George Packer

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.

George Packer, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'The Unwinding', discusses the intriguing political evolution of JD Vance, declaring him the most compelling figure within the Trump administration. Packer delves into Vance's complex background, tracing his journey from Appalachian poverty to political prominence. The conversation highlights Vance's shifting narratives on class and identity amid the political upheaval following Trump's election, revealing how personal beliefs shape broader political trends.

George Packer, an award-winning journalist and author at The Atlantic, joins the discussion on the decline of American democracy. They delve into the symptoms of authoritarianism, including the erosion of institutions like Congress and the Justice Department. Packer critiques the public’s apathy towards democratic collapse and highlights the dangers of hyper-partisanship and white nationalism. They also address the impact of economic inequality and identity politics, as well as potential threats to the upcoming elections. Packer's insights paint a vivid picture of America’s precarious political landscape.

In this thought-provoking discussion, journalist Anne Applebaum, historian David Frum, and reporters Barton Gellman and George Packer examine the precarious state of American democracy. They dive into the impact of misinformation from the 2020 election and the Capitol attack on January 6th, 2021. The group highlights the urgent need for electoral reforms, the growing threats of extremism, and the role civic education plays in nurturing future democratic engagement. Their insights paint a vivid picture of democracy's crossroads and the power of informed discourse.

George Packer, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of a profile on J.D. Vance, joins Melanie Stansbury, a Democratic Congresswoman from New Mexico. They delve into Vance's political transformation and how he navigates identity and ambition in a populist landscape. The conversation critiques moral inconsistencies in current politics, the tension between fiscal conservatism and Trump's influence, and the impact of rising authoritarianism. Stansbury shares insights from her unique political journey in a conservative region, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement.

George Packer, an acclaimed author and journalist known for his insightful work on American politics, explores the complexities of contemporary democracy. He discusses 21st-century authoritarianism and how many people remain unaware of its creep due to institutional distance. The conversation dives into how economics influence political messages and critiques social media's role in polarizing discourse. Packer raises concerns about AI fostering social fragmentation and debates the future of democracy in the face of rising national conservatism.

George Packer, Staff writer at The Atlantic and bestselling author, dives into the factors that paved the way for Trump, arguing that societal decay and division were already in play. He discusses his new novel that explores themes of societal collapse and our struggle to coexist. Packer warns about the dangers of AI undermining literacy and democratic discourse. He critiques figures like Charlie Kirk and J.D. Vance, while also offering a glimpse of hope through the resilience of communities and individuals.

George Packer, a staff writer for The Atlantic known for his insightful political analysis, explores Charleroi, Pennsylvania, and its relevance to the 2024 election. He discusses Trump's controversial claims about immigration and how they contrast with the town's revitalization brought by Haitian immigrants. Packer highlights the complexities of local fears versus economic benefits, and the intersection of nativism, working-class decline, and corporate greed shaping political sentiments. This deep dive reveals how a small town mirrors national electoral trends.

Joining the discussion is George Packer, a Staff writer at The Atlantic, known for his insightful coverage of American society and foreign policy. They dive into J.D. Vance’s dramatic political shift from reflective memoirist to a figure of controversy. Packer questions whether Vance genuinely believes in his new rhetoric or if he's simply catering to power demands. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of political corruption and extortion, drawing parallels between Vance’s identity and loyalty within the current political landscape.

Author and journalist George Packer discusses the impact of George Floyd on American education. Topics include competitive elite pre-school admissions, rejection of nuance, teaching history and civics, cancel culture, and the culture wars influencing education.