who voted against aid to Ukraine and Israel but lectured Biden over withholding 2,000 pound bombs for Rafah.

The Society for the Rule of Law's Gregg Nunziata joins to discuss the NY and other cases against Trump; Biden's pivot on weapons to Israel, and RFK, Jr's brain worm. highlights / lowlights: Mona: In Letter, 540 Jewish Columbia Students Defend Zionism, Condemn Protests Gregg: Highlight: This Is Peak College Admissions Insanity by Daniel Currell, Lowlight: Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump allies who tried to overturn the 2020 election roll out voting 'integrity' bill Linda: The New Propaganda War by Anne Applebaum Bill: Liberland: Populism, Peronism, and Madness in Argentina by David Rieff Damon: The curse of presentism by Brink Lindsey

FT's Ed Luce joins the group to discuss campus protests and whether Biden is losing. highlights / lowlights: Mona: Country Music, a film by Ken Burns Ed: The Colombia student asking that the protestors be brought food in their encampment. Linda: MTG's bizarre defense of her anti-Semitism vote. Bill: Netanyahu: Israel will invade Rafah — regardless of hostage deal Damon: The new Steve Martin documentary.

Anne Applebaum joins the panel (with Philip Bump) to discuss Ukraine's war effort, Russian disinformation, campus protests, and a change of pace for final segment. What would you have put on the Voyager Spacecraft? Mona: Images of human love: parents interacting with babies (joy), a dog reacting to being reunited, humans taking care of other humans with a handicap (compassion). Damon: Holy texts of major religions, Plato's Republic, Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, and the Beatles. Philip: The vessel itself is a message, and a Haiku by Issa. Linda:, a reproduction of Aphrodite of Knidos Sculpture by Praxiteles, Michelangelo's David, Gorecki and Beethoven.

Lawfare's Ben Wittes joins the group to discuss Iran's attack on Israel, Congress's action on Ukraine, Trump's NY trial, and the Supreme Court. highlights / lowlights Mona: The Great Hypocrisy of the Pro-Life Movement (David French, NYT) Bill: Efforts to reform the insurrection act. Linda: Restoring Civics in Higher Education (Wilfred McClay, AEI) Ben: Mona is given an award, but Chatham House Rules. Damon: The Retconning of January 6 by people who knew better

Patterico joins the panel to analyze Bragg's case against Trump. The panel also looks at the Arizona Supreme Court decision, and the GOP's clownish attempt to find something on which to impeach Biden.highlights and lowlightsDamon: Anxious Parents Are the Ones Who Need Help (NYT)Patrick: Famed photographer quits Ford board over Liz Cheney snub (Politico)Linda: A Region Reordered by Autocracy and Democracy (Freedom House)Mona: Cass review: Health secretary criticises gender care 'culture of secrecy' (BBC)Bill: High interest rates, rising inflation: The economy still isn’t normal (WaPo)

Matt Bennett of Third Way joins to discuss the end of No Labels, RFK, Jr., and other third parties as well as Florida's new abortion law. highlights / lowlights Mona: Karl Rove admonishing Trump's embrace of January 6 criminals (audio) Damon: Why We Can’t Stop Arguing About Whether Trump Is a Fascist (Andrew Marantz, New Yorker) Matt: How the No Labels 2024 Presidential Campaign Failed to Launch (WSJ) Bill: Build Back Faster (Sean Kennedy, City Journal) show notes This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/begtodiffer and get on your way to being your best self. Go to TryMiracle.com/BEGTODIFFER to try Miracle Made sheets today! And, whether you’re buying them for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, if you order today you can save over 40%. AND if you use our promo BEGTODIFFER at checkout you’ll get 3 FREE TOWELS and SAVE an extra 20%!

The Atlantic's Peter Wehner joins the panel to discuss Trump hawking a "patriotic" Bible, accusations of lawfare regarding Trump's trials, and Putin's war on truth.Highlights / Lowlights:Mona— What Would You Have Israel Do to Defend Itself? (David Brooks, NYT)Damon— Tucker Carlson's hilariously wrong prediction that Sam Bankman-Fried would avoid justice because he was a megadonor.Peter— Lowlight: Jesus's Crucifixion. Highlight: Easter, of course.Linda— Bridge collapse brings stark reminder of immigrant workers’ vulnerabilities (WaPo)Bill— Democrat who ran heavily on abortion rights, IVF wins Alabama special election (WaPo)

Nicholas Grossman joins the panel to discuss Trump's money troubles as a national security threat and political challenge, the "bloodbath" brouhaha, and Schumer's speech about Netanyahu.highlights / lowlights Damon: Miranda's Last Gift by David Frum.Mona: The U.S. is no longer one of the 20 happiest countries. If you're young, you probably know why.Bill: Graham calls for interest-free loans to Ukraine: ‘New way of doing business’ (The Hill)Nick: Once More With Feeling: Banning TikTok Is Unconstitutional & Won’t Do Shit To Deal With Any Actual Threats by Mike Masnick (TechDirt)LINDA: 12,000 More Visas for Afghans Who Helped US Military Included in New Funding Deal (Military.com).Appeals court raises doubts of legality of new Texas deportation law, SB4, pointing to past rulings (Houston Chronicle)

Michael Isikoff, co-author of Find Me the Votes: A Hard-Charging Georgia Prosecutor, a Rogue President, and the Plot to Steal an American Election, details some of the undercovered aspects of Trump's 2020 election subversion. The panel also discusses how the Biden reset is going.highlights / lowlightsMona: Warden is ousted as FBI raids California women’s prison known as the ‘rape club’ (LATimes).Damon: American politics is undergoing a racial realignment (FT) and a thread from the author, John Burn-Murdoch.Bill: 2024 Michigan: Trump Leads Biden In 5-Way Race (Quinnipiac Poll) Michael: Trump’s Biden Mockery Upsets People Who Stutter: ‘We’ve Heard This Before’ (NYTimes). Linda: Literary Magazine Retracts Israeli Writer’s Essay as Staffers Quit (NYTimes).

On this week’s episode, Philip Bump of The Washington Post joins guest host A.B. Stoddard and the usual crew to discuss the beginning of the general election.highlights / lowlightsA.B.- The NC Exit Polls where voters thought Trump had better physical and mental fitness to be President than Haley.Philip- The Crazy Collapse of the House G.O.P.’s Impeachment Case Against BidenBill- Ukraine outgunned 10 to 1 in massive artillery battle with RussiaLinda- Mitch McConnell endorses Donald Trump for president after years of frosty ties, and the 9-0 SCOTUS ruling.Damon- The 9-0 SCOTUS ruling on Trump and the 14th Amendment.

David French of The New York Times joins the panel (plus Cathy Young) to discuss the Supreme Court's gift to Trump; Mitch McConnell's tainted legacy; and the threat from Christian supremacism.highlights / lowlightsMona: Stephen Richer's interaction with TPUSA activist about her voter registration.David: Dune 2 Cathy: Yulia Navalnaya addresses European Parliament after Alexei Navalny's deathWhy the Kremlin Tried to Obstruct Alexei Navalny’s FuneralBill: Why Americans are still angry about inflation, even as it cools by Heather LongDamon: Why the Supreme Court Should Grant Certiorari in United States v. TrumpThe Consequences of Jack Smith's Rush to Trial

AEI's Kori Schake joins to discuss Ukraine funding, GOP's moral and strategic collapse, Nikki Haley's role, calls for a Gaza ceasefire, and more. highlights / lowlights Damon: John Avlon: I'm running for Congress. Linda: Something’s Fishy About the ‘Migrant Crisis’ A Rage in Harlem by Chester Himes Liberation Struggle Kori: NATO Gives Ukraine the Go-Ahead to Cross Putin's Red Line Mona: What Losing My Two Children Taught Me About Grief Bill: For Gen Z, an Age-Old Question: Who Pays for Dates?

Chris Cillizza joins the panel for a thought experiment on Biden, as well as the NY special election and its implications for November, NATO, and whether today's GOP as bad as 1930s GOP?highlights / lowlightsMona: Why Americans Suddenly Stopped Hanging Out by Derek ThompsonBill: lowlight: Trump says he would encourage Russia to attack Nato allies who pay too littlehighlight: Putin Says He Was Disappointed by Tucker Carlson’s Soft QuestionsLinda: The Budget and Economic Outlook: 2024 to 2034 (look at pages 5-7)Damon: What I Saw Inside the DeSantis Campaign by Nate HochmanChris: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham by Will Saletan

The Dispatch's Scott Lincicome returns to discuss cheap avocados, the "China shock," and other economic matters. The panel then discusses the GOP heel turn on the border, betraying Ukraine, and whether the Crumbley verdict was a step too far.highlights / lowlights:Mona: As Kids, They Thought They Were Trans. They No Longer Do. (Pamela Paul, NYT)Linda: Isaiah Berlin and the Tragedy of Pluralism (Damon Linker, Persuasion) 1961 Debate Between Malcolm X and James BaldwinBill: Firing Ukraine’s top general would be a mistake (Adrian Bonenberger, The Hill) Damon: Special Counsel Robert Hur's Biden classified documents report.

ABC's Jonathan Karl joins to discuss Trump's under-covered first two years as post-president. Also the immigration deal that isn't.highlights / lowlightsDamon: Baumgartner by Paul AusterLinda: After a Decade of Decline, the US Undocumented Population Increased by 650,000 in 2022, Journal on Migration and Human SecurityThings Fall Apart: How the Middle Ground on Immigration Collapsed, New York TimesMona: MAGA Has TDS—Taylor Derangement Syndrome, A.B. Stoddard, The BulwarkJonathan: Lowlight: The collapse of the Ravens and Lions in the NFL playoffs.Bill: EU Leaders Agree to $54 Billion Ukraine Aid Package as Hungary’s Orban Backs Down, Wall Street Journal

Yascha Mounk joins to consider the NH results, Greg Abbott's defiance of the Supreme Court, and a dissenting view on a much-praised TV series.highlights / lowlightsMona: Jamie Dimon Joins the Trump Normalizers by Dennis Aftergun and Walter H. White, Jr.The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness, and the Tragedy of Good Intentions by Jonathan RosenYascha: Emmys 2024: Succession, The Bear and Beef among winners'I just love you': Tim Scott and Donald Trump's other challengers fall in line Damon: The 25th Anniversary of The SopranosLinda: Remembering Bayard Rustin by Arch PuddingtonBill: Netanyahu rejects Hamas conditions for Israeli hostage deal

Zack Beauchamp of Vox joins the panel (plus Will Saletan) to discuss Iowa and New Hampshire and the role of death threats in the Republican Party. Highlights / Lowlights: Mona: Peter Schickele, Composer and Gleeful Sire of P.D.Q. Bach, Dies at 88 Zack: Cape Verde becomes fourth African country to eliminate malaria Will: Trump’s unsubtle crusade to cast foes as less American comes for Haley Bill: The Anti-Liberal by David Bell in Liberties. Linda: What the Asa Hutchinson incident reveals (and why it's important)

The Atlantic's Tim Alberta discusses his book on the rot within white evangelical Protestantism. The panel then considers Christie's exit, Haley's chances, and what the GOP base really wants.Highlights / LowlightsMona Charen- Don Scott, sworn in as first Black speaker of Virginia's House of Delegates, was once a federal prison inmateBill Galston- Haley’s strong bid for second place in the Iowa debateLinda Chavez- Lowlight: 'Flight 93 Election' Anti-Trumpers Imperil the Rule of Law by Peter Berkowitz Highlight: Anti-Trump Means Anti-Democracy? You Can’t Be Serious by Ronald Radosh and Gabriel SchoenfeldDamon Linker- The Case for Trump … by Someone Who Wants Him to Lose by Bret Stephens

Nick Grossman of Arc Digital joins to discuss plagiarism, double standards, DEI, Israel, Iran, and Hamas.highlights / lowlightsMona: Hydroxychloroquine could have caused 17,000 deaths during Covid, study finds and Florida surgeon general calls for halt on mRNA covid vaccines, citing debunked claimDamon: The Law and High Politics of Disqualifying President Trump by Steve VladeckNick: Slow Horses on Apple+ and Why the GOP Doesn’t Really Want a Deal on Ukraine and the Border by David Frum.Linda: ‘Screams Without Words’: How Hamas Weaponized Sexual Violence on Oct. 7Bill: Fed Minutes Suggest Rate Hikes Are Over, but Offer No Timetable on Cuts and Kyiv Issues Dire Warning After 'Record' US Patriot Sweep

Guest host A.B. Stoddard and special guest Jim Swift join the panel to discuss Nikki Haley's Civil War / slavery stumble in New Hampshire. highlights / lowlights A.B. Stoddard: What Mitt Romney Saw in the Senate by McKay Coppins (The Atlantic) and My Father, My Faith, and Donald Trump by Tim Alberta (The Atlantic) Jim Swift: The Day After: The Night My Father Scared America, read by A.B. Stoddard (The Bulwark) Damon Linker: The Rise of Narrative and The Fall of Persuasion by Leon Wieseltier (Liberties) Linda Chavez: Here’s the Civil War history they didn’t want you to know by Howell Raines (WaPo) Bill Galston: Ukraine Doesn’t Need All Its Territory to Defeat Putin By Serge Schmemann (NYT)

Eric Edelman joins the group to consider whether Trump should be barred by 14th amendment, prospects for Ukraine, and whether Americans' sour views on the economy are right or wrong. highlights / lowlights Mona: Right-wing pundits tremble in fear of … tap-dancing, by Catherine Rampell (WaPo) Eric: The mystery of the missing binder: How a collection of raw Russian intelligence disappeared under Trump (CNN) / Trump repeats 'poisoning the blood' anti-immigrant remark (Reuters) Damon: Rudy Giuliani's descent into bankruptcy, a personal story. Linda: Florida Republican Party censures chairman Christian Ziegler, by Lori Rozsa (WaPo) Bill: Rudy Giuliani files for bankruptcy following $146 million defamation suit judgment

The GOP House moves toward impeaching Biden and stiff-arms Zelensky. Plus, the Supreme Court may act fast on Trump's "immunity" and poll of Palestinians gives little hope.highlights / lowlightsMegan McArdle: Shutting a freeway in traffic-clogged L.A. gets attention. But is it effective activism? by Rachel Uranga and Nathan Solis, Los Angeles TimesDamon Linker: Congress approves bill barring any president from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO by Laura Kelly, The HillBill Galston: A five-point plan to save Harvard from itself, by Steven Pinker Boston Globe and In GOP Contest, Trump Supporters Stand Out for Dislike of Compromise, Pew Research CenterMona Charen: How to Fix the Insurrection Act and a PSA: Be careful about legal marijuana in public regarding your pets! Linda Chavez: André Braugher Dies: Star Of ‘Homicide: Life On The Street’, ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ & Other Series And Films Was 61, by Mike Fleming, Jr. Deadline... [Buy the box set, Linda suggests!]

Democracy scholar Rachel Kleinfeld joins Beg to Differ to discuss polarization, violence, the GOP, the rule of law, Ivy League hypocrites, and more.highlights / lowlightsMona Charen: What Is Happening at the Columbia School of Social Work? by Pamela PaulDamon Linker: A Trump dictatorship is increasingly inevitable. We should stop pretending. and The Trump dictatorship: How to stop it, both by Robert KaganBill Galston: The troubling testimony of Ivy League professors before the House on anti-semitism on campus.Linda Chavez: Why Dostoevsky Loved Humanity and Hated the Jews by Gary Saul Morson

Noah Smith joins to talk about the border crisis and its political implications as well as Haley's surge (if it is one). highlights / lowlights Mona Charen: An Insider’s Guide to the Most Important Story on Earth by Matti Friedman (Tablet) and What the Media Gets Wrong About Israel by Matti Friedman (The Atlantic) Noah Smith: People are realizing that the Arsenal of Democracy is gone Damon Linker: The global demographics Twitter / X account @nonebusinesshey Bill Galston: Israel Knew Hamas’s Attack Plan More Than a Year Ago by Ronen Bergman and Adam Goldman (NYTimes) Linda Chavez: Once again: Speaking freely doesn’t mean speaking without consequence, by Philip Bump (WAPO)

Hamas triggered the Gaza war—and signed the death warrants of thousands of Palestinians—when it purposefully targeted civilians on 10/7. Israeli journalist Amir Tibon joins Mona Charen to discuss how his family survived the terror attack, Netanyahu’s failures, Biden’s support, and the bad options for post-war rule in Gaza.

The Economist's Idrees Kahloon joins to discuss whether Israel is losing the propaganda war; Biden's chances to revive his popularity, and Nikki Haley's narrow shot at the brass ring.highlights / lowlights Linda Chavez: Sweeping Raids, Giant Camps and Mass Deportations: Inside Trump’s 2025 Immigration Plans (NYT) Idrees Khaloon: The George Santos House Ethics Committee Report.Damon Linker: Some young Americans on TikTok say they sympathize with Osama bin Laden (CNN) Mona Charen: Ukraine Indicts Officials Linked to Efforts to Investigate the BidensBill Galston: Senator Mullin's Senate Fight Club

Chris Cillizza joins the crew (plus Will Saletan) to discuss the election outcomes, the GOP debate, the generational divide about Israel, and what to make of those polls. highlights / lowlights Chris Cillizza: Vivek Ramaswamy's performance in the third GOP debate. Mona Charen: This Florida School District Banned Cellphones. Here’s What Happened (NYT) Hawley, Mayorkas get personal at hearing: ‘Despicable’ (The Hill) Linda Chavez: The Census Bureau sees an older, more diverse America in 2100 in three immigration scenarios (WaPo) Get to Know the Influential Conservative Intellectuals Who Help Explain G.O.P. Extremism (Damon Linker, NYT) Bill Galston: Joe Manchin won’t run for reelection, giving GOP an opening to flip West Virginia seat Will Saletan: Congressional Black Caucus welcomes Gabe Amo as its record-setting 60th member

The NY Times's Bret Stephens joins the panel to analyze the Gaza war, America's declining stomach for world leadership, the House's new speaker, and sagging GOP support for Ukraine.highlights / lowlights Mona Charen: Rick Scott: It's Time To Unite Behind Donald Trump Bret Stephens: Italy’s Rumbling Supervolcano Has Half a Million Residents on EdgeBill Galston: Cornell University official slammed for disturbing posts calling Hamas terror attacks a ‘resistance’Damon Linker: Why Not Moderation?: Letters to Young Radicals by Aurelian CraiutuLinda Chavez: Hawley, Mayorkas get personal at hearing: ‘Despicable’

The Atlantic's Tom Nichols joins guest host A.B. Stoddard and the usual cast to discuss Israel's response to Hamas, Speaker Mike Johnson and the challenges he faces regarding government funding. highlights / lowlights A.B.: We Are Caught in a Mass Economic Delusion and Something Is Wrong by Jonathan V. Last. States Launch Massive Lawsuit Against Facebook and Instagram by Kim Wehle. Tom: Trump is fined $10,000 over a comment he made outside court in his New York civil fraud trial. Bill: What do Americans think about the health of our democracy and the upcoming presidential election? Linda: The Palestinian Republic of Fear and Misinformation by Bret Stephens. Damon: A Twitter/X A thread from Hussein Aboubakr Mansour.

Yascha Mounk is the guest this week. Topics include the press's credulity regarding the Gaza hospital story; the speakerless House; and Yascha's new book The Identity Trap. highlights / lowlights Mona: Poland Shows That Autocracy Is Not Inevitable by Anne Applebaum Yascha: The shift in media coverage about the hospital in Gaza. Linda: How America’s Largest Socialist Organization Went from Supporting Israel to Boycotting It by Ron Radosh. Bill: ‘The Most Disgraceful Behavior By Republicans In My Lifetime’: Gingrich Lets Loose on House GOP and Amir Tibon on How His Family Survived the Hamas Massacre. Damon: Palestinian right of return matters by Matthew Yglesias.

