Mona welcomes Renée DiResta to discuss how social media has distorted our perceptions and how to navigates the world of influencers, online mobs, and lairs. The Mona Charen Show is a weekly, one-on-one discussion that goes in depth on political and cultural topics. Ad-free editions are exclusively available for Bulwark+ members. Add the show to your player of choice, here, or find it wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Not yet a member? Join The Bulwark today! Eat smart with Factor. Get started at FACTORMEALS.com/monacharen50off and use code monacharen50off to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. References: Books & Authors: "Invisible Rulers" – by Renée DiResta (Main topic of discussion) Historical References: Father Coughlin & Propaganda (1930s) – Discussion of his use of radio for anti-Semitic and pro-Nazi propaganda, and how he was eventually stopped. Institute for Propaganda Analysis (1930s) – Early efforts to combat misinformation by teaching people how propaganda works. Academic & Media References: Helen Lewis (The Atlantic) – Quoted for stating that “the internet is built to empower extremophiles.” Google's Assertive Provenance Report – Discussion of how Google suggests approaches for watermarking and authenticating AI-generated content. Key Topics Discussed: Misinformation & Social Media Dynamics Iowa Caucuses (2012 vs. 2020) – How political narratives and distrust in election results evolved. Measles Outbreak & Anti-Vaccine Misinformation – How misinformation spreads and how online movements gain traction. Algorithmic Influence & Content Curation – The role of algorithms in shaping political extremism and public perceptions. QAnon & Wayfair Conspiracy Theory – How misinformation led to real-world harassment and threats. COVID-19 & Public Trust in Institutions – How institutional silence and slow responses allowed misinformation to fill the gap. Decline of Trust in Experts – How institutions and scientists need to engage more effectively online. Influencers & Audience Capture – How social media personalities can be driven toward extremism by audience demands. Solutions & Strategies Pre-bunking – Educating people in advance about misinformation tactics. Adding Friction – Using design interventions (like Twitter’s “Are you sure you want to share this?”) to slow down misinformation. Virality Circuit Breakers – Temporary restrictions on the spread of viral misinformation while it is fact-checked. Watermarking AI-generated Content – Challenges and limitations in identifying AI-created media. Institutional Preparedness – Advice for organizations on handling misinformation crises.

In this conversation, Jonathan Rauch, an author and advocate for the intersection of faith and democracy, discusses his book, "Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy." He examines Christianity's decline in America and its effects on democracy, arguing for a return to core Christian principles. The dialogue covers political polarization, the need for a civic theology, and the duality of faith—how it can inspire both good and bad. Rauch also reflects on the challenges of secularism in fulfilling spiritual needs and fostering community.

Mona interviews Georgetown law professor Stephen Vladeck on executive orders, birthright citizenship, Congress not doing its job, and whether Trump will defy the Supreme Court. Referenced Cases: Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer (1952) – Commonly referred to as the "Steel Seizure Case," it involved President Truman's attempt to take control of steel mills during the Korean War. Korematsu v. United States (1944) – Upheld the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II; later criticized but not formally overturned until its repudiation in Trump v. Hawaii. Ex Parte Endo (1944) – A companion case to Korematsu, ruling the detention of a loyal Japanese American citizen was unauthorized by statute. Trump v. Hawaii (2018) – Upheld the Trump administration's travel ban but included the repudiation of Korematsu as part of the decision. United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898) – Affirmed the principle of birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment. INS v. Chadha (1983) – Declared legislative vetoes unconstitutional, affecting the National Emergencies Act. TikTok-related Executive Orders and Litigation – Mentioned in the context of national security and executive overreach. Referenced Works: The U.S. Constitution: Article II: Presidential powers. 14th Amendment: Citizenship clause.

Mona is joined by Richard Reeves, author of "Of Boys and Men" and founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men. He delves into the rising struggles boys and men face in today’s society. The discussion includes the shifting educational dynamics favoring females, the alarming rise in men’s substance abuse, and how family structures shape masculinity. Reeves challenges misconceptions about gender, emphasizing the critical need for engaged fatherhood and the importance of supportive family roles in nurturing young males.

Pamela Paul, a New York Times opinion columnist and former editor of the NYT Book Review, shares insight into the challenging messages girls receive about womanhood. They discuss the complexities of motherhood and the societal expectations that differ for boys and girls. The conversation tackles the detrimental effects of social media on girls' mental health and highlights the evolving dynamics of gender roles, parenting, and family structures. They challenge gender stereotypes and advocate for mutual growth and support among parents.

Get ready for a fresh approach to thought-provoking discussions. This new show promises dynamic one-on-one conversations that reflect on past insights while exploring exciting future topics. Expect engaging debates and a deep dive into issues that matter, all delivered with a captivating style. The transition is just the beginning of intriguing dialogues ahead!

In a poignant farewell, the hosts reflect on five years of vibrant political discourse. They delve into the implications of Trump's presidency and the pandemic's lingering effects. The shift to a new single-topic format promises deeper explorations ahead. Upsetting political narratives, they tackle the skepticism surrounding UFOs and the role of misinformation. Personal transitions into literature are shared, with exciting upcoming book previews, including a novel on the Spanish Inquisition. The influence of Leo Strauss on modern thought adds a philosophical twist, providing a fitting end to their engaging journey.

Noah Smith, an economist and writer of the Substack newsletter "No Opinion," joins the conversation to scrutinize the potential impact of Tulsi Gabbard and other controversial nominees. They discuss the lack of appropriate vetting for political appointments, the moral dilemmas surrounding public fascination with violence, and the complexities of America’s healthcare system. Additionally, Smith reflects on the geopolitical quagmire in Syria, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to prevent chaos.

Matt Bennett, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs at Third Way, dives into the alarming implications of Trump's appointments and the media's growing fear. He discusses how political cabinet choices, influenced by TV personalities, could reshape the GOP. The conversation also critiques the precarious vetting process for Trump's nominees and warns about authoritarianism's threat to press freedom. Bennett highlights the trend of 'preemptive obedience' among journalists, raising urgent questions about democracy and media's moral compass in challenging times.

Robert Tracinski, author of The Traczynski Letter and keen political commentator, dives into the alarming implications of Trump's controversial appointees. He critiques figures like Matt Gaetz and highlights the erosion of institutional integrity. The conversation spans the influence of oligarchs like Elon Musk on politics and the Democratic Party’s struggles to reinvent itself. They also tackle serious issues, such as the chilling jailing of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, reminding us of the ongoing fight for freedom.