The Mona Charen Show

New York Times columnist Ross Douthat joins the regular group to discuss his objections to Harris, the likelihood of a Trump fascistic reign, and which party has gone crazier. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code BEGTODIFFER at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: http://incogni.com/begtodiffer Highlights / Lowlights Ross: Can AI be blamed for a teen’s suicide? (NYT) Damon: Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos (MAX) Linda: The Ghosts of John Tanton (ProPublica) Mona: The Envy of the World (The Economist) Bill: The Fight for a New Israel (Dahlia Scheindlin, Foreign Affairs)

Philip Bump, a columnist at The Washington Post, and Susan Glasser, a staff writer at The New Yorker, dive deep into the troubling implications of a potential second Trump term. They discuss Trump's mental decline and how his unconventional rally behavior raises concerns about presidential capabilities. The conversation explores the dangerous blend of oligarchy and corruption in American politics, with an emphasis on the consequences of misinformation and the disconnect between political discourse and voter needs.

Bret Stephens, a New York Times columnist renowned for his keen insights on foreign policy, joins the discussion on pressing geopolitical issues. He unpacks the Iranian threat to Israel and U.S. interests, and examines intelligence operations against Hezbollah and Iran. The conversation humorously navigates how a second Trump term could reshape U.S. foreign relations, particularly with NATO and Ukraine. The panel also shares their favorite TV shows for escapism during these tense times, revealing how entertainment can provide much-needed relief.

Ed Luce, a seasoned journalist from the Financial Times, joins to dissect the recent vice-presidential debate, focusing on J.D. Vance's unexpected performance and its fallout. They delve into the current political landscape, analyzing the MAGA movement's future amid controversies surrounding election integrity. The conversation takes a sharp turn towards geopolitical tensions, particularly the Israel-Iran conflict, unpacking its implications for U.S. politics and upcoming elections. Engaging and insightful, this discussion navigates the intricacies of today’s political dynamics.

Mona, an analyst on DOJ impartiality, Tim, a sports commentator on the Detroit Tigers, Sonny, a film buff, Sam, a sports analyst, and Bill, a political commentator, dive into pressing topics. They discuss the DOJ’s role in political justice, the Tigers' exciting turnaround, and Ohtani’s historic achievements. Bill highlights VP Harris's economic initiatives while Sonny critiques Coppola’s latest film. The group also examines shifting voting patterns influenced by gender and political dynamics, making for a compelling discussion.

Kori Schake, an expert on international relations from AEI, dives into Trump's unconventional foreign policy strategies, especially his 'madman theory.' She discusses the recent shift among GOP leaders opposing Trump's potential second term and the geopolitical implications of rising tensions in the Middle East. Additionally, they analyze modern military tactics employed by Israel against Hezbollah and the need for increased U.S. defense spending to navigate current global conflicts and isolationist trends.

Matt Bennett, an expert from Third Way, shares insights on the turbulent landscape of American politics. He tackles the recent debate dynamics involving Trump, highlighting his struggles and the media's influence on public perception. The conversation dives deep into economic issues, covering job creation and the implications of immigration policies on the economy. Bennett also critiques the dangerous rhetoric surrounding immigration and its impact on communities. Personal tragedies are explored in the context of political opportunism, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

Kim Wehle, a lawyer and author, unpacks the intricacies of presidential pardon power, especially the contentious idea of self-pardon. The discussion veers into the emotional fallout of recent hostage executions in Gaza and the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian relations. They tackle campus anti-Semitism and the balance between free speech and safety. Additionally, they scrutinize Tucker Carlson's controversial influence within the Republican Party and how foreign funding has raised concerns over media integrity and voter suppression tactics targeting immigrant communities.

Peter Wehner, a contributor to The Atlantic and political strategist, joins the discussion about the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party and Kamala Harris's move toward centrism. They delve into Trump's controversial behavior and its impact on his support base, especially among Evangelicals. The conversation also touches on RFK Jr.'s puzzling endorsement of Trump, revealing the bizarre alliances forming in today's political landscape. Lastly, they critique the selective outrage surrounding global conflicts, urging a broader compassion beyond just the most visible crises.

Samuel Benson from The Deseret News joins the discussion, offering insights on the Democratic National Convention's evolving atmosphere. They explore the unity fostered by key speeches, especially by Kamala Harris, and the challenge of balancing vibes with policy substance. Benson highlights his concern over the slow response to anti-Semitism at the convention. They also discuss the implications of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s exit from the race on voter dynamics, and the challenges facing the electoral process in Pennsylvania.