WSJ Opinion: Free Expression

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.

Marc Reuel Gerecht, a seasoned political analyst and former CIA officer, delves deep into the shifting dynamics of the Middle East. He discusses Israel's aggressive focus on averting Iran's nuclear threat and the complex interplay of military operations and U.S. involvement. Gerecht analyzes how regional powers like Russia and China are reacting to the unfolding conflict, while also touching on Iran's internal leadership struggles and the potential for regime change, revealing a landscape fraught with uncertainty and shifting alliances.

Few people have lived the entertainment world like Barry Diller. Over 60 years in the business, he has run movie studios and TV networks and most recently built a portfolio of digital media properties. In the process he has seen the sector move from a studio-and producer-driven model to the increasingly tech-dominated business it is today.  On this episode of Free Expression, Diller speaks with Gerry Baker about his life in the entertainment business, how modern tech domination has diminished the value of creativity and why Hollywood went woke and progressive. Discussing his newly published memoir, “Who Knew?,” he also reveals what he calls the “sexual nuance” of being gay while being married to a woman, his wife of 25 years, the fashion designer, Diane Von Furstenberg.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates and author of 'How Countries Go Broke: The Big Cycle', discusses the looming U.S. debt crisis. He shares insights on the alarming rise of the national debt and its potential implications for the economy. Dalio emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to fiscal health, drawing lessons from history. He also presents his three-part solution for addressing unsustainable debt while navigating political incentives that often prioritize short-term gains over long-term stability.

Improbable as it would have once seemed, Donald Trump is the dominant political figure of the first quarter of the 21st century, creating a populist movement not seen in recent American history. But is he really a conservative, and what are the defining characteristics of the way he has bent the Republican party to his will? On this episode of Free Expression, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich talks to Gerry Baker about his new book, “Trump’s Triumph: America’s Greatest Comeback,” why the lack of coverage of Joe Biden’s cognitive decline is one of history’s greatest scandals, and why the courts should not have the power and authority over Donald Trump’s executive power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor Kelsey Grammer is known for his many acting roles, most notably as radio psychiatrist Frasier Crane in the long running TV sitcom “Frasier.” But behind the comic mask lies a lifelong story of pain and grief. Fifty years ago, his beloved sister Karen was abducted, raped and murdered. In a new memoir, “Karen: A Brother Remembers,” he writes of how the tragedy shaped his own life. On this episode of Free Expression, Grammer speaks with Gerry Baker about his sister as a source of joy in his life, his spiritual reunion with her and his evolving Christian faith. A rare conservative in Hollywood, Grammer also discussed the current political climate in America and how the pursuit of individual freedom remains his guiding philosophy.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Donald Trump celebrated a “reset” with China, lowering tariffs and signaling a major thaw in the trade war between the two countries. Meanwhile, as the President traveled to the Middle East, House Republicans announced their framework for the “big, beautiful” spending bill looking to make changes to Medicaid and reduce the budget deficit. Where does Donald Trump's wider economic agenda now sit? On this episode of Free Expression, Harvard economics professor Greg Mankiw tells Gerry Baker why the President has to stop thinking the U.S. is an economic “loser,” and how the U.S. under Trump is starting take on some of the appearances of an unstable emerging market and gives his perspective on academic freedom on the Harvard campus and elsewhere after the administration's unprecedented campaign against institutions of higher learning.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conclave of Cardinals to choose the 267th pope, bishop of Rome and leader of the Catholic Church opened Wednesday at the Vatican. Whoever is chosen by the 133 voting Cardinals from all over the world will follow Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Pope who died last month. What kind of leader are the cardinals looking for and where is the church headed? On this episode of Free Expression, theologian, author and commentator George Weigel talks to Gerry Baker about what goes on in the conclave, why he thinks the Cardinals will choose a different character than the autocratic Francis, and how the growth of the Catholic faithful outside its traditional heartland of Europe could be changing the church.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a month since Donald Trump celebrated his “Liberation Day,” announcing a wide range of what he called reciprocal tariffs on a number of countries, with China facing the steepest. Since then matters have been on a roller coaster ride as the President first fiercely defended the plan and then paused it for most countries except China. While fears about the impact on the U.S. and the world have escalated, the economy seems to be toddling along. But great uncertainty remains - not just on tariffs but on the scope and scale of Republican tax plans and the budget. On this episode of Free Expression, Director of the National Economic Council of the United States Kevin Hassett discusses the latest job numbers to come out, how the tariffs began as a place of negotiation, and how the tax plan is progressing through Congress.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump's multi-front attempt to remake America and the world is meeting with mixed success. His administration has ended the crisis at the border and is aggressively moving against illegal migrants. But elsewhere the picture is murky. The war in Ukraine rages on, the Middle East continues unsettled and above all, his restless back-and-forth on tariffs and international economics is causing profound damage to faith in U.S. economic stability. And some of his actions suggest an authoritarian style inimical to American values.   On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker sits down with Admiral William McRaven, former head of US special operations, to discuss Trump's leadership. McRaven draws on the themes of his new book, "Conquering Crisis: 10 Lessons to Learn Before You Need Them," to assess the first 100 days of Trump's second term, but also the wider challenges of leadership in crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices