Sam Harris, a renowned neuroscientist, philosopher, and author, shares thought-provoking insights on the political landscape as the election approaches. He discusses Trump's controversial policies, including his deportation plans and the dynamics of his cult-like following. Harris critiques the lack of a grassroots movement and examines Kamala Harris's campaign strategies. The conversation dives into issues of identity politics and the shifting views within the Democratic Party, urging a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding current political narratives.
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insights INSIGHT
Trump's Appeal & Entertainment
Many Americans don't view Trump's potential reelection as a historical crisis.
They see reality like the first act of a movie, not feeling the weight of potential consequences.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Trump's Presidency as Entertainment
Trump's presidency is like a dramatic movie, with scandals, an attempted coup, and a comeback.
He controls the narrative, creating a sense of unreality.
insights INSIGHT
Immigration & Trump's Campaign
The Biden administration's handling of immigration inadvertently boosted Trump's campaign.
The influx of undocumented migrants reinforced Trump's anti-immigration stance.
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Sam is a neuroscientist, philosopher, bestselling author, host of the Making Sense podcast, and creator of the Waking Up App. He’s also an old friend, jousting partner, meditation role model, and all round wonderful man. His recent work helped me reassess my views on the Gaza war. This week we had our third consecutive talk on the eve of the presidential election — the first on his pod in 2016, the second on the Dishcast in 2020.
For three clips of our convo — on Trump’s insane deportation plan, the depth of his cult, and what Harris should do in the final stretch — head to our YouTube page. Other topics: what Harris has done well in this campaign; her downplaying of identity politics; her deft debate with Trump and great convention speech; her stylistic — if not substantive — shift toward the center; her lack of Sister Souljah moments; her role as an establishment figure; the lack of a real primary; debating whether she’s a woke Manchurian candidate; the “nepo baby” running her campaign; understanding Trump’s enduring appeal; his zero-sum worldview; calling the neocons’ bluff; the Iraq War; the withdrawal from Afghanistan; Harris campaigning with the Cheneys; Trump’s tariffs; his humor; the lawfare against him; the overblown Russiagate; not seizing dictatorial power during Covid or the 2020 riots; the vast majority of his own Cabinet now opposing him; his denigration of the military; his relationship with Israel; Hamas; Ukraine; Taiwan; the border crisis; sex changes for minors; trans prisoners; Harris’ pitch to black men; “Project Fear” during Brexit; January 6th; Bob Woodward’s reporting; Project 2025; Vance; the growing gender gap in politics; the growing support of non-whites for Trump; his felonies; the McDonald’s stunt; Harris’ extreme caution with media; the Al Smith dinner; X’s appalling algorithm of racial violence; the sinister Musk; the woke onslaught; Rahm Emanuel; and the risk of violence after Election Day.
Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy (the first 102 are free in their entirety — subscribe to get everything else). Coming up: the return of the great John Gray, Damon Linker on the election results, Anderson Cooper on grief, Christine Rosen on humanness in a digital world, and Mary Matalin on anything but politics. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.
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