Prof. Gil Troy of McGill University joins from Jerusalem to talk about Hamas, Israel's response, the left's excusing of terrorists, and a silver lining in a horrible week. highlights / lowlights LINDA: After Hamas onslaught, Trump criticizes Israel, calls Gallant a ‘jerk’ GIL: Lowlight: The attack on Israel Highlight: The generosity of the world in response BILL: The continuing saga of Cornel West. DAMON: A hardcore advocate for "Greater Romania" could be the country's next president MONA: Who Runs the Best U.S. Schools? It May Be the Defense Department.

Third Way's Matt Bennett joins the group to discuss the Speaker debacle, the No Labels threat, and Trump's fraud trial. highlights/lowlights Matt: The problem(s) with blaming Democrats for McCarthy’s downfall Damon: ‘Red Caesarism’ is rightwing code – and some Republicans are listening by Jason Wilson, The Guardian Linda: How Red State Politics are Shaving Years Off American Lives by Lauren Weber, Dan Diamond and Dan Keating, The Washington Post Mona: John Kelly goes on the record to confirm several disturbing stories about Trump Bill: American Public Support for Assistance to Ukraine Has Waned, But Still Considerable by Dina Smeltz and Lama El Baz, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Former GOP Congresswoman Barbara Comstock drops in to discuss the debate, the shutdown, the impeachment, and the general dysfunction. highlights/lowlights: Linda Chavez A New Cohort of Transgender Kids by Lisa Selin Davis at Persuasion. Damon Linker The re-release of Stop Making Sense. Barbara Comstock The recent testimony of Cassidy Hutchinson. Mona Charen Inside the Unfounded Claim That DeSantis Abused Guantánamo Detainees by Matthew Rosenberg and Carol Rosenberg (NYT).

Francis Fukuyama joins Damon Linker, Ben Wittes, and A.B. Stoddard to analyze the UAW strike, the attacks on the "Deep State," and whether Kristen Welker blew it with Trump. Plus, in our Highlights and Lowlights segment, A.B. really doesn’t like the new Senate dress code, but loves that Henry Winkler and Dolly Parton have forthcoming books. highlights/lowlights: A.B.'s: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/21/style/senate-dress-code.html https://dollyparton.com/life-and-career/books/dolly-parton-announces-new-book-behind-the-seams-my-life-in-rhinestones/21344 https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250888099/beinghenry Frank's: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66793900 https://www.npr.org/2023/09/20/1200705608/senate-tuberville-hold-military-promotions Ben's: https://www.c-span.org/video/?530429-1/department-justice-oversight-hearing

David Frum joins the group for a wide ranging discussion including the impeachment investigation, Biden's trip to the G20, Hunter Biden's indictment, and Mitt Romney's lonely stand. Plus, in our Highlights and Lowlights segment, Mona calls out Mike Pence for midwifing our Trumpian politics.show notes:McKay Coppins' piece:https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/11/mitt-romney-retiring-senate-trump-mcconnell/675306/ David's highlight: https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2023-mexico-china-us-trade-opportunity/Bill's lowlight: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/why-so-many-americans-are-unhappy-about-the-economy/Linda’s highlights:https://thetriad.thebulwark.com/p/terry-eastland-rip-legendhttps://www.americanpurpose.com/articles/orbans-tainted-democracy/Damon's highlight:https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/09/18/ross-douthats-theories-of-persuasion

Kori Schake, head of defense and foreign policy studies at AEI, shares her views on China, Ukraine, and Tuberville's stunt. The panel then debates whether Biden should, even now, step aside. Plus, in our Highlights and Lowlights segment, Bill sings the praises of Antony Blinken’s performance as secretary of state, and Linda sees hopeful signs of sanity among local GOP officials in very red Wyoming.show notes:Column that Kori referenced:https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/interactive/2023/ukraine-war-maps-progress-aid/Substack post Damon mentioned: https://josephklein.substack.com/p/hidin-biden?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2Linda's highlight: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/07/opinion/nationalization-politics-wyoming.htmlMona's highlight: https://coloradonewsline.com/briefs/buck-tells-colorado-gop-leaders-to-stop-spreading-misinformation-about-jan-6-defendants/Damon's highlight:https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/09/samuel-moyn-liberalism-against-itself-critical-review.html

Law professor and AEI scholar Adam White joins the show to answer legal questions about Trump's trials. The panel then discusses whether prosecuting a former (future?) president is wise or necessary. And in our Highlights and Lowlights segment, Adam celebrates the arrival of a new monograph about director Whit Stillman, whose films include ‘Metropolitan’ and ‘The Last Days of Disco.’highlights/lowlights:Adam's: https://firefliespress.com/Whit_StillmanLinda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/26/nyregion/march-on-washington-harlem.htmlBill's: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/china/end-china-economic-miracle-beijing-washingtonDamon's: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/08/trump-disqualified-president-14th-amendment/675163/Mona's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/08/29/free-trade-common-enemy-congress/

Walter Olson of CATO joins the panel for debate analysis, including the rise of “RamaSMARMY.” Plus, a discussion of the 14th Amendment argument for disqualifying Trump, and disentangling the Hunter Biden story threads. And in our Highlights and Lowlights segment, Linda celebrates the election of Bernardo Arévalo, an anti-corruption crusader, as president of Guatemala. show notes: University of Pennsylvania Law Review article on the 14th Amendment Linda's highlight: https://www.vox.com/world-politics/2023/8/20/23838763/guatemala-elections-alvarez-torres-democracy-corruption Walter’s lowlight: https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2023/06/republicans-rehash-vaccine-mandate-policies-ndaa-amendments/387774/ Damon’s highlight: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/09/disabled-children-institutionalization-history/674763/ Mona's lowlight: https://twitter.com/Heritage/status/1694012835842375809?s=20

Kristin Du Mez and Peter Wehner join the group to analyze evangelical support for Trump, as well as the Georgia indictment. Accountability, danger, and many unknowns. Plus, in our highlights and lowlights segment, Kristin notes the start of the school year and gives a shout-out to the teachers, while Bill extols the healing benefits of a vacation. show notes: Kristin's book, Jesus and John Wayne Linda’s highlight: https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-sanitized-french-connection-vs-the-hip-hop-gutter-film-music-rap-slur-culture-the-exorcist-6b8f73d0 Mona's lowlight: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12413181/ALAN-DERSHOWITZ-Al-Gore-2000-Donald-Trump-indictment.html Pete's remembrance: https://www.christianpost.com/news/tim-keller-remembered-by-thousands-at-st-patricks-cathedral.html

Tim Mak reports from Kyiv about how Ukrainians are handling the strain of war. The panel then looks at the upcoming GOP debate on Fox and the effect of abortion on elections. Plus, in our Highlights and Lowlights segment, Mona has a lovely recognition of a nurse practitioner who cared for her husband in urgent care.Highlights/lowlightsTim's:https://counteroffensive.substack.com/Bill's:https://wvmetronews.com/2023/08/11/manchin-seriously-considering-becoming-an-independent/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/10/pak-n-save-savey-meal-bot-ai-app-malfunction-recipesDamon's:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/08/opinion/trump-indictment-cost-danger.htmlhttps://wisdomofcrowds.live/p/politicizing-the-lawLinda's:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/01/opinion/oregon-drug-failure.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/10/opinion/shoplifting-urban-safety.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

George Conway joins the group to discuss the various Trump defenses—and the party that supports him. Then the regulars discuss 'Oppenheimer,' and the bombing of Japan. And in our Highlights and Lowlights segment, Bill points to a possible US-brokered Israel-Saudi peace deal.highlights/lowlights:Bill's:https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/bidens-moral-calculus-in-brokering-a-saudi-israeli-peace-dealMona's:https://reason.com/volokh/2023/07/29/congress-can-regulate-the-supreme-court-but-there-are-limits-to-that-power/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/27/opinion/columnists/citi-bike-karen-white-woman.htmlDamon's:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/02/opinion/trump-meritocracy-educated.htmlLinda's:https://www.theunpopulist.net/p/a-landmark-study-debunks-populist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will Saletan joins the panel to discuss whether DeSantis's campaign is moribund, and whether the right or the left learned the lessons of COVID policy failures. Plus, in our "Highlights and Lowlights "segment, Damon spotlights the political crisis in Israel, and Linda shares a story of love and loss. Damon's:https://gideons.substack.com/p/break-the-barrel-to-get-rid-of-theWill's:http://brightlinewatch.org/uncharted-territory-the-aftermath-of-presidential-indictmentshttps://www.foxnews.com/video/6331842627112Bill's:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/26/us/politics/nikki-haley-abortion.htmlMona's:https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/26/politics/rudy-giuliani-georgia-election-workers/index.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Economist's John Prideaux joins the panel to discuss the latest likely indictment, the GOP response, and what MAGA world is planning for a Trump 2.0. Plus, in our highlights and lowlights segment, Linda flags the tactics Texas officials are using at the border that are injuring migrants. highlights/lowlights Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/us/texas-border-migrants-abbott.html John's: https://www.politico.eu/article/us-economist-fiona-scott-morton-quits-eu-job-emmanuel-macron/ https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-66230072 Damon's: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/07/tennessee-republican-partisanship-one-party-state/674732/ Bill's: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-pass-resolution-backing-israel-jayapal-racist-state-rcna94897 https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1998/12/24/washington-could-use-mo-udall-now/ Mona's: https://apnews.com/article/tuberville-military-holds-senate-officers-45c4230a8aee5222bf32b43823e29acc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Noah Smith tries to bring a little sunshine to the dour regulars (and Cathy Young) who are worried about the economy, the threat from third parties, and more. Plus, in our highlights and lowlights segment, Mona celebrates the fact that a famous Trumper has to liquidate. highlights/lowlights Mona's: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mypillow-auction-mike-lindell_n_64acffa0e4b0e5efaaddd535 https://apnews.com/article/birth-control-pills-without-prescription-fda-b6728e98af5f1625520e0fa5fbc911c3 Bill's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/11/world/middleeast/israel-protests-judicial-overhaul.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/07/12/biden-vilnius-nato-ukraine/ Noah's: https://www.axios.com/2023/04/17/manufacturing-semiconductor-tech-biden https://heatmap.news/politics/inflation-reduction-act-updates-biden Cathy's: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/russian-opposition-ukrainian-activists-clashing Damon's: https://damonlinker.substack.com/p/the-global-progress-of-right-wing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Washington Post's Megan McArdle joins to discuss the pros and (mostly) cons of affirmative action. Also, will anyone watch August's GOP debate? Who will show up? Plus, in our highlights/lowlights segment, Linda points to a new draconian law in Florida that targets undocumented immigrants and those who employ them.highlights/lowlightsLinda's:https://www.wsj.com/articles/migrant-workers-flee-florida-as-new-immigration-law-takes-effect-94796abfBill's:https://echeloninsights.com/in-the-news/june-2023-omnibus/Megan's:https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/washington-dc/dc-mayor-muriel-bowser-seeks-community-input-on-crime-problems/Damon's:https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/07/hypocrisy-mandatory-diversity-statements/674611/Mona's:https://www.thefire.org/news/leaked-memo-mayo-clinic-doubles-down-gag-order-dr-michael-joyner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bob Shrum, Steve Vladeck, and David Kramer join the show this week to discuss momentous Supreme Court cases and the tremors out of Russia. Plus, in our highlights/lowlights segment, Damon shares details about how a bloc of right-wing influencers and DeSantis supporters are rallying behind an antisemite.highlights/lowlightsDamon's:https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/desantis-influencers-defend-unmasked-antisemite-pedro-gonzalez-1234780062/amp/Bob's:https://apnews.com/article/recession-economy-inflation-jobs-unemployment-2ad91e65f4c0c79ebd2518e351934605Mona's:https://www.antonybeevor.com/book/russia-revolution-and-civil-war-1917-1921/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices