

DSR's Words Matter
The DSR Network
American politics is undergoing seismic changes that will alter the course of history. At Words Matter, we believe that facts, evidence, truth and objective reality are necessary and vital in public discourse. Our hosts and guests have broad experience in government, politics and journalism -- this gives them a unique ability to explain recent events and place them in historic context. Together, with fellow journalists, elected officials, policy-makers and thought-leaders, they will analyze the week's news and get at the real truth behind all the distracting headlines.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 36min
We Are Living in a Horror Movie...and the Monsters are in Charge
A tragic killing by an ICE officer sparks a fierce critique of the agency's militarization and lack of accountability. The discussion highlights how political leaders defend violence against protesters and the historical pattern of abuse within ICE. Urging active protest, the hosts call for stronger actions against authoritarianism and the necessity of impeachment as a tool for accountability. They emphasize the risks of remaining silent and the long-term stakes for the upcoming elections, ending with a note of cautious hope for change.

Dec 23, 2025 • 38min
In Search of Optimism About 2026
It’s been a disastrous year in American politics. Donald Trump is going around naming everything after himself and proclaiming everything is great while the economic realities for millions of Americans continue to sour. Is there anything to be optimistic about as we approach 2026? David Rothkopf and Norm Ornstein take stock of our current situation and look forward to the new year.
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Dec 18, 2025 • 48min
Reflecting on Rob Reiner and his Legacy
Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were tragically murdered. Their son, who has history of struggles with addition and mental health, is currently the lead suspect. Across the country, mental health issues have and continue be poorly treated and often stigmatized, when we desperately need compassionate policy reform. On this week’s episode of Words Matter, Norm Ornstein and David Rothkopf discuss Rob Reiner’s artistic and social justice legacy, the inadequacies of our nation’s mental health policies, and how we can address political reform.
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Dec 11, 2025 • 44min
MAGApocalypse Now
The Republican Senate just voted against extending the Affordable Care Act. Twenty million people could lose their healthcare coverage soon, and the Republicans have yet to present a viable healthcare plan. Norm Ornstein and David Rothkopf discuss this MAGApocalypse, the GOP implosion, and the dangerous consequences of a lame-duck Trump.
Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 4, 2025 • 44min
MAGA is Coming Apart at the Seams
The podcast delves into the surprising Republican victory in Tennessee and its implications for the GOP's future. Discussion includes the frail state of GOP leadership, infighting, and Marjorie Taylor Greene's departure. The hosts analyze the increasing corruption within MAGA, highlight the military's concerns over a controversial figure, and critique media double standards in covering corruption. They connect the dots between tax cuts, governmental contracts, and the erosion of public accountability, raising alarms about national security risks.

Nov 26, 2025 • 39min
A Curmudgeon's Guide to What to Be Thankful For
As we approach Thanksgiving in our current political climate, Norm Ornstein and David Rothkopf ask - what is there to be thankful for? Donald Trump’s influence appears to be waning and Democratic leaders have started to push back on Republican policies in significant ways, yet there are many major challenges that remain. Tune in as Norm and David attempt to find thankfulness in the midst of political chaos.
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Nov 20, 2025 • 44min
How Much Worse Can It Get? (Spoiler Alert: Way Worse)
Norm Ornstein, a seasoned political analyst, joins David Rothkopf to dissect the alarming state of democracy as Donald Trump calls for extreme political violence against his opponents. They discuss the implications of Trump's rhetoric, the rise of militias, and potential threats of martial law. Ornstein warns of the Supreme Court's role in enabling presidential immunity, while the duo examines the Republican Party's responses and the escalating dangers as Trump's fortunes fade. Their conversation exposes the risks facing democratic norms in these turbulent times.

Nov 14, 2025 • 39min
The Cruelty Is The Point
As deeply disturbing as our current political situation is, the consequences of dysfunction in Washington on average Americans is what really matters. Norm Ornstein and David Rothkopf are back to discuss the devastating impact on real people of everything from DC corruption to MAGA efforts to gut essential healthcare and social services upon which tens of millions of us depend.
Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 6, 2025 • 27min
We Moved a Step Closer to the End of MAGA This Week
The Tuesday elections were a massive success for the Democrats and a beacon of hope for the United States. Nevertheless, we are still living under a Donald Trump presidency, and the impact of these victories are yet to be seen. Will these successes have a lasting effect for the Democrats? David Rothkopf and Norm Ornstein are back to discuss the elections, Nancy Pelosi’s retirement, California's Proposition 50, and more.
Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 30, 2025 • 27min
Crazier Craziness from Trump Lies Ahead
You may think you’ve seen crazy, but when it comes to Trump, you ain’t seen nothing yet. With SNAP benefits set to expire and the effects of the shutdown mounting by the day, Republicans face a difficult political question: is it time to do the right thing? Norm Ornstein and David Rothkopf break down this fraught moment, why Republicans just might cave, and the lights at the end of the tunnel for Democrats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


