To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

In this engaging discussion, Matt Bennett, Executive Vice President of Third Way, explores why New York Mayor Mamdani's success shouldn't be a model for swing-state Democrats. He emphasizes the need for a strategy focused on persuasion, rather than ideological purity, and highlights the importance of reaching out to working-class voters. Bennett outlines the strengths of moderate candidates and warns against alienating language. He encourages a pragmatic approach to governance and messaging to reclaim support from crucial voter segments.

Trump's escalating panic over the Epstein files sparks deep dives into his cover-up attempts, revealing the Streisand effect in action. The discussion navigates rifts within the MAGA coalition, including Marjorie Taylor Greene's split. Charlie examines the implications of Trump's DOJ maneuvers, the future of military responses, and whether he'll resort to foreign conflicts as distractions. Plus, he reflects on the shifts in Megyn Kelly's career and the repercussions of resisting free speech extremism, making for a vibrant analysis of today's political landscape.

In this conversation, Harry Litman, a legal analyst and creator of the Talking Feds Substack, discusses the unsettling implications of the newly released Epstein files for Donald Trump and his allies. He examines how these documents may expose Trump’s past ties to Epstein, analyzing legal pushbacks against Trump-era overreach. The duo also dives into the significant political repercussions of Trump’s pardons and recent election results, revealing shifts in public sentiment that could challenge his standing and reshape GOP strategies.

Political scientist Nicholas Grossman discusses the Democrats' unexpected surrender during the shutdown crisis. He critiques the timing and strategy behind their decision, highlighting a missed opportunity to leverage Senate norms. Grossman also addresses Trump's pardons and the Heritage Foundation's shift, expressing concerns over eroding conservative principles. The conversation touches on the implications of the shutdown decision for party leadership and the rising anger within the Democratic base, pointing to a possible call for change.

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.