Sean Illing is joined by reporter Jeff Sharlet, whose new book The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War takes readers on the ground across America right now, as all kinds of people seem to be preparing for a violent fight with other Americans. They discuss the killing of Ashli Babbitt on Jan. 6 and how the story of her death has evolved, the religious nature of some "fringe" political beliefs, and what life is like living in what Jeff calls "the Trumpocene."Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray AreaGuest: Jeff Sharlet (@JeffSharlet), reporter; author References:  The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War by Jeff Sharlet (W.W. Norton; 2023) The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power by Jeff Sharlet (Harper Collins; 2008) The Anatomy of Fascism by Robert O. Paxton (Vintage; 2005) A Brief History of Fascist Lies by Federico Finchelstein (University of California; 2020) "Ashli Babbitt a martyr? Her past tells a more complex story" by Michael Biesecker (AP; Jan. 3, 2022) "January 6 Was Only the Beginning" by Jeff Sharlet (Vanity Fair; June 22, 2022) "Man who rested feet on desk in Pelosi's office on Jan. 6 found guilty on 8 counts" by Hannah Rabinowitz and Holms Lybrand (CNN; Jan. 23) "Marjorie Taylor Greene got into a screaming match with Rep. Cheney over 'Jewish space lasers' comment" by Azmi Haroun (Insider; Oct. 21, 2021) "If you see an all-black American flag, what does that mean?" by Matt Gregory and Mia Salenetri (WUSA9; Nov. 12, 2021) "What does the end of Roe mean for IVF?" by Bridgit Bowden (Wisconsin Public Radio; July 6, 2022) "The Blast That Changed Everything" by Preston Schmitt and Doug Erickson (On Wisconsin magazine; Summer 2020) Enjoyed this episode? Rate The Gray Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of The Gray Area. Subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Support The Gray Area by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcastsThis episode was made by:  Producer: Erikk Geannikis Engineer: Patrick Boyd Editorial Director, Vox Talk: A.M. Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Journalist and documentarian Jeff Sharlet joins the podcast to discuss the crisis on the left, why some leftists are turning right, and the influence of conspiracy theories. They explore the appeal of feeling transgressive, the value of free speech, the presence of Christian nationalism in right-wing movements, and the concept of whiteness in America. The chapter also emphasizes the need to confront societal troubles, embrace diverse strategies, and take action against fascism.

Authors and journalists, Jeff Sharlet and political reporter Joe Perticone discuss Trump's improved communication, GOP's unity message, and Andy Kroll's piece on J.D. Vance. They explore the impact of Trump's rhetoric, Christian nationalism, and the evolving political dynamics leading up to the Republican convention.

Jeff Sharlet talks about his new book, The Undertow, essays on the increasingly violent and authoritarian politics on the right unleashed by Trump. Claire Dunning, author of Nonprofit Neighborhoods, discusses urban governance by philanthropists.Behind the News, hosted by Doug Henwood, covers the worlds of economics and politics and their complex interactions, from the local to the global. Find the archive here.

Glenn Kirschner, an MSNBC legal analyst and former prosecutor, discusses the implications of Jack Smith's decision regarding Trump's legal challenges. He highlights the ongoing struggle for accountability and democracy in America. Jeff Sharlet, a Dartmouth professor and author, delves into the rise of Christian nationalism and its threat to cultural and political integrity. The conversation touches on the erosion of democratic safeguards and the urgent need for citizen engagement in a polarized landscape, revealing the pressing challenges facing American society today.