The Mona Charen Show

Economist Noah Smith, a blogger renowned for his data-driven economic insights, joins the discussion as he debunks the myth of a 'hollowed out' middle class, revealing that wages have actually risen since the 1990s. He critiques protectionism and discusses how political biases skew perceptions of wealth in America, often overlooking the nation's economic resilience. The conversation takes a lighter turn as they humorously assess American cocoa, chocolate, and the implications of leadership during the pandemic on trade and agriculture.

Jay Nordlinger, a seasoned columnist and music critic, dives deep into the world of classical music. He discusses the emotional brilliance of Beethoven and the legacy of Bach, illustrated with stunning recordings. The conversation also touches on the etiquette of enjoying live performances and the transformative power of music education. Nordlinger shares personal anecdotes that highlight music's profound impact, while exploring the interesting interplay between music and literature, making the art form resonate with everyone.

Susan Glasser, a writer for The New Yorker and co-author of 'The Divider', dives into the tumultuous legacy of Donald Trump. She discusses the media's struggle with cowardice during his presidency and critiques how press freedoms were compromised. Glasser explores the chaos of Trump's economic policies, particularly his tariff strategies, and their global repercussions, especially with China. The conversation also delves into the potential consequences of a second Trump term, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement to counter authoritarian trends.

Richard Kahlenberg, a senior fellow at the Progressive Policy Institute and education expert, dives deep into the debate on class-based affirmative action. He critiques existing policies that overlook socioeconomic factors, revealing how elite college admissions often favor affluent minorities. Kahlenberg discusses innovative strategies like community college transfers and the University of Texas's top 10% plan, advocating for a shift from race to class in admissions practices to achieve true diversity and equality in higher education.

Peter Wehner, a writer for The Atlantic and former George W. Bush administration official, offers profound insights into the GOP's evolution from the humanitarian agenda of PEPFAR to today's MAGA-centric politics. He discusses unexpected alliances in Republican circles regarding global health crises and the transformation of the pro-life movement under Trump. Wehner also delves into the complexities of truth and deception in modern political ideologies, highlighting the challenges conservatives face amidst shifting beliefs and the impact on evangelical support.

Greg Lukianoff of FIRE joins Mona to discuss why free speech matters (hint, it's not for the powerful) and how left and right are attempting to destroy it. The Mona Charen Show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mona and get on your way to being your best self. REFERENCES: The Canceling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Undermines Trust and Threatens Us All―But There Is a Solution by Greg Lukianoff and Rikki Schlott.

Helen Lewis, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "Difficult Women," discusses the intersection of politics and personal values. She delves into the complex European reactions to Trump and the rise of populism. The conversation critically examines Andrew Tate's controversial impact on modern masculinity and societal expectations. Notably, they tackle the contentious issue of transgender healthcare for minors, stressing the need for informed debates amid rampant polarization. Lewis emphasizes the challenges of navigating these sensitive topics in today’s climate.

In this show before a live audience, Mona talks with Stephen Richer about standing up for reality, tangling with Kari Lake, and his political future. Head to moshlife.com/MONA to save 20% off plus FREE shipping on the Best sellers Trial Pack.

David Frum, Senior Editor at The Atlantic and political commentator, joins to dissect Trump's controversial stance on tariffs and their negative impact on America. He dives into the fraught U.S.-Canada relations stemming from Trump's economic nationalism and critiques NATO's current challenges. Frum also explores the implications of ongoing foreign policy shifts and the various legal quandaries facing political figures today, emphasizing the tenuous link between democracy and leadership integrity.

Famed virologist Dr. Paul Offit describes his encounters with RFK, Jr., vaccine misinformation, trust in medicine, and what he fears most. REFERENCES: Dr. Paul Offit’s Books: Deadly Choices: How the Anti-Vaccine Movement Threatens Us All The Cutter Incident(about a polio vaccine gone wrong) Historical Vaccine References: The Cutter Incident (1950s polio vaccine failure) The history of polio, iron lungs, and the development of the Salk and Sabin vaccines. The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The impact of vaccines on childhood diseases like diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, and rotavirus. Andrew Wakefield and Vaccine-Autism Misinformation: Wakefield’s 1998 Lancet paper (later retracted) linking MMR vaccines to autism. The role of The Lancet and editor Richard Horton. The legal and financial conflicts of interest that led to Wakefield’s discrediting. Anti-Vaccine Movement History: The Anti-Vaccination League (1800s opposition to smallpox vaccine). NBC’s DPT Vaccine Roulette (1980s), which fueled fears about the whooping cough vaccine. RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine activism and misinformation campaigns. The impact of anti-vaccine movements in places like Samoa, leading to deadly measles outbreaks. Current Vaccine Issues and Policy Changes: RFK Jr.'s role in the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) and vaccine policy. The cancellation of the FDA Vaccine Advisory Committee meeting.