The Gist

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, founder of Realign for Palestine and a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council, joins to tackle the complexities of Palestinian advocacy. He critiques both Hamas and Israel while pushing for reform within the diaspora. Alkhatib draws striking parallels between Hamas and ISIS, urging clarity in pro-Palestine discourse. He also highlights the impactful philanthropy of billionaires like Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg, celebrating their contributions to saving lives. His insights promote coexistence and accountability in a tumultuous environment.

Eli Lake, a veteran foreign affairs expert and host of the Breaking History podcast, is joined by Michael A. Cohen, an MSNBC columnist and senior fellow at Tufts. They tackle the debate over Biden's health, questioning the media's portrayal and pushing back against narratives of decline. They dive into Trump's foreign policy, critiquing its lack of human rights consideration. Will this pragmatic approach spell recklessness? Both guests share insights on electoral strategies for Democrats while humorously dissecting the political landscape ahead.

Katherine Stewart, author of Money, Lies, and God, dives into the intricate web of America's Christian nationalist forces and their alarming influence on global extremism. She unveils how these groups cloak domestic corruption in the guise of faith, revealing the strategic exporting of anti-abortion tactics to Europe. The conversation also touches on the dark ideology of aphilism linked to tragic events and critiques how authoritarian regimes exploit religion to bolster their power, urging listeners to engage in the fight against rising fascism.

Katherine Stewart, author of 'Money, Lies, and God,' dives deep into the pervasive influence of Christian nationalism on modern conservatism and the Republican Party. She discusses the blurred lines between genuine and performative beliefs in the Trump administration, particularly concerning economic policies. The conversation also touches on the evolution of identity politics and its threat to democracy, as well as the alliances formed between evangelicals and political figures. Stewart critiques media narratives around Biden's mental acuity, advocating for transparency in today's political discourse.

In this engaging discussion, Lena Kahn, a legal fellow at the Open Markets Project and an expert in antitrust law, revisits her thoughts on the implications of corporate monopolies, especially in the context of Amazon's strategies. The conversation takes a surprising turn as they explore the politically charged views of Lou, the Pope's brother. Kahn highlights how personal narratives shape perceptions of authority and the challenges of navigating media ownership and corporate influence, sparking a crucial dialogue about consumer rights and market health.

Henry Abbott, a basketball writer and creator of the True Hoop Network, dives into injury-free athletic performance insights from Dr. Marcus Elliott. They discuss groundbreaking techniques, like mastering landing to prevent injuries. The conversation takes a surprising turn as Abbott reflects on the political landscape at FEMA, highlighting leadership changes and a former director's controversial views. Additionally, they explore parallels between American resilience and alarmism in the face of fascism, underscoring a complex societal narrative.

Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State and author of 'The Purposeful Warrior,' discusses her efforts in restoring election integrity after the 2020 turmoil. She shares insights on combating election denialism and the challenges faced by public officials in maintaining democratic ideals. Her experiences highlight the importance of solid leadership during politically charged times. Additionally, Benson touches on the implications of ballot access debates, including the complexities surrounding potential exclusions of candidates like Trump.

David Graham, a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of 'The Project: How Project 2025 is Changing America', discusses the ambitious initiative to remake the U.S. government. He reveals its goal to create a more obedient bureaucracy and politically aligned agencies. The conversation dives into the blending of constitutional theory with radical changes and critiques the past administrations. Plus, Graham touches on the intriguing social implications of the Pope's MAGA-leaning brother on American culture.

Retired General Stanley McChrystal, a four-star general and author of 'On Character,' dives deep into the essence of true character in leadership. He emphasizes the importance of moral integrity over mere discipline, especially in military contexts. The discussion touches on military leadership's duality, the need for civilian oversight, and the nuances of decision-making under pressure. McChrystal also draws parallels between military choices and economic ramifications, highlighting the interconnectedness of leadership styles and public perception.

Keach Hagey, a Wall Street Journal journalist and author of "The Optimist: Sam Altman, OpenAI, and the Race to Invent the Future," dives into the ambitious world of Sam Altman. They discuss Altman’s journey from failed apps to spearheading billion-dollar AI ventures. The conversation also touches on the cultural shifts in how technology is perceived and the troubling gender imbalances in Silicon Valley. Hagey humorously critiques the implications of Trump's extravagant 'flying palace' and its reflections on political luxury.