The Mona Charen Show

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

Former Rep. Tim Ryan reports from Ohio that the GOP base there remains in the tank for Trump, DeSantis is in a no-man's land, and most voters probably aren't paying any attention to Hunter Biden's plea deal. Meanwhile, there's a country to run, but Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene made time for a catfight. Plus, remembering compelling testimony from the Jan 6 hearings a year ago in our highlight/lowlight segment. Ryan joins guest host A.B. Stoddard and regulars Damon Linker and Linda Chavez.show notesRyan v Vance debate highlighthighlights/lowlightsA.B.'s: https://youtu.be/gQlx0rzFk0QLinda's:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/22/us/census-median-age.htmlDamon's:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-22/jill-stein-2016-green-candidate-now-running-cornel-west-s-bidhttps://www.axios.com/2023/06/08/robert-f-kennedy-jr-tech-2024-campaign Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arc Digital's Nicholas Grossman joins the panel to help analyze the Republican reaction to Trump's indictment—both the officials and the voters—as well as the Ukrainian summer offensive. Plus, renaming Southern military bases, inflation, the steak-price indicator, and must-watch TV starring Keri Russell.show notes:Sarah Longwell's Iowa Focus Group featured on the PBS NewsHourHighlights/lowlightsNick's:https://www.hulu.com/series/the-americans-6deba130-65fb-4816-acb1-aea5eb940f0fhttps://www.netflix.com/title/81288983Linda's:https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/06/14/dallas-mayor-eric-johnson-crime/Damon's:https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jun/14/ignoring-robert-f-kennedy-jr-not-an-optionMona's:https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/06/12/immigration-economy-book-reviewsBill's:https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-06-14/us-europe-japan-are-saving-ukraine-but-not-preparing-for-china-war?srnd=premium#xj4y7vzkghttps://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691204383/the-new-makers-of-modern-strategy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New York Times contributor Peter Wehner joins the panel to evaluate the GOP presidential field, consider whether Republicans care about issues, and ponder the Trump indictment. Plus, in our highlights and lowlights segment, Damon and Linda praise the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Alabama voting rights case, and Pete pays tribute to his family’s beloved dog, Romeo. highlights/lowlightsLinda's and Damon's:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/08/us/supreme-court-voting-rights-act-alabama.htmlBill's:https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2023-06-06/commentary-on-pgas-merger-with-livhttps://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/06/08/the-new-right-patrick-deneen-00100279Mona's:https://www.freedomforum.org/freeexpressionawards/https://www.slowboring.com/p/misinformation-isnt-just-on-the-right-214 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New York Times columnist David French joins the show to discuss signs of sanity from Texas Republicans and the averted default. Plus, the dangers of AI, and our highlight and lowlight segment, including Mona's shout-out to Mississippi's successful effort to raise reading test scores. highlights/lowlights Mona's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/31/opinion/mississippi-education-poverty.html David's: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/05/29/two-weeks-at-the-front-in-ukraine Damon's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/01/opinion/hawley-reeves-bly-men-mascculinity.html Bill's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/30/erdogan-autocrat-electoral-power/ Linda's: https://apnews.com/article/daca-lawsuit-court-hearing-dreamers-5f77f76eaa9b96dbb7d8123103f240de Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tom Nichols joins the panel to consider the botched DeSantis announcement, the primary campaign so far, and Biden's debt limit dilemma. Plus, for a break from politics this holiday weekend, Damon recommends “Still,” the documentary about Michael J. Fox, as his highlight of the week.highlights/lowlightsTom's:https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-oath-keepers-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-b3ed4556a3dec577539c4181639f666chttps://www.businessinsider.com/fox-news-host-greg-gutfeld-praises-teacher-sex-with-teen-2023-5Damon's:https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/still-a-michael-j-fox-movie/Linda's:https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2023-05-18/border-crossing-numbers-biden-title-42https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/21/world/americas/darien-gap-afghan-migration.htmlBill's:https://www.ft.com/content/0b57c31b-814d-4554-91d8-d49b066cea69https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/24/yevgeniy-prigozhin-war-backfired-revolution/Mona's:https://chicago.suntimes.com/obituaries/2023/5/24/23735755/university-chicago-president-robert-zimmer-free-speech-championhttps://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/jan-6-rioter-put-feet-desk-pelosi-office-sentenced-45-years-prison-rcna85848 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will Saletan joins to talk about his special project on The Corruption of Lindsey Graham. The panel also tackles the Durham Report and Comer's damp squib, as well as high and low points of Biden's presidency. highlights/lowlights Damon's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/18/us/politics/feinstein-illness-shingles-senate.html Bill's: https://apnews.com/article/biden-papua-new-guinea-australia-debt-limit-b2b82fbb82d829f0b8bae87bef741d63 Linda's: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Aimee-Lou-Wood/dp/B0B74YCG3M Will's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/05/16/more-governors-are-saying-no-college-no-problem-job-seekers/ https://www.propublica.org/article/college-high-school-research-peer-review-publications Mona's: https://www.nationalreview.com/2023/05/the-real-robert-f-kennedy-jr/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eric Edelman and Benjamin Wittes join to discuss Ukraine's coming offensive, the end of Title 42 and a looming immigration crisis, and the 30-car pile up that was CNN's town hall with Donald Trump.highlights/lowlightsBen's:https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/p/defect-and-repentLinda's:https://www.americanpurpose.com/articles/mission-accomplished/Eric's:https://www.kyivpost.com/post/16767https://www.thedailybeast.com/gop-sen-ron-johnson-admits-biden-probe-lacks-hard-proof-to-support-hypeDamon's:https://specialto.thebulwark.com/p/the-corruption-of-lindsey-grahamMona's:https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/opill-over-counter-birth-control-fda-advisory-committee-vote-rcna83506https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/09/nyregion/reading-nyc-schools.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah Longwell joins the panel to discuss debt ceiling brinksmanship, possible indictments, and the contours of the 2024 race —as of now.To continue the conversation go to https://b2d.thebulwark.com/highlights/lowlightsBill's:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/02/business/media/tucker-carlson-text-message-white-men.htmlSarah's:https://www.keranews.org/texas-news/2023-05-01/no-thoughts-and-prayers-abbott-slammed-for-highlighting-immigration-status-of-shooting-victimsDamon's:https://apnews.com/article/cpac-hungary-orban-woke-gender-migration-da47d0febc22d935de0b48fe5e3ad4a6Linda's:https://www.huffpost.com/entry/steve-bannon-camp-of-the-saints-immigration_n_58b75206e4b0284854b3dc03Mona's:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/02/opinion/republican-ukraine-russia.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jill Lawrence joins the show to discuss Biden's 2024 announcement, Kamala's rehabilitation, Tucker's tumble, E. Jean Carroll's testimony, and Disney's counterattack on DeSantis. To continue the conversation go to https://b2d.thebulwark.com/ highlights/lowlights Jill's: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/3970356-sanders-cassidy-will-mark-up-drug-pricing-bills-next-week/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2023/04/27/yoon-suk-yeol-american-pie-white-house-state-dinner/ Damon's: https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/emerson-national-poll-biden-and-trump-on-track-for-2024-rematch/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/04/27/fox-news-poll-trump-desantis-rfk-jr-biden/11750616002/ Mona's: https://www.npr.org/2023/04/26/1172158461/montana-gop-transgender-zooey-zephyr-punishment-banned-speaking-lgbtq https://www.economist.com/moscowpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DeSantis is even more charmless than Nixon. And while Fox avoided one embarrassing trial—the truth and lies are plain for all to see. Plus, the panelists share their current TV viewing recommendations. Guest host Sonny Bunch takes over the director's chair on this week's episode. highlights/lowlightsDamon's:https://libertiesjournal.com/articles/the-once-and-the-now/Linda's:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/17/us/politics/migrant-child-labor-biden.htmlBill's:https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-first-space-launchhttps://apnews.com/article/white-house-toddler-fence-secret-service-6ece5fc94204dbc3001457403269c28e Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Bennett joins the team to discuss the ill-considered No Labels third party gambit. The group then turns to Trump's return to Fox, Greg Abbott's proposed pardon of a murderer, and how abortion is roiling elections. highlights/lowlights Damon's: https://substack.com/profile/12665540-damon-linker?utm_source=substack-feed-item https://on.substack.com/p/notes Bill's: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/13/21-year-old-with-top-secret-information-00092002 Linda's: https://www.theunpopulist.net/p/the-us-is-not-close-to-doing-enough?utm_medium=email Matt's: https://twitter.com/JuliaDavisNews/status/1646205733774540823?s=20 Mona's: https://www.econtalk.org/erik-hoel-on-the-threat-to-humanity-from-ai/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Maya MacGuineas of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget discusses our broken budget and the fiscal gridlock that is undermining America’s economic strength. Plus, why people are taking to the streets in Israel. highlights/lowlights Damon's: https://www.liberalpatriot.com/ Bill's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/03/29/investigating-low-fertility-rates/ Mona's: https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/the-secret-joke-at-the-heart-of-the-harvard-affirmative-action-case Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Philip K. Howard joins the group to discuss his book on public sector unions. The panel — with special guest Cathy Young — also addresses Trump's possible indictment and looks back at the 20th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War.highlights/lowlightsPhilip's:https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-23/lausd-strike-ends-with-no-settlement-but-classes-to-resumeBill's:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/22/us/politics/desantis-putin-ukraine-russia.htmlhttps://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a43402697/jack-daniels-parody-dog-toy/Cathy's:https://apnews.com/article/icc-putin-war-crimes-ukraine-9857eb68d827340394960eccf0589253Damon's:https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/03/22/surprising-post-trump-consensus/Mona's:https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65057249https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/11/pandemic-baby-bump-fertility/671964/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ken White (Popehat) joins the panel to consider the wisdom of the Manhattan DA's Trump indictment, as well as DeSantis joining the surrender caucus, SVB, and a low moment at Stanford Law.highlights/lowlightsLinda's:https://www.jamesgmartin.center/2023/03/law-school-mismatch-is-worse-than-we-thought/Damon's:https://jabberwocking.com/silicon-valley-bank-was-fine-its-silicon-valley-thats-broken/Ken's:https://www.wsj.com/articles/who-killed-silicon-valley-bank-interest-rates-treasury-federal-reserve-ipo-loan-long-term-bond-capital-securities-startup-jpmorgan-bear-stearns-lehman-brothers-b9ca2347Mona's:https://www.liberalpatriot.com/p/what-the-iraq-war-wroughthttps://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/03/iraq-war-us-invasion-anniversary-2023/673343/clip from Stanford Law School protest:https://vimeo.com/806801455 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A.B. Stoddard joins the group to discuss the Fox News retcon of January 6, whether Biden should/will run again, and "messaging bills."highlights/lowlightsA.B.'s:https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/03/08/norfolk-southern-train-derailment-ohio-senators/Linda's:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/09/opinion/english-literature-study-decline.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/08/opinion/humanities-internet-novels.htmlDamon's:https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/03/13/agnes-callard-profile-marriage-philosophyMona's:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bulwark-podcast/id1447684472?i=1000603030581 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Axios's Josh Kraushaar helps analyze the lab leak story, the Chicago election results, and Trump v. DeSantis. highlights/lowlights Josh's: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-nikki-haley-is-running-for-president/id1570872415?i=1000602459553 Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/25/us/unaccompanied-migrant-child-workers-exploitation.html Bill's: https://www.chicagotribune.com/voter-guide/ct-paul-vallas-chicago-mayor-bio-20230131-c5s6joirovh7zgeq55ig2ag6ea-story.html Damon's: https://quillette.com/2023/02/22/heideggers-downfall/ https://harpers.org/archive/2023/03/historys-fool-ernst-junger/ Mona's: https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2023/02/27/places-with-high-religious-participation-have-fewer-deaths-of-despair Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jill Lawrence joins B2D to discuss the revelations about Fox, Biden v. De Santis on Ukraine, and Marjorie Taylor Greene's national divorce talk. highlights/lowlights Jill's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/21/tucker-carlson-kevin-mccarthy-jan-6-insurrection/ Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/17/opinion/desantis-florida-african-american-studies-black-history.html Damon's: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/02/21/vivek-ramaswamy-president-2024-00083903 Mona's: https://www.npr.org/sections/politicaljunkie/2009/07/on_this_day_in_1980_senate_vot.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Kristol joins the group to consider Haley's possible hidden strengths. Also, Biden, the GOP, and the war in Ukraine. highlights/lowlights Bill Kristol's: https://thetriad.thebulwark.com/p/lets-talk-about-aliens Damon's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/technology/bing-chatbot-microsoft-chatgpt.html Bill Galston's: https://apnews.com/article/politics-2023-turkey-syria-earthquake-government-istanbul-fbd6af578a6056569879b5ef6c55d322 Linda's: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/teen-girls-experiencing-record-high-levels-sadness-violence/story?id=97079978 Mona's: https://brinklindsey.substack.com/p/fighting-in-a-burning-house Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New York Magazine's Jonathan Chait helps evaluate the SOTU: politics, visuals, and substance. The group then considers Kamala Harris's unprecedentedly terrible press. highlights/lowlights: Jonathan's: https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/3849811-greenes-viral-outfit-was-meant-to-echo-chinese-spy-balloon-her-office-says/ Linda's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/09/supreme-court-ethics-code/ Damon's https://www.vulture.com/2023/02/the-movie-industrys-confused-eat-the-rich-fantasy.html Bill's: https://www.npr.org/2023/02/08/1155375633/romney-santos-state-of-the-union Mona's: https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2023/02/czech-voters-populism-pavel/672936/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Atlantic's David Frum joins the panel to discuss the coming GOP nomination fight, the Democrats' white liberal problem, and problems with policing.highlights/lowlights:Linda's:https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/02/canada-uyghur-refugees-resettle-china/David's:https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/02/mortgage-rates-five-percent-range-first-time-september.htmlDamon's:https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/12/19/cormac-mccarthy-peers-into-the-abyss-the-passenger-stella-marisMona's:https://www.ktvu.com/news/depape-in-bizarre-phone-call-to-ktvu-says-he-should-have-been-more-preparedhttps://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/11/05/us/politics/pelosi-attack-misinfo-republican-politicians.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The George W. Bush Institute's David Kramer joins B2D to consider the decision (at last) to send tanks to Ukraine. What does the dithering say about the Western alliance? Also, the regulars discuss Florida's rejection of an AP African American studies curriculum. highlights/lowlights: Damon's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/25/opinion/rural-voters-republican-realignment.html Bill's: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/scientists-welcome-george-santos-science-committee_n_63cacb34e4b01a436386951e Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/26/us/politics/durham-trump-russia-barr.html Mona's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/10/world/europe/finland-misinformation-classes.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Atlantic's Ron Brownstein joins the group to discuss Kevin McCarthy giving the crazies the keys. Plus, Biden's attempt to pivot on immigration, and will Ukraine get the tanks it needs? highlights/lowlights Linda's: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/19/supreme-court-could-not-identify-who-shared-draft-abortion-opinion-00078602 Ron's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/18/us/politics/republicans-trump-house-oversight-committee.html Damon's: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2023/01/19/how-republicans-view-their-party-and-key-issues-facing-the-country-as-the-118th-congress-begins/ Bill's: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/boris-pistorius-serve-next-german-defence-minister-source-2023-01-17/ Mona's: https://www.deseret.com/2023/1/18/23558984/social-media-big-tobacco-teens-anxiety-depression-spencer-cox-utah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arc Digital's Nick Grossman joins the group to discuss Biden's classified documents mess, the GOP majority's foreign policy confusion, free speech on campuses (and in Florida) — and more.highlight/lowlights:Bill's:https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/12/poland-leopard-tank-company-ukraine/Linda's:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/11/opinion/republican-party-future.htmlDamon's:https://jewishreviewofbooks.com/contemporary-israel/12801/on-that-distant-day/Nick's:https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-64219119Mona's:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/09/books/prince-harry-book-royal-family.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charlie Sykes joins B2D to discuss the House soap opera — from the comical to the consequential. Highlights/lowlights Charlie's: https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-ohio-kentucky-mitch-mcconnell-6123aeccfa1c71bad84f57e735962f2f Damon's: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/12/ron-desantis-just-as-bad-as-donald-trump-2024 Bill's: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/gop-hardliners-angle-for-plum-posts-as-price-of-mccarthy-votes-1.1865718 Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/29/opinion/eliot-waste-land-poetry.html https://gideons.substack.com/p/is-the-land-waste Mona's: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/25/us/reading-literacy-memphis-tennessee.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Katherine Gehl — the originator of Alaska's Ranked Choice Voting system — discusses progress on reforming our primary elections. The group then weighs in on Zelensky's historic visit, Elon's fate, Trump's taxes, and the immigration stalemate. Highlights/Lowlights Bill's: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/tucker-carlson-zelenskyys-visit-represented-bipartisan-masochism Damon's: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/23/nyregion/george-santos-republican-resume.html Mona's: https://russroberts.medium.com/the-economist-as-scapegoat-91b317a6823e Linda's: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/veterans-congress-abandoning-afghan-allies-spending-bill-rcna62686 Katherine's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2022/12/22/omnibus-bill-senate/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jesse Singal joins to discuss the fraught discourse on trans treatment. The group then turns to Ron DeSantis' possible big blunder embracing anti-vaxers and a great scientific breakthrough (and its detractors). Highlights/lowlights: Mona: https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/helping-trans-kids-means-admitting-what-we-dont-know.html Damon: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/15/us/politics/trump-nft-trading-cards-superhero.html Bill: https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3767169-mccarthy-taps-mike-gallagher-to-chair-planned-china-select-committee/ Linda: https://www.slowboring.com/p/cryptocurrency-is-the-segway-of-finance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amir Tibon of Haaretz joins to explain how Netanyahu won again and what his new coalition means for Israel, for US/Israel relations, and possibly, for Ukraine. Also, the shape of American politics after Georgia's runoff. Highlights/Lowlights: Mona's https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/12/03/president-emergency-power-student-loan-forgiveness/ Damon's https://damonlinker.substack.com/p/germany-foils-a-far-right-coup-plot Amir's: https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2022-12-07/ty-article/.premium/raphael-warnock-buoyed-by-jewish-vote-defeats-herschel-walker-in-georgia-senate-runoff/00000184-ea07-d9f1-a9e6-efc7797d0000 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/04/us/politics/trump-constitution-republicans.html Linda's https://www.persuasion.community/p/the-curriculum-wars-are-based-on https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-63900099 Bill's https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-congress-expected-pass-bill-protecting-same-sex-marriage-2022-12-08/ https://globalaffairs.org/research/public-opinion-survey/growing-us-divide-how-long-support-ukraine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richard Reeves discusses his book Of Boys and Men. The panel then considers China's COVID turmoil, and the poisons unleashed by Trump into our national bloodstream, including anti-Semitism.Highlights/lowlights:Mona:https://www.thebulwark.com/putins-bogus-blame-nato-excuse/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/palo-alto-recycling-asia-garbage-waste-rcna58633Linda:https://www.nytimes.com/video/opinion/100000008634824/afghan-refugees-biden.html?act[…]ies-bar&region=header&pgtype=Article&playlistId=video/opinionDamon:https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/11/30/elon-musk-twitter-success-luck/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/11/29/mass-shootings-conservative-pundits-responsibility/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bret Stephens joins the group to share reflections on Trump's prospects, lessons for both parties from the midterms, and changing your mind in public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah Longwell joins the group to evaluate the momentous midterms. highlights/lowlights