Norman Ornstein, a renowned congressional scholar, shares expert insights into the complexities facing House Speaker Mike Johnson amidst Trump's unpredictable tactics. He discusses how Trump’s ambitious demands for legislation risk fracturing Republican unity. Ornstein also delves into the added pressure from Elon Musk’s proposed spending cuts, hinting at potential political turmoil for Johnson. The conversation unveils the internal GOP conflicts and the broader implications of Trump's maneuvers on the party's future.

Freddy chats with Norman Ornstein, a political scientist and emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. They discuss the worrying prospect of Donald Trump potentially stepping into a dictatorial role if re-elected. The conversation also dives into Trump’s contentious style of governance, the implications of his past actions during protests and riots, and the stark comparisons between his classified document indictments and those of Biden and Pence. Legal intricacies surrounding Trump’s cases are scrutinized, raising crucial questions about justice and accountability.

Discussion on lack of progress and unity within the House Republican Conference. Israeli Prime Minister talks about potential hostage release and election results. Exploring the future of the Israel-Hamas war and Gaza's governance after the war. Lack of outrage and government dysfunction. Negotiations for release of hostages and calls for ceasefire. The rise of a third political party in the United States. Importance of voting and understanding the significance of every vote. The power of abortion as an issue and its potential impact on the election.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Majed Bamya, former federal judge Michael Luttig, former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party David Pepper, former Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes, Washington Post Opinion Writer Jennifer Rubin, Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute, NBC’s Josh Lederman, NBC’s Aaron Gilchrist & NBC”s Erin McLaughlin discuss US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's visit to the occupied West Bank, challenges to Donald Trump's eligibility, efforts to undermine abortion rights in Ohio, and the ongoing electricity crisis in Gaza.

As the nation gears up for the 2020 presidential election, we ask: Is the two-party system good for democracy? Does relying on two hugely powerful political bodies drive division and push voters to the extremes? Or does the two-party system moderate the electorate and make the nation governable? Keynote Conversation:Joanne Freeman - Professor of History and American Studies, Yale UniversityFor the Motion:Yascha Mounk - Author, "The People vs. Democracy"Norman Ornstein - Resident Scholar, American Enterprise InstituteAgainst the Motion:Lee Drutman - Author, "Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop"Katherine Gehl - Entrepreneur & Political Reformer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices