Journalist and documentarian Jeff Sharlet joins the podcast to discuss the crisis on the left, why some leftists are turning right, and the influence of conspiracy theories. They explore the appeal of feeling transgressive, the value of free speech, the presence of Christian nationalism in right-wing movements, and the concept of whiteness in America. The chapter also emphasizes the need to confront societal troubles, embrace diverse strategies, and take action against fascism.
Leftists turning right can be influenced by personal crises, hipster irony, and the appeal of transgression.
The rise of Trump and the fascist movement in the US is characterized by a cult of personality, nationalism, and ecstatic violence.
The dangers of Project 2025 include centralizing power, undermining bureaucracy, and promoting a right-wing agenda, requiring urgent action to resist and counteract the threat of fascism.
Deep dives
The influence of the family on DC politics
The podcast explores the decades-long influence of the family, a cult-like conservative Christian organization, on DC politics, showcasing their collaboration with dictators, anti-abortion and anti-gay initiatives, and potential collaboration with Putin loyalists.
Leftists turning right
The podcast discusses the phenomenon of leftists turning right and joining conservative media voices, examining the factors that contribute to this shift, such as personal and professional midlife crises, hipster irony, and the appeal of transgression.
The rise of Trump and the fascist movement
The podcast explores the rise of Trump and the emergence of a fascist movement in the United States, emphasizing the cult of personality, nationalism, and ecstatic violence present within this movement.
The danger of Project 2025
The podcast highlights the dangers of Project 2025, a plan developed by conservative organizations, including the Heritage Foundation, that aims to reshape the country's future by centralizing power, undermining bureaucracy, and promoting a right-wing agenda.
The need for action and resistance
The podcast emphasizes the urgency of taking action and resisting the current political climate, encouraging individuals to engage in various forms of activism and create a vibrant democratic culture to counteract the threat of fascism.
Nothing will stop Republicans from lining up behind Trump. But the left? It's in crisis. Fragmented. Perhaps in times of great flux fascists reflexively double-down while progressives slide into a cloud of self-doubt. There, strange bedfellows are sometimes found in the dark.
To help us understand this territory—what it is and how to navigate it—we're joined by journalist, professor, and documentarian, Jeff Sharlet. His books, The Undertow: Scenes From a Slow Civil War and The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power are field guides for understanding modern America.