Net Assessment 'Safer, Richer, Freer, Greater'? Trump's New Strategy for American Power
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Dec 11, 2025 The hosts dissect the recently released U.S. National Security Strategy, questioning its coherence and real impact. They critique its contradictory stance on military and diplomatic ends, highlighting mixed regional priorities, especially regarding Europe and Asia. Grievances arise over the Navy's failures and Congress's renewed oversight role. They also praise new cultural diplomacy efforts and bid farewell to colleagues embarking on new journeys. The conversation weaves through the complexities of promoting American interests in a rapidly changing world.
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Preble's Thanksgiving Football Beatdown
- Christopher Preble opens with a personal Thanksgiving anecdote about watching the Vikings beat the Commanders 31-0.
- The story humanizes the hosts before diving into policy critique.
Melanie's Airport Ulta Rescue
- Melanie Marlowe shares a family Thanksgiving story about buying a seven-year-old niece an Ulta gift card to stop her crying.
- The vignette adds warmth and personal color amid dense policy discussion.
Strategy Defined, But Contradictions Follow
- The new NSS defines strategy as connecting ends and means and prioritizing realistically.
- Melanie Marlowe praises that clarity but warns the document then contradicts itself repeatedly.