Rick Wilson's The Enemies List

What does it take to go from Googling “how to run for office” to becoming one of the most compelling voices in American politics? In this episode Rick speaks with Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow to discuss her new book Hate Won’t Win: Find Your Power and Leave This Place Better Than You Found It. They dive into her unexpected path into politics, what drives her to fight back against extremism, and how everyday people can reclaim their power in a chaotic political landscape. Mallory also hints at a possible run for U.S. Senate and shares her thoughts on trade, tariffs, and the importance of staying engaged.Mallory's book, Hate Won’t Win: Find Your Power and Leave This Place Better Than You Found It, available now.Timestamps:(00:01:48) Hate Won't Win(00:11:54) What should people do?(00:16:08) Michigan's response to the trade warFollow Resolute Square:InstagramTwitterTikTokFind out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick kicks off this episode with a blistering rant on Trump and his blatant, idiotic buffoonery. He couldn't wait so we put it at the top of the show. Then he speaks with authors Sarah Vowell and Casey Cep about their contributions to the new Michael Lewis anthology Who is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service. They discuss the often-overlooked dedication of public servants, from archivists preserving the nation's history to veterans ensuring the dignity of military burials. Through their compelling profiles, Vowell and Cep highlight the essential yet under appreciated roles these individuals play in upholding democracy.Who is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service, available now.Timestamps:(00:11:50) Who is Government?(00:14:57) The Sentinal(00:27:52) Keepers of the TraditionFollow Resolute Square:InstagramTwitterTikTokFind out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joel Payne, a savvy Democratic strategist with experience at MoveOn, dives into the challenges facing the Democratic Party in today's polarized climate. He discusses how Republicans are boxing Democrats in on spending issues and the necessity for Democrats to reconnect with voters through relatable messaging. Payne emphasizes the growing need for authentic storytelling over traditional political jargon. He also sheds light on how to navigate the chaos of Trump’s influence and the importance of prioritizing real-world concerns over ideological battles.

What really fueled Donald Trump’s 2024 comeback? In this episode Rick sits with journalist and author Alex Isenstadt to discuss his new book, Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power. They dive into Trump's campaign strategy, his ability to harness cultural resentment, and the political maneuvers that secured his victory. From his outreach to young male voters through podcasts to the decisive role of figures like JD Vance and Elon Musk, Isenstadt provides an insider's perspective on how Trump reshaped his movement. They also explore the psychological impact of the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania and how it further galvanized his supporters.Alex's book, Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power, available here.Timestamps:(00:01:30) What people missed in the Trump Campaign(00:02:50) How Trump used the culture war(00:14:53) Revenge(00:24:13) Susie Wiles and Elon MuskFollow Resolute Square:InstagramTwitterTikTokFind out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fight for civil rights wasn’t just waged in the streets, it was built in classrooms led by unsung heroes. In this episode Rick speaks with author Elaine Weiss about her new book, Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools That Built the Civil Rights Movement. They discuss the little-known history of citizenship schools—grassroots educational programs in the 1950s and 60s that empowered Black Americans to pass literacy tests, register to vote, and fight systemic oppression. Weiss sheds light on the broader civil rights movement, the institutional barriers activists faced, and the enduring importance of civic education in today’s political landscape.Elaine's book, Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools That Built the Civil Rights Movement, available now.Timestamps:(00:02:00) The history of the citizenship schools(00:07:32) The institutional opposition(00:16:15) The post war era ripple effectFollow Resolute Square:InstagramTwitterTikTokFind out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The balance of power in American democracy is being tested like never before. In this episode Rick is joined by legal expert and author Tristan Snell to discuss the latest legal battles surrounding Trump, the Supreme Court’s role in shaping executive power, and the broader implications for American democracy. They break down key cases, including the limits of presidential immunity, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the growing constitutional crisis if Trump defies court rulings.Visit Tristan's Substack at tristansnell.com.Timestamps:(00:01:26) Watching the legal battles unfold(00:10:59) What happens when Trump denies a court order?(00:20:24) The protection of executive actionFollow Resolute Square:InstagramTwitterTikTokFind out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Garrett Graff, journalist and author of the Doomsday Scenario newsletter, joins the discussion about America's precarious political landscape. He delves into the influence of figures like Elon Musk, questioning the shifting norms of governance and accountability. The conversation critiques how billionaire power distorts democracy and challenges established institutions. Graff emphasizes the need for a more objective media narrative to illuminate the threats facing U.S. democracy while shedding light on the growing instability and erosion of federal authority.

Gen Z is at a political crossroads, and the battle for their votes is intensifying. In this episode Rick speaks with Gen Z political commentator Dash Dobrofsky to discuss the shifting political landscape among young voters. Dash shares his journey into political activism, the impact of social media on shaping narratives, and the growing influence of right-wing messaging on Gen Z—particularly young men. They dive into economic frustrations, media strategies, and the urgent need for Democrats to improve their branding and messaging. With insights on the future of digital political engagement and the 2028 election, this conversation sheds light on the evolving battle for young voters' attention and trust.Timestamps:(00:01:15) The Gen Z voice(00:04:39) How Gen Z is processing today's politics(00:11:39) Who can reach Gen Z?(00:22:06) The 2028 electionFollow Resolute Square:InstagramTwitterTikTokFind out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have entered a whirlwind of chaos and controversy as the new order attempts to reshape the American political landscape. In this episode Rick sits with Andrew Egger, chief White House correspondent for The Bulwark, to dissect the early months of Trump's second first term in the White House. They explore how a disruptive, Doge-fueled approach is reshaping federal agencies, from hasty cuts in key national security institutions to internal power struggles, and debate the evolution of conservative politics. And of course, Rick adds to the Enemies List.Timestamps:(00:01:08) Covering the second Trump white house(00:05:52) What the public doesn't know about DOGE(00:16:29) Trumpism is not inevitable(00:23:01) Trump's fear mongeringFollow Resolute Square:InstagramTwitterTikTokFind out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The chaos isn’t slowing down, it’s accelerating. In this episode Rick is joined by Will Saletan from The Bulwark to dissect the unfolding turmoil in D.C. and beyond. They discuss Elon Musk's growing influence, Trump's erratic decision-making, the GOP’s shift toward isolationism, and the potential global and domestic fallout from these radical changes. From economic instability and foreign policy upheaval to the looming dangers of reckless governance, the two break down the woodchipper-like destruction of key institutions and its long-term consequences.Timestamps:(00:01:17) Where does the DOGE arc end?(00:07:13) Trump's attitude toward Europeans(00:14:00) MAGA and expanding the American empire(00:18:31) "Burn it all down, we'll figure it out later"Follow Resolute Square:InstagramTwitterTikTokFind out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices