To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

Charlie Sykes sits down with historian and journalist Garrett Graff to examine his recent warning that America has entered a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism. From federal occupations of U.S. cities and extrajudicial killings abroad to the intimidation of business leaders and the hollowing out of Congress, Graff argues the guardrails of democracy are collapsing. They talk about whether the nation has already crossed the tipping point into fascism—and what it means for the future of American politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paula Kerger, the longest-serving President and CEO of PBS, dives into the critical challenges of public broadcasting as federal funding faces historic cuts. She highlights the impact of these defunding efforts on local stations, especially in rural areas, and emphasizes the importance of community support. The conversation touches on the future of educational content, including an anticipated Ken Burns series, and the vital role PBS plays in fostering informed public debate amidst today's polarized media landscape.

Tara Palmeri, a seasoned journalist known for her in-depth reporting on the Jeffrey Epstein case, joins to discuss a vital moment for Epstein survivors advocating for transparency on Capitol Hill. They explore the emotional testimonies of survivors, the complexities of trust and betrayal in politics, and the need for accountability. The conversation dives into the unsettling dynamics surrounding Epstein's abuse, particularly on his private jet, and highlights the crucial role of investigative journalism in uncovering hidden truths.

Charlie Sykes sits down with David Frum of The Atlantic to unpack the mounting costs of Donald Trump’s foreign policy decisions. From alienating India and Australia to emboldening China and Russia, Frum explains how short-sighted vanity and corruption are leaving the United States increasingly isolated. The conversation also covers Trump’s entanglement with the Epstein story, the misuse of tariffs, and the growing risks of authoritarianism at home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes is joined by Ali Breland of The Atlantic to discuss his recent article, America’s Next Top Racist. They examine how Nick Fuentes has built a devoted following, pushed the GOP further right, and influenced both rhetoric and policy despite his openly racist views. The conversation explores why Fuentes’ rise matters, how mainstream figures have failed to contain him, and what this means for the future of American politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes speaks with Sarah McLaughlin, senior scholar at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, about her new book Authoritarians in the Academy. They explore how foreign governments and domestic pressures alike are eroding free expression on U.S. campuses, from disinviting speakers to surveilling international students. McLaughlin warns that universities face a crisis of values—and that protecting academic freedom requires courage, consistency, and a willingness to resist political and financial pressure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zee Cohen-Sanchez, founder of National Ground Game and an organizer dedicated to mobilizing young voters, joins the conversation. They explore how conservative groups like Turning Point USA are eclipsing Democrats in engaging Generation Z. Topics include the appeal of influencers such as Charlie Kirk, the challenges of progressive infighting, and strategies to counter extremist voices. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for effective outreach and the importance of youth engagement in shaping political movements today.

This discussion delves into alarming political events, including the FBI raid on John Bolton and its implications for dissent. It highlights a troubling strategy of intimidation under Trump, raising questions about justice and accountability. The podcast connects government surveillance of visa holders to historical oppression, warning of the erosion of privacy. Additionally, it revisits the complexities of Trump and Putin's relationship, urging listeners to stay vigilant in a time of uncertainty and recognize how technology shapes their understanding of these issues.

Journalist and political analyst Chris Cillizza joins the conversation to unpack his intriguing 'rubber band theory' of American democracy. He explores how Trump-era politics have stretched institutions to their limits, forecasting three possible futures for democracy. The discussion also dives into Gavin Newsom's potential political trajectory and the ongoing intrigue surrounding the Epstein files. Cillizza emphasizes the importance of recognizing authoritarian threats and encourages active citizen engagement in a polarized political landscape.

Ben Wittes, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and Editor-in-Chief of Lawfare, delves into the precarious state of U.S. foreign policy post-Trump's summit with Putin. He shares a humorous yet surreal anecdote of chalking a Ukrainian flag outside the Russian embassy, highlighting the absurdity of police reactions. The discussion critiques the implications of diplomacy with dictators and the troubling state of the Department of Justice amidst political turmoil, alongside a focus on the growing militarization of law enforcement in Washington, D.C.