The Power of Political Rhetoric

The columnist David Brooks joins Patrick Healy to take stock of President Trump’s fifth address to Congress, to analyze the Democrats’ response, and to discuss where Americans who care about moral leadership should put their energies today. 

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You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Opinions” at nytimes.com/column/the-opinions.

This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. Edited by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. The show’s production team also includes Derek Arthur and Vishakha Darbha. Original music by Aman Sahota, Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.