Molly Ball, a senior political correspondent at the Wall Street Journal, and Nicole Hemmer, a historian specializing in modern conservatism, delve into the implications of Donald Trump's remarkable electoral comeback. They discuss how voter frustrations with inflation and immigration have fueled his support, posing concerns about democracy's health. Hemmer warns of unchecked power, while Ball debates whether traditional barriers to executive authority will hold. The duo also examines the Democratic Party's struggle to reconnect with working-class voters and navigate its ideological divides.

Katie Thornton, a reporter on conservative talk radio's history, joins Nicole Hemmer, a historian and author, to unpack the rise of conservative media. They dive into how early radio programming shifted from the 1930s, the impact of the FCC's Fairness Doctrine, and the transformation of the media landscape during the Civil Rights Era. The discussion highlights the emergence of influential figures like Rush Limbaugh and the connection between Christian media and conservative talk radio, showcasing the profound effects on American political discourse.

Sean Illing talks with Nicole Hemmer, history professor and author of the new book Partisans. In it, she gives a reinterpretation of the Reagan presidency and what followed, and shows how the conservative political movement entangled with media figures and became what it is in the 1990s. They discuss the doomed but influential presidential campaigns of Pat Buchanan, the rise to dominance of conservative talk radio, and the enduring dangers of political violence.Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray AreaGuest: Nicole Hemmer (@pastpunditry), author; professor, Vanderbilt UniversityReferences:  Partisans: The Conservative Revolutionaries Who Remade American Politics in the 1990s by Nicole Hemmer (Basic; 2022) "The Man Who Won the Republican Party Before Trump Did" by Nicole Hemmer (New York Times; Sept. 8) Talk Radio's America: How an Industry Took Over a Political Party That Took Over the United States by Brian Rosenwald (Harvard; 2019) On the Fairness Doctrine (First Amendment Center; MTSU) GOP Reagan Library Debate (CNN; Sept. 16, 2015)  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 Vox Conversations by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcastsThis episode was made by:  Producer: Erikk Geannikis Editor: Amy Drozdowska Engineer: Patrick Boyd Editorial Director, Vox Talk: A.M. Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nicole Hemmer, a leading historian of the conservative movement, delves into Trump's inflammatory remarks during the California wildfires. She discusses how crises are manipulated for political gain, contrasting today's divisive tactics with historical unity in disasters. The conversation reveals the evolution of right-wing rhetoric and its impact on public discourse, illustrating how misinformation fosters anger and despair. Hemmer emphasizes the need for community resilience to combat these narratives and highlights the importance of solidarity during challenging times.

Media journalist Brian Stelter and political historian Nicole Hemmer discuss the week in US politics. They touch on political violence, escalating tensions, media's role, and the divide between extremists and moderates. Stelter predicts Biden stepping down, highlighting the struggle for a multiracial democracy in the US.