The David Frum Show

Ken Burns, a renowned documentary filmmaker famous for works like The Civil War, discusses his new series on the American Revolution. He explores the dualities of the revolution, highlighting both liberty and exclusion. Burns reflects on the moral complexities of key figures like Washington and Jefferson, while revealing the often-forgotten roles of Loyalists and Native Americans. The conversation also delves into how these historical narratives shape our current identity and the importance of embracing a complex patriotism that acknowledges past contradictions.

In this engaging discussion, Lord Charles Moore, an esteemed British journalist and authorized biographer of Margaret Thatcher, reveals the formidable legacy of Thatcher's leadership. He reflects on her rise as Britain's first female prime minister and her partnership with Reagan that shaped modern conservatism. The conversation dives into her economic reforms, the push for privatization, and her unique stance on nationalism versus libertarianism. Moore shares vital lessons from Thatcher's disciplined approach, highlighting her lasting influence on today’s political landscape.

Margaret Spellings, former U.S. Secretary of Education and current president of the Bipartisan Policy Center, dives into the struggles facing American education. She discusses how test score stagnation predates COVID-19 and exacerbated accountability issues. Spellings highlights successful reforms in Mississippi, the resistance from educators against testing, and the critical role of maintaining high standards. She reflects on the need for civic engagement in addressing educational shortcomings and why we shouldn't lower expectations for any child.

Sam Harris, a renowned neuroscientist and host of Making Sense, dives deep into the troubling evolution of Silicon Valley's politics toward authoritarianism. He discusses how the early optimism surrounding the internet has warped into a landscape of manipulation and conspiracy, impacting public health, like the rise of anti-vaccine sentiment. Harris also links the backlash against 'wokeness' to tech's political shift and warns that the fractured information ecosystem allows dangerous falsehoods to flourish, raising concerns about the future of innovation.

Geoffrey Kabaservice, a historian and vice president at the Niskanen Institute, explores the impact of the 1960s assassinations on modern politics. He discusses how political violence reshaped America and contrasts the early optimism of the decade with the subsequent chaos. Kabaservice highlights that alienation drives assailants on both sides of the spectrum, not just ideology. Additionally, he examines the role of technology and media in amplifying outrage and suggests that a return to pragmatic, centrist leadership could restore stability.

Kyle Harper, a historian and expert in climate science from the University of Oklahoma, dives deep into the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles. He discusses how misinformation and anti-vax sentiments fuel this public health crisis despite significant historical advances in vaccination. Harper connects lessons from ancient Rome to our current trust issues in public health, arguing that we are now less prepared for future pandemics than during COVID-19. The conversation emphasizes the need for collective responsibility and renewed trust in science.

Rosa Brooks, a law and public policy professor at Georgetown and former Pentagon advisor, dives into Trump’s controversial use of National Guard troops in D.C. She warns about the dangers of militarized policing and the precedent it sets for authoritarianism in America. The conversation also touches on Trump's foreign policy blunders, including tensions with allies like South Korea and Greenland, asserting that these actions reveal a troubling shift away from diplomatic engagement. It's a vital discussion on where leadership could lead the nation.

Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of The Constitution of Knowledge, joins the conversation to explore how societies discern truth in an era rife with disinformation. He highlights the dangers posed by misinformation and authoritarian tactics that exploit confusion. The discussion underscores the importance of a reality-based community and a constitutional framework for promoting truth. Rauch argues that despite the overwhelming spread of falsehoods, reality ultimately prevails if we defend knowledge and free speech.

Mary Beard, a leading scholar of the classical world and expert on ancient Rome, joins for a fascinating discussion. She delves into the lessons Rome offers for today's politics, particularly how power was wielded by emperors. Beard challenges modern myths of Roman grandeur and reveals the everyday realities under the Empire. They explore the fragility of regimes and why excessive corruption was systemic. Together, they analyze the importance of critical historical interpretation in modern political discourse and the lessons it holds for democracy today.

Caitlin Dickerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter for The Atlantic, dives deep into the troubling transformation of U.S. immigration policy under Trump. She uncovers how the massive budget surge for ICE, increasing from $8 billion to $28 billion, has fueled mass detentions and empowered private-prison companies. Dickerson critiques how fear-based governance has reshaped American society, raising concerns about the integrity of law enforcement and the ethics of current immigration practices. Her insights shine a light on urgent issues within immigration enforcement.