The Home Front

Host Reed Galen is joined by Ron Insana, longtime financial journalist and senior analyst at CNBC, for a wide-ranging conversation about how America’s selective memory is putting its future at risk….leaving it vulnerable to instability, misinformation, and growing authoritarian threats. Plus, why today’s political and financial landscape feels more fragile than many realize, how right-wing media has reshaped public memory, what lessons from the 1970s we’re ignoring, and why expertise is under attack when it’s needed most. For more from Ron Insana be sure to check out his work with CNBC. For more from Reed Galen subscribe to The Home Front, check out Sez Us for a new social media platform for sane people, and if you want to personally join the fight to save our nation’s democracy, visit JoinTheUnion.us and sign up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Host Reed Galen and Jeff Sharlet discuss the current state of American politics a decade into the Trump-a-scene era. They explore the consolidation of Trumpism, the challenges of political engagement, and the importance of community building in the face of rising political violence and disillusionment. The discussion emphasizes the need for local action and resilience in democracy, contrasting the right's effective community organizing with the left's struggles to mobilize and engage. To get involved, go to JoinTheUnion.us to attend a local community meet up. Read Jeff's book, A Slow Civil War Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen and Tara Palmeri discuss the political landscape surrounding Donald Trump and Joe Biden, reflecting on Trump's legacy, the challenges of Biden's presidency, and the implications of impeachment. They explore the dynamics within the Democratic Party, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the need for a clear political strategy moving forward. The discussion emphasizes the importance of addressing what the Democratic Party stands for and how they can effectively engage with voters. Subscribe to Reed on Substack. Subscribe to Tara on Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Host Reed Galen comes to you solo and reflects on personal loss and the broader implications of violence in society. He discusses the recent tragic shooting in Minnesota, the impact of such events on families, particularly children, and the dangers of allowing hate to dictate our responses. Galen emphasizes the importance of community engagement and individual actions in fostering a supportive environment, urging listeners to focus on kindness and civil participation as a means to heal and rebuild. Subscribe to Reed's Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Host Reed Galen as Joe Walsh discusses his transition from the Tea Party to the Democratic Party, emphasizing the need for a big tent to unite various factions within the party. He reflects on his political evolution, the importance of authenticity, and the necessity for Democrats to engage with the American public. Walsh calls for a renewed focus on fighting for democracy and winning elections, urging Democrats to embrace diverse voices and perspectives to create a more inclusive political landscape. Chapters 00:00 From Tea Party to Democratic Party 08:09 The Big Tent: Expanding the Democratic Party 17:20 Authenticity and Fighting for Change 23:35 Engaging with the American People 29:30 A Call to Action for Democrats Find Reed on Substack Find Joe on Substack JoinTheUnion today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Reed Galen is joined by Miles Taylor, national security expert, New York Times best-selling author, and former Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. They discuss what it’s like when the President of the United States decides you’re the enemy. Taylor shares his personal experience standing up to Donald Trump’s chaos and revenge politics, and how that decision changed his life forever. They talk about the real stakes of telling the truth in Washington, the threats and intimidation that come from the top, and why resistance is both necessary and deeply costly. Plus, the difference between unconstitutional and anti-constitutional and how our nation must respond to this moment’s dangerous tipping point. For more from Miles Taylor, read his books A Warning and Blowback wherever books are sold, subscribe to Treason (his Substack newsletter), and join the fight to end presidential revenge by visiting endpresidentialrevenge.org. For more from Reed Galen, subscribe to The Home Front, check out Sez Us for a new social media platform for sane people, and if you want to personally join the fight to save our nation’s democracy, visit JoinTheUnion.us and sign up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Historian and author Alexis Coe, known for her biography of George Washington, shares insights on her upcoming book about young John F. Kennedy. She reflects on her emotional experience testifying before Congress regarding JFK's assassination. The conversation explores JFK's legacy, the dysfunction in modern Congress, and the need for civic engagement amid political stagnation. Coe critiques the performative nature of contemporary politics, advocating for empathy and authenticity while emphasizing the challenges of addressing American citizens' needs.

In this solo episode, host Reed Galen discusses the current state of political discourse in the Trump era, focusing on the challenges faced by the Democratic Party in messaging and voter engagement. He critiques the reliance on data-driven strategies and emphasizes the need for authentic connections with voters. Galen warns that the Democratic Party's reluctance to engage in political combat could lead to dire consequences for liberalism in America. Read more on Substack Go to JoinTheUnion.us and find a home for the politically homeless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Reed Galen is joined by Dr. Francis Fukuyama, renowned political scientist and the Olivier Nomellini Senior Fellow at Stanford University's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, for a deep dive into why liberal democracies are losing the confidence of their citizens. They discuss the core idea behind Fukuyama’s latest work: that democracy must deliver…not just in ideals, but in outcomes. From crumbling infrastructure to ineffective institutions, they explore how decades of government dysfunction have created space for authoritarian populism and what it will take to rebuild public trust. Plus, a path forward for a revitalized liberalism rooted in competence, not just values. For more from Dr. Francis Fukuyama, read his latest essay in the Journal of Democracy “Delivering for Democracy: Why Results Matter”, subscribe to his “Frankly Fukuyama” newsletter, and follow his “Frankly Fukuyama” YouTube Channel, and pick up his books including “Liberalism and Its Discontents” wherever fine books are found. For more from Reed Galen, subscribe to The Home Front, check out Sez Us for a new social media platform for sane people, and if you want to personally join the fight to save our nation’s democracy, visit JoinTheUnion.us and sign up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen speaks with Lauren Windsor about her investigative work, particularly focusing on Ed Martin and his connections to January 6th defendants. They discuss the broader network of right-wing organizations, the funding sources that support these movements, and the challenges faced by progressive media. The conversation also touches on the current political climate, the implications of Ed Martin's new role in the DOJ, and the need for a progressive vision for government reform. Finally, they compare the Occupy movement to the Tea Party, exploring the differences in funding and organizational support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices