Jessica Reidl, a fiscal policy expert from the Manhattan Institute, decodes the illusions behind government budget cuts and the reality of rising national debt. She emphasizes the risks of simplistic economic strategies and critiques past policies that fail to deliver growth. The discussion also highlights demographic shifts impacting the economy and the limited effectiveness of taxing the wealthy as a solution. With forecasts of inflation and budget deficits looming, Reidl urges a fresh look at how we approach fiscal responsibility and economic health.

Josh Barro joins Mona to discuss where the party needs to change, refocus on practical governance, and how to broaden its appeal to win elections against a rising Republican authoritarian threat. References Josh Barro's Substack – Very Serious Democrats Need Their Own DEI Purge by Josh Barro Josh Barro's Podcast – Serious Trouble (with Ken White)

The Bulwark's Cathy Young joins Mona to discuss where DEI went wrong and also the unfathomable racism of the Trump Administration. Referenced Works and Sources Reflections of an Affirmative Action Baby by Steven Carter Discusses the complexities and unintended consequences of affirmative action from a personal and academic perspective. The Bakke Case (Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, 1978) A landmark Supreme Court decision that ruled against racial quotas in university admissions while allowing race to be one of several factors in admissions decisions. Fisher v. University of Texas(2013, 2016) Supreme Court cases addressing race-conscious admissions policies in higher education. Implicit Bias Tests (Implicit Association Test, IAT) Psychological tests used to measure unconscious biases, though their reliability and effectiveness in predicting behavior have been widely debated. Yasha Mounk’s The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time Discusses the ideological shifts in race-conscious policies and how they impact public discourse. New York Times Investigative Report on DEI at the University of Michigan A report detailing the impact of DEI initiatives at a major university, highlighting unintended consequences such as workplace tension and polarization.

David French, a New York Times columnist and conservative legal commentator, delves into the challenges of modern democracy and the MAGA movement's divisive rhetoric. He critiques NATO dynamics and the troubling trend of democratic indifference. The discussion includes the manipulative tactics used in political narratives and the impact of extremist ideologies. French emphasizes the need for truth and community engagement to counter civic ignorance, all while exploring the significant implications of political actions on societal cohesion.

Michael Strain, Director of Economic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute and author of "The American Dream Is Not Dead," explores misconceptions regarding middle-class stagnation and quality of life. He dissects the rise of populist ideologies, revealing how they misdiagnose economic issues. Strain argues that advancements in healthcare and family dynamics challenge the idea of a rigged system. He also discusses the significance of institutional trust for economic stability, and critiques the educational disparities arising from recent challenges.

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.