Top Takes: Sources and Themes

Air Date 11/02/2025

A lot of people on the left aren't feeling the love for their country right now and that's understandable but we have some thoughts on more productive ways to channel those conflicting feelings toward a country that is currently falling far short of living up to its founding ideals.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Full Show Notes

Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!

BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)

Join our Discord community!

KEY POINTS

KP 1: Democracy's Morticians Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt on 'How Democracies Die' Part 1 - Lawfare Archive - Air Date 5-1-18

KP 2: How Trump Changed the World with Anne Applebaum Part 1 - PoliticsJOE Podcast - Air Date 6-14-25

KP 3: Giving Up Is Unforgivable with Joyce Vance Part 1 - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 10-23-25

KP 4: How to FIGHT Mob Boss Politics in America with Senator Andy Kim Part 1 - How to Fix It with John Avlon - Air Date 10-19-25

KP 5: Unitary Executive Meets Textualism Part 1 - #SistersInLaw - Air Date 10-11-23

KP 6: How Underdogs Build Power Stephanie Luce Part 1 - Future Hindsight - Air Date 10-23-25

KP 7: Reclaiming Patriotism From Trumps America with Ted Johnson Part 1 - How to Fix It with John Avlon - Air Date 4-27-25

(00:59:59) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On how the Left embraces the contradictions of the US

DEEPER DIVES

(01:10:45) SECTION A: SOCIETAL DRIVERS

(01:47:04) SECTION B: INSTITUTIONAL EROSION

(02:18:26) SECTION C: MILITARIZED LAWFARE

(02:41:12) SECTION D: PATRIOTISM AND NARRATIVE

SHOW IMAGE CREDITS

Description: Composite image of the Declaration of Independence with three question marks on top filled with the image of the American flag.

Credit: Internal composite design. Images via Pixabay. | Pixabay License

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!

Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com