Compact Podcast

Sohrab Ahmari, a cultural commentator, and Geoff Shullenberger, a journalist focused on social issues, dive into the highs and lows of the Democratic National Convention. They discuss RFK Jr.'s unexpected dropout from the race and analyze shifting political strategies, highlighting the contrast between Democrat and Republican approaches to healthcare and entitlements. The conversation touches on protest politics, rural voter dynamics, and the evolving definitions of freedom, especially in light of recent Supreme Court rulings.

Harris proposes a new plan for food price controls, Trump risks losing his populist mojo, and "The Squad" is dying out. Geoff Shullenberger joins Matthew Schmitz.   Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Harris picks Tim Walz as her running mate, xenophobic violence ensues in the UK, and RFK Jr. says he left a dead bear in Central Park. Sohrab Ahmari and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz.   Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Sohrab Ahmari, a sharp commentator on political issues, and Geoff Shullenberger, a keen cultural critic, join the discussion with Matthew Schmitz. They dissect Kamala Harris's controversial ties with Silicon Valley donors and the electoral risks involved. The conversation dives into the Venezuelan crisis, highlighting its implications for Latino leadership. The trio also tackles the evolution of identity politics and allyship, questioning the genuine support behind public endorsements and examining the complexities of race in contemporary political discourse.

Biden bows out of the race, Harris steps up, and Teamsters President Sean O'Brien shares his non-partisan approach to labor with Compact. Sohrab Ahmari joins Matthew Schmitz.   Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Trump survives an assassination attempt, J.D. Vance is chosen as his running mate, the RNC features a pro-union speaker, and the DSA unendorses AOC. Sohrab Ahmari and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz.   Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Darel E. Paul joins Geoff Shullenberger to discuss his new Compact piece “The Perils of Actually Existing Democracy.”   Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

French election results continue to generate controversy, the GOP platform shifts, and Trump challenges Biden to a golf match. Sohrab Ahmari and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz.   Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Biden's debate performance is regarded as a disaster, Trump is granted immunity, France's Le Pen emerges triumphant, and Pride diminishes in popularity. Sohrab Ahmari and Matthew Schmitz join Nina Power.   Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Julian Assange is given a plea deal, Jamaal Bowman is defeated in the Democratic primary, and in the UK, betting on the general election results raise controversy. Sohrab Ahmari and Matthew Schmitz join Nina Power.   Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe