Know Your Enemy

Explore the shocking revelations of Young Republicans' group chats and their troubling ties to Hitler. Dive into Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner's controversial past, including deleted posts on guns and political violence. The hosts debate the complexities of personal change and whether past hardships lead to genuine compassion in candidates. Can Platner be the next Fetterman, or are we repeating past mistakes? They also touch on the recent 'No Kings' protests, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

Dive into the complexities of Charles Murray's 'Coming Apart,' which explores the divide between America's cognitive elite and the working class. The hosts examine Murray's influences and career trajectory, highlighting how right-wing funding shaped his ideas. They take a quiz to reveal their cultural bubbles and critique Murray's moralistic prescriptions. Key discussions focus on the impact of socioeconomic changes that Trump capitalized on and the dangers of Murray's views on race and IQ. Ultimately, they advocate for democratic solutions to inequality.

The hosts engage in a lively discussion about the absurdity and dangers of ICE's actions, illustrating this with a humorous chase scene. They explore the troubling funding expansions that threaten to worsen the agency's impact. A deep dive into historical texts by Tocqueville and Arendt highlights the importance of caring for fellow citizens and democracy itself. The conversation reveals a pattern of incompetence in governance, suggesting it leads to further injustices rather than corrections. The episode culminates in a chilling warning about a potential cycle of oppression.

In this discussion, writer and psychoanalytic thinker Pat Blanchfield dives deep into the Charlie Kirk memorial's unique fusion of evangelical worship and MAGA politics. They explore how the event turned grief into a tool for political power, drawing parallels between Kirk's portrayal as a martyr and historical figures. The panel dissects the emotional resonance of communal mourning, and how such spectacles are embraced or alienate broader audiences. They also address the role of figures like Trump and examine how martyrdom shapes political identity and revival.

The shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk triggers a wave of vengeance in the GOP and conservative circles. The hosts delve into how societal isolation and media saturation contribute to political radicalization. They also explore the potent politics of martyrdom, examining how Kirk's legacy and the reactions to his death might reshape American political landscapes. Their insightful commentary sheds light on the dangers that lie ahead amidst this tumultuous atmosphere.

Osita Nwanevu, a contributing editor at The New Republic and author of The Right of the People, delves into today's turbulent democratic landscape. He critiques the Constitution's democratic deficits, arguing for a refounding of American democracy that embraces political and economic inclusion. The conversation navigates the tensions between abstract democratic ideals and real public concerns, examines historical rebellions, and stresses the need for enhanced public engagement to invigorate the democratic process. Nwanevu's insights challenge listeners to rethink democracy for a more equitable future.

Delve into the complexities of Roman Polanski's 2019 film about the Dreyfus affair, which struggles with his controversial past. Explore how the MeToo movement impacted its release and Polanski's unique cinematic approach, treating the affair more as a crime story than a political saga. Listen as John Ganz unpacks the historical significance of the Dreyfus case, the role of anti-Semitism in France, and how these themes resonate today. The discussion sheds light on unexpected political alliances and the legacy of this pivotal moment in history.

Daniel J. Flynn, a senior editor at the American Spectator and author of the upcoming biography on Frank S. Meyer, dives into the life of this pivotal conservative figure. They discuss Meyer’s remarkable transition from communism to conservatism, revealing his dual life as a revolutionary and a key architect of the conservative movement. Flynn shares insights from rare personal documents and explores Meyer's influence on modern conservatism, his personal tragedies, and how his ideas continue to shape today’s political landscape.

Talia Lavin is a journalist and author known for her book, Wild Faith: How the Christian Right is Taking Over America. In this discussion, Lavin explores the complex dynamics of the Christian right, linking its rise to figures like James Dobson and phenomena like the Satanic Panic. They address how conspiracy theories, such as QAnon, shape political views among evangelicals and the implications of authoritarian parenting styles within this community. Lavin emphasizes the emotional toll of these beliefs and the urgent need for broader conversations on faith and politics.

In this discussion, Daniel Martinez HoSang, a Yale American Studies professor, examines the surprising trend of minority voters leaning towards the Republican Party. He shares insights from his research on multiracial conservatism and personal narratives that shape political identities. The conversation highlights disillusionment with the Democratic Party and the importance of understanding individual experiences in voting behavior. HoSang also talks about the welcoming nature of right-leaning events, shedding light on new engagement dynamics in today’s political landscape.