Know Your Enemy

Talia Lavin, a journalist and author of "Wild Faith: How the Christian Right Is Taking Over America," delves into the darker aspects of conservative evangelicalism. She explores themes like the traumatic impact of evangelical parenting methods, including corporal punishment rooted in fears of original sin. The conversation also uncovers the roots of authoritarianism tied to fundamentalist teachings, alongside the rise of conspiratorial beliefs such as QAnon and End Times theology, examining how these beliefs have influenced evangelical support for Trump.

Historian Timothy Shenk, author of 'Left Adrift', dives into the shifting tides of liberal politics from the New Deal era to the present. He analyzes the role of consultants Stan Greenberg and Doug Schoen in navigating class dealignment and the Democratic response to a rightward shift. The conversation also touches on Bill Clinton's complex legacy in the rise of neoliberalism and draws parallels with political dynamics in Israel. Shenk offers valuable insights on lessons for American progressives ahead of the 2024 elections.

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.