The Next Level 1017: The Dark Urge to Root for Collapse | Secret Podcast
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Sep 19, 2025 JVL and Sarah dive into a heated debate about the role of newsrooms in democracy. They tackle Trump’s staggering $15 billion lawsuit and scrutinize the New York Times' response to it. The conversation navigates personal biases and the critical need for solidarity in the face of authoritarianism. As the discussion wraps up, they hint at more intriguing insights waiting behind the paywall.
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Solidarity Over Nitpicking
- Jonathan V. Last argues that institutional solidarity matters more than nitpicking flaws when confronting authoritarian threats.
- He warns personal narcissism can lead people to refuse necessary alliances and weaken democratic defense.
Neutrality Isn't The Only Option
- JVL rejects the false choice between total neutrality and becoming propaganda like Pravda.
- He points to outlets like The Atlantic as models that explicitly side with democracy while doing serious journalism.
Why Institutions Matter Now
- Sarah Longwell defends the New York Times as a rare institution that stood up to Trump's lawsuit and deserved solidarity.
- She warns many mainstream media companies have capitulated or rushed to curry favor with Trump and his allies.