In this discussion, journalist Eli Lake analyzes the Democratic Party's strategic crossroads in the wake of Trump's rise. He critiques the shift from opposition to resistance, noting its failure to resonate with voters. Lake emphasizes the need for introspection, drawing parallels to the 1984 election where centrist approaches revived the party. The conversation also delves into the influence of identity politics and the repercussions of movements like 'defund the police,' advocating for a more grounded and unified strategy to regain support ahead of future elections.

Eli Lake, a seasoned journalist specializing in the Israel-Palestine conflict, dives deep into the complex roots of this ongoing struggle. He discusses the devastating events of October 7, framing them as a holy war rather than a mere territorial dispute. Lake explores the history of Palestinian nationalism and highlights key figures like Haj Amin al-Husseini. He also sheds light on the 1929 riots, revealing how historical narratives continue to fuel today’s violence. This conversation challenges prevailing narratives and urges a reevaluation of the conflict's foundations.

Eli Lake, a columnist for The Free Press known for his sharp insights on national security, joins for a lively discussion. They dive into the murky waters of intelligence agency reform and unpack the 'deep state' concept. Lake critiques Kash Patel’s potential to reform the FBI while exploring public trust in law enforcement. The duo also takes on the absurdities of political rhetoric, including the impact of 'bullshit' on modern discourse and the storytelling tactics of figures like Trump. Expect a blend of humor and hard truths!

Eli Lake, a journalist dissecting the relationship between Americans and political bullshitters, teams up with magician and author Penn Jillette to navigate the intricate realm of communication in politics. They explore how Trump embodies modern bullshitting, weaving extravagant narratives that captivate audiences. Jillette differentiates between lying and bullshitting, shedding light on the cultural history of deception from P.T. Barnum to today. Together, they unravel the blurring lines between reality and illusion in American politics, revealing a troubling acceptance of deceit.

Journalist Eli Lake and commentator Michael Moynihan debate with Briahna Joy Gray and Jake Klein on the justness of Israel's war on Hamas at Dissident Dialogues. Topics include civilian casualties, AI use in warfare, historical roots of conflict, and the complexities of finding lasting peace.

Josh Szeps discusses the Gaza-Israel crisis with Eli Lake, exploring motivations behind the violence, the complexity of the situation, failed negotiations, historical context, finding a partner for peace, and the future of Jews in the Middle East.

Eli Lake, Michael Moynihan, and Mike Pesca join the hosts to discuss the viral episode with Philip Bump. They analyze the guest's behavior and media involvement, criticize the prosecutor and media, and explore the practice of parsing words and spinning information. They also delve into allegations against Joe Biden, the challenge of personal relationships in criticism, debate on neoconservative policies and the Iraq War, and the legitimacy crisis in politics. The discussion includes analyzing American military tactics, defining the January 6th insurrection, and a lighthearted chat about Ann Coulter and podcast plugs.

* “Zero-to-insane in the first three minutes”* The terrible 2024 election * The right’s bizarre infatuation with RFK Jr.* The immigration crisis in NYC* The cruelty isn’t always the point* How the average American thinks about illegal immigration* Eli Lake joins to wish us all a Happy Durham Week* Takeaways from the Durham Report* The “heroes of democracy” are, in fact, the villains of democracy* David Frum’s Atlantic piece* Eli on Robert Kennedy Sr., the cop* Diane Feinstein, John Fetterman, Joe Biden* That insane LA Times piece (that we will talk about more later) This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wethefifth.com/subscribe

Many urgent matters loom large in this dispatch.How did boxes full of TOP SECRET documents turn up a Trump’s Mar-a-lago compound?!Could be an honest mistake… Few moving labels get mixed up; nuclear secrets turn up in a Florida man’s safe. Maybe a box full of Melania’s bawdiest intimates gets serendipitously misdirected to the National Archives.Could America be so lucky?Could Trump be selling state secrets to the highest bidder?Could the “Deep State” be up to no good?Is there a clearance sale at the Banana Republic?We’ve got margaritas, Sativa, a burning desire to sort this 💩 out — and Eli Lake is a responsible adult whose laptop definitely won’t run out of power mid-podcast.Recorded: Aug 11, 2022Published: NOW This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wethefifth.com/subscribe

Eli Lake, a noted commentator on American foreign policy, dives deep into the complexities of U.S. support for allies like Ukraine and Israel. He questions why the U.S. seems to prefer a stalemate over helping these nations to victory. The conversation explores the implications of a potential Russian win in Ukraine and critiques the cautious military stance of the Biden administration. Lake also examines the intricate U.S.-Israel relationship amidst ongoing violence, probing the moral responsibilities of both nations as they navigate their conflicts.