Know Your Enemy

Dorothy Fortenberry, a playwright and screenwriter known for her work on 'The Handmaid's Tale,' dives into the political landscape leading up to the 2024 elections. She discusses how masculinity intersects with contemporary political issues such as declining sperm counts and reproductive rights in a post-Roe world. Their conversation sheds light on the challenges of family welfare amid climate discourse and critiques the healthcare system's failures, urging for a more compassionate approach to care and community in today's society.

Tash Lewis, a Dissent co-editor known for her engaging insights, joins the conversation. The pair tackles some stimulating listener questions on leftist politics intertwined with orthodox Christianity. They discuss how to cultivate hope within socialist movements during tough times. Freud's teachings get a fresh perspective, and family politics bring in some humor and complexity. To top it off, Tash serenades Matt with a delightful rendition of 'Happy Birthday' in Welsh, adding a personal touch to the lively dialogue.

The hosts dive into thoughtful listener questions, revealing insights from their journey. They celebrate personal milestones and friendships, peppering the discussion with humor and anecdotes. There's an intriguing analysis of the GOP's future post-Trump and the evolving nature of conservatism. The importance of community support is emphasized, especially amidst challenges, while a lively chat about gun ownership in America adds depth. Surprising contributions from past guests make this milestone even more memorable!

Kamala Harris, a key political figure and presidential candidate, and Donald Trump, the former president, engaged in a tense debate that revealed sharp contrasts in their priorities. Harris delivered a powerful response regarding GOP attacks on abortion, gaining momentum, while Trump veered off-topic, discussing absurd claims about immigrants. The podcast delves into themes of immigrant blame and the harmful rhetoric surrounding it, along with the intersection of internet humor and racism, highlighting the societal implications of these narratives.

Waleed Shahid, a key organizer of the Uncommitted Movement, joins fellow activist Abbas Alawieh, an Arab-American DNC delegate from Michigan, to discuss recent political shifts within the Democratic Party. They explore the Uncommitted Movement’s grassroots strategies for pro-peace initiatives and the challenges faced by Palestinian-American advocates. Shahid and Alawieh reflect on their community’s disillusionment with party leadership, the significance of their demands at the DNC, and the pressing need for change to align with the pro-ceasefire sentiments of their constituents.

Waleed Shahid, an organizer of the Uncommitted Movement, and Abbas Alawieh, an Arab-American delegate to the DNC, discuss their push for change within the Democratic Party. They share insights from their communities regarding the party's stance on Israel-Palestine and the unfulfilled demands they presented at the convention. With a focus on the disconnection between leadership and constituents, they explore potential shifts under a Harris administration and the crucial need for the party to reflect pro-ceasefire sentiments.

Vinson Cunningham, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'Great Expectations,' joins to explore the journey of a young black man during Obama's historic campaign. They delve into the interplay of politics, race, and faith, discussing how personal narratives shape political identities. Cunningham draws parallels between his own experiences and contemporary figures like Kamala Harris. The conversation also touches on literary influences from Ralph Ellison to Saul Bellow, emphasizing how fiction and faith intertwine with political narratives.

Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States and a pivotal figure at the recent Democratic National Convention, reflects on her reintroduction to America. She discusses the energy surrounding the Harris-Walz ticket and the significance of the Democratic platform. The conversation critiques the lack of attention to uncommitted delegates and Palestinian rights, highlighting the challenges they face within the party. The guest also touches on the implications of featuring police and ex-CIA members, offering a nuanced view of contemporary political narratives.

Daniel Schlozman, an expert on American political dynamics, joins Sam Rosenfeld, a scholar of party ideologies, to unravel the perplexing state of U.S. political parties. They explore how the transformation since the 1970s has led to parties that feel both omnipresent yet ineffective. The discussion highlights the disconnect between national themes and local interests, the rise of radical factions, and the role of para-party groups in undermining true party goals. Their insights illuminate the troubling paradox of modern American politics.

J.D. Vance, Republican senator from Ohio and author of 'Hillbilly Elegy,' discusses his controversial evolution from a memoirist to a prominent figure in Trump’s inner circle. The conversation highlights Vance's tumultuous childhood, emotional struggles, and desperate quest for approval. His transition to Catholicism and the influence of elite spaces, such as Yale Law School, are explored. The hosts analyze the complexities of his political persona, critiques of his claims, and how his narrative mirrors broader cultural and socioeconomic issues facing America today.