To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

Laura K. Field, a political theorist and author of *Furious Minds*, joins the discussion to reveal the alluring nature of the MAGA New Right's intellectuals. Field highlights the movement's foundational pillars and their ties to figures like Stephen Miller. She warns of a growing embrace of state power among national conservatives, including attempts to dictate the 'common good'. The conversation delves into the dangerous blend of intellectualism and opportunism within MAGA, emphasizing the need for a robust liberal response to counter its seductive radical ideas.

Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and columnist, joins to discuss the unsettling implications of Trump's actions in Venezuela. She critiques his short-term dominance and highlights how failing to consider long-term strategies impacts U.S. credibility. The conversation explores the shift of America into a neighborhood bully, overshadowing its historical role in promoting democracy. They delve into geopolitical risks posed by unstable interventions and reflect on the repercussions of January 6th on Trump's support base.

Join political commentator Tom Nichols, a professor and author famous for his insights on U.S. politics, as he and Charlie dive into the tumultuous events of 2025. They debate whether Trump will remain in power or be sidelined by a Democratic House. The duo discusses the erosion of trust in U.S. foreign policy, the GOP's internal fractures, and the impact of social media on shifting youth opinions. They also critique Trump's changing public image and highlight key cultural moments from the year, providing a thoughtful reflection on politics and society.

Matt Lewis, a political commentator and author known for his insights in Filthy Rich Politicians, joins to reflect on the tumultuous year of 2025. They delve into the rise of extremism and anti-Semitism within the right, discussing how figures like Trump have shifted conservative values. Lewis highlights key events that challenged Trump's dominance and the institutional damage they caused. The duo also explores AI's impact on the economy and society, debating the balance between technological benefits and social consequences. It's a candid examination of modern political fallout.

Susan Glasser, a journalist and staff writer for The New Yorker, shares her insights on the tumultuous year of 2025. She contrasts it with 2017, highlighting the deterioration of institutions and the erosion of democratic guardrails. The conversation touches on Congress's failures amid executive overreach and the troubling realignment of foreign policy, particularly with Russia. They also discuss the implications of personal decline in leadership, the reality of mass deportations, and unexpected signs of hope in public sentiment. Glasser emphasizes the crucial need to defend democracy.

Political strategist Lucy Caldwell shares her insights on the fallout from the botched release of Epstein files, analyzing its moral and political repercussions. She dives into Bari Weiss's controversial decision to spike a 60 Minutes segment, unpacking the implications for media credibility. The discussion shifts to MAGA infighting, gauging Trump's continuing influence and RFK Jr.'s troubling rise in popularity. Caldwell also offers strategies for Democrats to harness populist energy, with a case study from the Maine Senate race demonstrating effective messaging.

Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger, a notable Republican and political commentator, discusses Donald Trump's increasing tendency to brand institutions with his name, including the Kennedy Center. He criticizes the board's vote process as flawed and highlights Trump's erratic behavior in light of low poll numbers. Kinzinger also warns about the dangers of politics becoming a performance art rather than substantive governance, while reflecting on the media’s role in enabling Trump's conduct. Their conversation delves into the implications of this shift for the Republican Party and democracy.

Tom Nichols, a writer for The Atlantic and retired professor at the U.S. Naval War College, dives into the implications of Trump's rhetoric on Venezuela. He discusses why Trump's attacks on director Rob Reiner resonated politically and highlights shifts in GOP support for Trump. Nichols explains that blockades are historically acts of war, raising concerns about Trump's recent post and the potential for curbed civil liberties. The conversation also touches on the dangers of military action and the erosion of wartime norms in a changing political landscape.

In this discussion, former U.S. Attorney Harry Litman dives into the troubling implications of Trump’s narcissism, especially in light of his insensitive comments regarding director Rob Reiner's murder. They explore how Trump's abuse of the pardon power is corrupting legal institutions and eroding the rule of law. Litman also sheds light on the Supreme Court’s growing expansion of presidential powers and the potential political fallout from Trump's controversial pardons. The conversation touches on military integrity and the alarming rise of anti-Semitism.

David French, a New York Times opinion columnist and astute voice on conservative politics, debates the moral fabric of America post-Trump. He argues against Stephen Miller's bleak view, insisting a conscience can be awakened. French discusses the significance of Indiana's Senate defying Trump on redistricting, the risks of aggressive gerrymandering, and how punitive tactics have shifted in U.S. politics. They also analyze Trump's contrasting personas, harsh immigration policies, and the precarious state of accountability in Congress.