David Blight, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian at Yale, and Rich Lowry, editor-in-chief of National Review, engage in a fervent debate about the potential prosecution of Donald Trump for his actions on January 6, 2021. They delve into the legal complexities of political accountability, differentiating between unethical conduct and criminal behavior. The conversation highlights historical moments of decisive leadership while questioning the implications of pursuing legal action against a former president. Their discussion uncovers stark divides in public opinion surrounding these issues.
57:32
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Lincoln's Inflexibility
David Blight cited Abraham Lincoln's stance against secession in 1861.
Lincoln's inflexibility preserved the United States, highlighting the importance of standing up for crucial principles.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Roosevelt's New Deal
David Blight mentioned Franklin D. Roosevelt's response to the Great Depression in 1933.
Roosevelt's New Deal, though not a complete solution, demonstrated the government's role in mitigating economic crises.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Johnson's Civil Rights Stance
David Blight discussed Lyndon B. Johnson's support for the Civil Rights Act of 1964/65.
Despite political risks, Johnson championed voting rights, showcasing courageous leadership.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Stephen Wolfe's "The Case for Christian Nationalism" presents a comprehensive argument for a form of Christian nationalism that emphasizes the importance of faith and religious values in public life. The book explores the historical and theological foundations of Christian nationalism, arguing that it is a necessary response to the challenges facing Western societies. Wolfe's work is characterized by its detailed analysis and its engagement with contemporary political and cultural debates. The book has sparked significant discussion and debate, highlighting the complex issues surrounding the relationship between faith and politics. Its significance lies in its contribution to the ongoing conversation about the role of religion in public life.
On January 6 2021 a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S Capitol seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential election result. Rioters overran police and broke through windows chanting ‘stop the steal’ while threatening Vice President Mike Pence with violence. The moment sent shockwaves through America as people tried to understand how this could be happening in the world’s most powerful democracy. There is now growing pressure on the Department of Justice to prosecute Trump for his role in the incident after a set of public hearings revealed damning evidence of his actions. But others argue that while Trump’s conduct after the November 2020 election was reprehensible, not every wrongdoing, even a highly consequential one, is a crime. Who’s right and who’s wrong? To find out, we invited David Blight, Sterling Professor of American History at Yale University, and Rich Lowry, Editor-in-chief of National Review, to debate the issue. Our host for this discussion is journalist, academic and former White House correspondent for the BBC, Philippa Thomas.
Intelligence Squared 
