Rick Wilson's The Enemies List

A recent presidential debate raised eyebrows as one candidate failed to connect, leading to significant political fallout. The analysis dives deep into how this disastrous performance transformed public perception. In a contrasting highlight, Trump's faltering presence was examined alongside Harris's effective delivery, marking a crucial shift in the debate landscape. The conversation spotlights the broader implications of these moments for the upcoming election.

Mitch Landrieu, former Mayor of New Orleans and Senior Advisor to President Biden, discusses the critical role of character in political leadership. He highlights the significance of Biden’s infrastructure bill and its potential to foster unity in a divided nation. The conversation dives into the need for empathy in campaigns, contrasting it with self-interest, especially around issues like healthcare and women's rights. Landrieu also addresses the evolving GOP and the importance of bipartisan cooperation for effective governance.

David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group and author passionate about the U.S. presidency, shares his insights from personal experiences and conversations with historians. He discusses pivotal figures like FDR and Lincoln, and the leadership challenges they faced. The importance of voting and voter engagement is emphasized, alongside the art of speechwriting and its impact on history. Rubenstein evaluates Obama's transformative presidency and reflects on how past presidents have shaped today's political landscape.

Kamala Harris, a key political strategist, and Donald Trump, a former president embroiled in controversies, provide a gripping analysis of the upcoming election. They discuss electoral college dynamics, emphasizing crucial swing states and shifting voter sentiments. Trump’s declining favorability and legal challenges are also under the spotlight. Rick adds a personal touch with reflections on becoming a grandfather while advocating for deeper political discourse and listener engagement.

Leah McGowan, known as PoliticsGirl, is a political commentator making waves in today's political discourse. In this conversation, she and Rick dissect the recent Democratic Convention, celebrating its effective messaging and strong unity. They tackle the evolution of leadership qualities, contrasting traditional masculinity with a more compassionate approach. The duo also discusses the emotional fallout of toxic masculinity and the importance of authentic political discourse that aligns with core American values.

Kamala Harris, a prominent political figure noted for her appeal to moderates, shares insights on her impactful speech at the DNC, emphasizing unity over division. The conversation highlights the cruel attacks from MAGA supporters and the contrasting approaches to political discourse. RFK's increasingly bizarre political stances are also discussed, showcasing the complexities of current political affiliations. The discussion urges compassion in political dialogues, suggesting a revitalization of American symbols to reclaim unity.

Rick gives us a solo episode from the Democratic National Convention. He centers us on what we need to know and why it matters.Follow Resolute Square:InstagramTwitterTikTokFind out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a riveting discussion, author Jason Stanley, renowned for his insights on fascism, warns of rising authoritarianism in the U.S. He unpacks how revisionist history and education manipulation are used to consolidate power, stressing the dangers of silencing marginalized voices. The conversation also delves into the role of social media in spreading disinformation, the complexities of redefining American values, and the media's inconsistent political coverage. Stanley's upcoming book promises to further explore these critical themes.

So how did Trump maintain a stranglehold on the Republican party after his first term? What happened at Mar-a-Lago and what can we learn that we don't already know? In this episode Rick sits with Meridith McGraw, a national political correspondent for Politico and author of the new book "Trump in Exile." They delve into McGraw's comprehensive reporting on Donald Trump's activities and influence during his time at Mar-a-Lago following his departure from the White House. The discussion covers Trump's legal challenges, his interactions with key political figures like Kevin McCarthy, and the strategic moves that bolstered his position within the Republican Party. McGraw also shares insights on the internal dynamics of Trump's team and his rivalry with Ron DeSantis.Meridith's book, Trump in Exile, available now.Timestamps:(00:01:35) Trump in Exile(00:07:00) Looking for the old magic(00:14:13) When did he know that he won?(00:18:01) Effects of the legal casesFollow Resolute Square:InstagramTwitterTikTokFind out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recent years have shown a steady decline in the strength of our democracy. In this episode Rick welcomes Bob Bauer, a seasoned Washington operative and former White House counsel, to discuss his new book, "The Unraveling: Reflections on Politics Without Ethics and Democracy in Crisis." Bauer shares insights on the ethical and institutional challenges facing American democracy, contrasting the current political climate with the Watergate era. The conversation delves into the critical role of the White House counsel, the dangers of an overpowered presidency, and the corrosive impact of disinformation and treating political opponents as enemies.Bob's book, "The Unraveling: Reflections on Politics Without Ethics and Democracy in Crisis," available now.Timestamps:(00:02:18) The importance of counseling the President(00:07:07) Treating the opposition as the enemy(00:10:56) Expectations, choices, and consequences(00:14:19) Trump and immunityFollow Resolute Square:InstagramTwitterTikTokFind out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices