The Gist

Michael Cohen, a political columnist for MSNBC and author, joins Liz Wolfe, Reason Magazine's editor with a libertarian twist. They dive into Trump’s recent address, highlighting its inaccuracies and the Democrats' mixed responses. The duo discusses the absurdities of tariffs and federal workforce challenges while blending humor with serious critiques. They also share hilarious travel tales from Iceland, emphasizing the stress of airport chaos. It's a lively mix of political insight and personal anecdotes that keeps listeners engaged!

Charles Kupchan, a veteran diplomat and Georgetown professor with a rich background in European affairs, discusses the delicate balancing act of potential peace negotiations for Ukraine. He shares insights on meeting Ukraine's needs while navigating political realities. The conversation also touches on recent political antics, including Donald Trump's memorable speech and his unusual priorities, highlighting the complexities and absurdities of government spending. Kupchan's perspective offers a mix of hope and realism amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Brenda Wineapple, an acclaimed author and historian, joins the discussion to illuminate the modern relevance of the historic Scopes Monkey Trial. The conversation dives into the clash of ideologies surrounding the teaching of evolution, highlighting its impact on public opinion and judicial decisions during the 1920s. Wineapple also explores William Jennings Bryan's courtroom antics and his fight against technological exploitation. The episode interweaves these historical themes with contemporary political tensions, making for a captivating examination of enduring struggles.

Mosheh Oinounou, a former executive producer of CBS Evening News and founder of Mo News, discusses the shifting landscape of journalism. He critiques legacy media's failures and emphasizes the need for a fact-first approach. The conversation dives into the role of gratitude in negotiations, particularly between Ukraine and Trump. Oinounou highlights the challenges legacy media faces amidst declining trust and viewership, arguing that today's news must prioritize balance over sensationalism to connect with diverse audiences.

Josh Barro, a contributor to 'Very Serious,' dives into the complexities of political slogans and their different meanings across party lines. Megan McArdle from The Washington Post examines the shift in public trust toward universities and scientific research, especially post-COVID-19. Writer Ben Dreyfuss adds commentary on the growing polarization in politics and academia, emphasizing the need for unity in diversity of thought. They also touch on the implications of recent controversies in government and the critical role of inclusivity in political discourse.

Critic and author Kat Rosenfield, known for her insights on culture and the MeToo movement, discusses the media frenzy surrounding Blake Lively's recent controversies. She analyzes the dynamics of celebrity reputations and how public scrutiny affects personal lives. Additionally, Rosenfield dives into Neil Gaiman's allegations, exploring the blurred lines of consent and the complexities of modern dating post-MeToo. Their conversation reveals the shifting narratives of morality in Hollywood and the challenges facing young men in today's dating landscape.

The power of tariffs and economic leverage takes center stage as experts discuss their impact on U.S. politics. Insights on the Biden administration's handling of aid to Ukraine reveal a clash of military versus financial support. Mark Cuban emphasizes that Democrats need execution over flashy slogans to resonate with voters. There's a deep dive into the core values of the Democratic Party and the importance of aligning these with voter interests. Finally, the need for compassion and effective governance in addressing unemployment is highlighted as a way to rebuild trust.

Edward Fishman, an expert on sanctions and tariffs, shares insights from his book, "Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare." He discusses the geopolitical impact of trade vulnerabilities and the transition from military force to economic sanctions in U.S. foreign policy. Fishman highlights the complexities and unintended consequences of these sanctions, particularly regarding Russia and Iran. Additionally, the host examines the intense dynamics at recent Republican town halls, questioning whether media representations capture the true essence of public sentiment.

Will Saletan, a writer for The Bulwark and expert on Trump's presidency, joins to explore whether Trump is truly delusional or merely playing politics. They discuss Trump's impact on U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and NATO. Saletan examines Trump's tribal politics, where misguided beliefs clash with reality. The conversation also navigates significant constitutional concerns, emphasizing the importance of collective resistance against Trump's potential executive overreach.

Psychology professor Kurt Gray, a leading expert from the University of North Carolina and author of "Outraged," delves into how our evolutionary history as prey has influenced today's moral and political debates. He discusses the dynamics of victimhood, especially how groups perceive threats and the narratives shaped by media. The conversation also touches on the complex interplay of oppressor and oppressed identities, emphasizing empathy in understanding societal conflicts, including contentious situations like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.