To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

Former U.S. Congressman Adam Kinzinger, known for his vocal criticism of Donald Trump, discusses his documentary The Last Republican and the deep scars left by January 6. He shares insights on Kevin McCarthy's controversial choices and how small decisions can have massive consequences for the GOP. Kinzinger also explores the shifting dynamics of Hispanic voters and emphasizes that authenticity may be key for Democrats' success. The conversation reveals the complex relationship between past actions and the current political landscape.

Charlie Sykes and Jonathan Rauch dissect a surprising Supreme Court challenge to Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff powers and what it could mean for the limits of presidential authority. They also break down the recent “blue wave” election results, the shifting loyalties of younger and minority voters, and the growing ideological fractures inside the Republican Party. The conversation explores whether America’s political institutions can withstand another round of authoritarian temptation—and whether either party is ready for what comes next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political scientist Daniel Drezner dives into a lively blend of baseball and politics, kicking off with the thrilling World Series. He critiques the lavish Mar-a-Lago Gatsby-style party held during a government shutdown, spotlighting corruption amid pardons like that of the Binance founder. Drezner also tackles the GOP’s messaging failures and the normalization of extremist rhetoric, discussing how this environment shapes donor dynamics. As tensions rise globally, he assesses the credibility of Trump’s saber rattling on foreign policy.

Simon Bazelon, a policy analyst and lead author of the report Deciding to Win, shares insights into how Democrats have strayed from economic issues that resonate with working-class voters. He discusses the shift in priorities driven by highly educated donors and advocacy groups since 2012. Bazelon argues that addressing public safety and economic concerns is crucial to recapturing swing voters. He also emphasizes the need for fresh political faces that align with voter preferences on immigration and crime while tackling the party's evolving image in light of modern challenges.

Ben Wittes, Editor-in-chief of Lawfare, dives into the alarming erosion of congressional power under Trump. He discusses the former president's $230 million claim against taxpayers and the ethical turmoil within the Justice Department. Wittes also highlights judges' increasing skepticism toward government statements and the intriguing story behind his 'Administrator of Doge' hat, which ties into a unique night of Ukrainian lounge music fundraising.

Anne Applebaum, a historian and journalist based in Poland, dives into the alarming decline of democratic norms in the U.S. She emphasizes the critical nature of the upcoming midterm elections and discusses how gerrymandering and voter ID laws threaten fair voting. Applebaum warns of the dangers of complacency and explores how the administration's corruption erodes accountability. Highlighting the stark contrasts between American protests and those abroad, she underscores the global implications of America’s democratic decay and the urgent need for vigilance.

Justin Wolfers, an economist and public intellectual, explores the curious gap between Wall Street’s bullish sentiment and Main Street’s apprehension. He delves into the effects of Trump’s tariffs, the political ramifications of Argentina’s bailout, and the insidious nature of crony capitalism. Wolfers emphasizes that democratic erosion may threaten long-term prosperity more than anything else, citing examples of institutional decay in the U.S. and urging a revitalization of inclusive policies to support the working class.

Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman and outspoken critic of Trump, dives into the chaos of American politics this week. He discusses Trump's controversial demand for $230 million and his influence over GOP dynamics. Kinzinger analyzes Speaker Mike Johnson's loyalty to Trump and the MAGA culture's grip on the party. He proposes using frozen Russian assets to incentivize peace in Ukraine while advocating for grassroots movements like No Kings to bolster civic engagement. Tune in for insights on the state of the GOP and the path forward.

Jim Acosta, a veteran journalist and White House correspondent, dives into the significance of the "No Kings" rallies, exploring their diverse and peaceful nature. He critiques Trump's AI video, arguing it reflects contempt for Americans and could backfire politically. The conversation also touches on Trump's foreign policy, particularly his questionable ties with Putin, and the messy implications these have on U.S. diplomacy. They discuss the erosion of democratic norms and the institutional pushback from the military and media against these authoritarian trends.

Tim O'Brien, an opinion writer at Bloomberg, dives into the chaotic nature of Donald Trump's presidency. He describes Trump as a chaos agent, consolidating power and testing democratic institutions. The conversation explores whether a popular resistance is forming and the importance of public demonstrations for morale. O'Brien highlights the weaponization of rhetoric against protests and Trump's pattern of retaliation against opponents. They also discuss concerns over politicized justice and the potential for Democrats to leverage economic issues in their messaging.