WSJ Opinion: Free Expression

The murder of George Floyd in 2020 and the summer of rage that followed was a seminal event in U.S. politics. It was seized on by progressive ideologues who controlled most of the cultural and political discourse in America to assert an identity-based ideology and to marginalize dissent.    But their efforts to cement a woke revolution and cancel opposition has come back to haunt them. The re-election of Donald Trump last year represented in part a counter-revolution. And now he and his MAGA majority seem to be using some of the same tactics to squeeze their opponents from the public square.  How did we get here and how can we restore civility in an age of increasingly polarized intolerance?  On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker speaks with Thomas Chatterton Williams, author of a new book ‘Summer of Our Discontent: The Age of Certainty and the Demise of Discourse.’ They discuss how illiberalism turned university campuses into hotbeds of intolerance, why there is now a backlash against ‘identity politics,’ and how Donald Trump’s base is more multi-cultural than is portrayed by his critics.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The assassination of Charlie Kirk marked the latest escalation of politically motivated violence, and it may be a breaking point for the country. After the murder of Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota and the attempts on President Donald Trump’s life last year, the U.S. seems to be returning to the dark days of half a century ago when politically motivated violence was almost routine. President Trump and his allies put the blame on the radical left and have threatened a crackdown.   On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker discusses the deteriorating political atmosphere with Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, who details his own experiences dealing with political threats. They also discuss the prospects for a government shutdown and the changes the Democratic Party needs to make if it is to re-earn the trust of American voters.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Donald Trump’s tariffs heading towards a Supreme Court showdown, his efforts to reshape the Federal Reserve in his own image intensifying, and another Washington battle under way over funding the federal government, the U.S. economy and markets face new uncertainties entering the fall.   On this episode of Free Expression, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan tells Gerry Baker that despite the uncertainty, he sees no U.S. recession in the near future and thinks inflation remains contained. But he emphasizes the importance of Fed independence and offers his thoughts on tariffs and the growing fiscal crisis, and on the challenges and opportunities posed by crypto currency and artificial intelligence to the banking system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glenn Hutchins, a financier and philanthropist, discusses the economic implications of Trump's tariffs and emerging inflation trends. He dives into how the Federal Reserve is navigating these challenges while maintaining independence. Hutchins also explores the transformative impact of AI on job markets and sectors resistant to change. Furthermore, he evaluates the Democratic Party's shifting strategies in response to electoral losses and the need to connect with voters on pressing issues like cost of living and class divisions.

Rishi Sunak, former British Prime Minister and current Hoover Institution fellow, delves into the perilous state of democracy today. He discusses the surge of authoritarianism and the necessity for democracies to adapt to a multipolar world. Sunak highlights the Western Alliance’s resolve in standing against Russian aggression, and the differing U.S. and European views on Palestine. Lastly, he addresses the threats posed by China and the crucial need for economic self-sufficiency and resilience in democratic nations.

Nadav Eyal, an Israeli journalist and commentator known for his insightful analysis, discusses the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the resulting humanitarian crisis. He highlights the severe famine and aid disruptions affecting civilians, as both sides face mounting accusations. Eyal explains the international backlash, including potential recognition of a Palestinian state by global leaders. He also delves into Israel's military strategies and the complexities of achieving a lasting peace amid escalating tensions and domestic scrutiny.

Donald Trump’s control of the Republican Party is almost complete. But there are still some members pushing back against the president. Sen. Lisa Murkowski is a persistent dissident. She was one of the few Senators to vote against a recent package of cuts that had already been approved in a spending bill. She has also voted against and expressed reservations about a number of Donald Trump’s cabinet members. She voted to convict him on impeachment charges after the January 6 2021 Capitol Hill riots.  On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker speaks with Murkowski about her recent memoir, “Far From Home,” her concerns about HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s stances on vaccines in relation to the recent measles outbreak in Texas, and why she’s “not losing sleep” over the direction of the Republican party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

William Daley, former Commerce Secretary and White House Chief of Staff, dives into the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party, particularly the rise of democratic socialists like Zohran Mamdani and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He expresses concerns over the party's future and potential electoral risks by catering too much to its radical elements. Daley also contrasts the current situation with the GOP's Tea Party movement and discusses which candidates he believes could effectively appeal to the broader electorate, including moderates.

Economist Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former director of the Congressional Budget Office, joins to dissect Trump's ambitious ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill.’ He discusses the bill's potential benefits for the economy amid complex political dynamics. Holtz-Eakin highlights the urgent need for entitlement reform and addresses growing national debt concerns stemming from past tax cuts. Their conversation reveals rifts within the GOP and emphasizes how this significant legislation reflects broader shifts in Republican ideologies about governance and fiscal responsibility.

Heather Mac Donald, a Thomas W. Smith Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, joins to discuss the unexpected rise of 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani in the NYC mayoral race. They delve into Mamdani's radical stances, including his support for higher taxes and pro-Palestinian causes. The conversation highlights how Mamdani's victory signifies a shift toward democratic socialism among younger voters. They also critique the effects of far-left policies on New York’s economy and the implications for the Democratic Party's future.