Making Sense with Sam Harris #444 — America's Zombie Democracy
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Nov 17, 2025 
George Packer, a renowned journalist and author, joins the discussion to delve into the complexities of American democracy. He describes the unsettling idea of a 'Zombie Democracy' and highlights the erosion of democratic institutions. They explore the problematic politicization of the Justice Department and the unprecedented corruption seen during the Trump era. Packer emphasizes how shamelessness has become a political superpower, shielding wrongdoing from public scrutiny, and discusses the escalating threats of hyperpartisanship and white nationalism.
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Physical Books Preserve Author Identity
- Sam Harris describes forgetting authors when reading digital audiobooks because you never see the cover again.
- Both speakers express renewed appreciation for physical books and the author's name on the cover.
Politicized DOJ Undercuts Rule Of Law
- Using the Justice Department to prosecute political enemies signals a collapse of a key democratic check.
- George Packer argues this shows the rule of law has been eroded into an instrument of the president.
Procedural Delay Enabled Return To Power
- The failure to arrest Trump before reelection indicates norms and procedures once protecting the rule of law have weakened.
- Packer argues institutional delays and reluctance allowed Trump to regain power despite strong evidence.