Mona's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/11/07/putin-backs-down-ukraine-turkey-china-india/ Bill's: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/09/world/europe/ukraine-russia-kherson-retreat.html Linda's: https://www.texastribune.org/2022/10/21/texas-republican-democrat-hispanic-voters/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ruy Teixeira joins the panel to evaluate the coming election, the attack on Paul Pelosi, and the argument that both Biden and Harris should stand down. highlights/lowlights:Mona's https://www.theunpopulist.net/p/sohrab-ahmari-thinks-that-the-anti?r=6jqoy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=webLinda'shttps://quillette.com/2022/10/27/fdr-and-the-holocaust/Bill's https://www.npr.org/2022/11/03/1133848992/ethiopia-tigray-war-peace-deal-truce-eritrea Damon's https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/02/world/middleeast/israel-election-netanyahu.htmlRuy:https://www.dw.com/en/bolsonaro-meets-lulas-team-to-begin-transfer-of-power/a-63645795 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Washington Post's Charles Lane joins the panel (along with Benjamin Wittes) to discuss the progressives' Ukraine letter to Biden, prospects for the midterms, and misreading Latinos.Highlights/lowlights:Mona'shttps://rollcall.com/2022/10/26/fda-delays-key-advisory-committee-meeting-on-otc-birth-control/Linda's https://www.npr.org/2022/10/23/1130712231/the-trump-tapes-reveal-much-about-bob-woodward-donald-trumpBen'shttps://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/27/arts/pearl-earring-vermeer-climate-activists.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kori Schake of AEI joins the group to discuss Ukraine and some of the world's most malign actors: Russia, China, and Iran. Plus, the panelists' favorite books this year.Highlights/Lowlights: Mona:https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/10/19/texas-dna-kits-schools-shootings/Damon:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-colbert-grateful-for-grief/id1643163707?i=1000580162304Linda:https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/john-durham-probe-failure-belongs-barr-trump-rcna52863Bill:https://twitter.com/dailystar/status/1580830837331087361?s=20&t=q1BGet_Aig7n0tkg9aRvUg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senatorial candidate Evan McMullin joins the panel to discuss his race against Mike Lee. Also, should Biden be talking about Armageddon? The panel begs to differ.Highlights & Lowlights:Evan: 'The Most Serious Threat The Iranian Regime Has Faced Since 1979' - MSNBC (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5Pu1qxk498)Mona: Introducing The Prince - The Economist (https://shows.acast.com/theintelligencepodcast/episodes/introducing-the-prince)Linda: Nury Martinez resigns from L.A. City Council in wake of audio leak scandal - Los Angeles Times (https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-10-12/la-me-nury-martinez-resigns)Damon: The Dishonest and Dishonorable Disagreements of Former Friends - American Greatness (https://amgreatness.com/2022/10/10/the-dishonest-and-dishonorable-disagreements-of-former-friends/)Bill: The Post endorses Anthony Brown for Maryland attorney general - The Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/10/09/anthony-brown-maryland-attorney-general-endorsement-2022/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Prof. Steve Vladeck joins the group (plus Bill Kristol) to consider how far the Supreme Court will go this term on matters of race and elections. Also, will GA really make Herschel Walker a US Senator? Highlights & Lowlights: Mona: Russia’s Nuclear Bluster Is a Sign of Panic - The Atlantic (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/10/putin-nuclear-weapons-threat-us-sanctions-military/671642/) Steve: Former President Trump escalates the legal battle over classified documents, again - NPR (https://www.npr.org/2022/10/04/1126830521/former-president-trump-escalates-the-legal-battle-over-classified-documents-agai) Bill Galston: Russian forces retreat from strategic Donetsk city a day after Moscow’s annexation of the region - CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/01/europe/ukraine-russia-lyman-donetsk-intl) Marc Short says Trump's post on Elaine Chao was a "racial slur" that was "obviously wrong" - CBS News (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-mitch-mcconnell-elaine-chao-racial-slur-marc-short/) Bill Kristol: In Speedy Embrace of Herschel Walker, Republicans Make Familiar Political Bargain - The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/04/us/politics/herschel-walker-abortion-allegation-georgia-senate.html) Linda: DACA remains intact as appeals court sends case challenging its legality back to lower court in Texas - The Texas Tribune (https://www.texastribune.org/2022/10/05/texas-daca-appeals-court-ruling/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices