

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

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.
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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.
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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

Oct 24, 2025 • 36min
Searching Through the Rubble of the White House for One Little Bit of Positive News
Donald Trump just tore down the East Wing of the White House. Yup, that’s right - the President of the United States, in the middle of a government shutdown, decides that what America really needs is a new grand ballroom in Washington, DC. Where is the accountability? How is such corrupt politics being normalized? Join David Rothkopf and Norm Ornstein as they search through the rubble and try to find answers.
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Oct 17, 2025 • 32min
The Government's War on Democracy is a War on You
Words matter to the Trump administration, and their willingness to accept and embrace the most vile language and discourse is despicable. At the same time, popular media is normalizing the administration's antidemocratic agenda while we slide further into authoritarianism. Why can’t anybody call out the Trump administration for the authoritarian regime it is? Tune in as David Rothkopf and Norm Ornstein discuss this chilling behavior, the dangers of Trump’s political discourse, and the state of our slowly dying democracy.
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Oct 8, 2025 • 54min
The Big Reason Trump and MAGA Must Be Held to Account
Join Norm Ornstein, a seasoned congressional scholar and commentator, as he teams up with David Rothkopf to dissect the urgent need for accountability regarding Trump and the MAGA movement. They criticize Democrats for their timid strategies, arguing it’s time to abandon the 'go high' mantra. Discussion also covers federal provocation of violence, the economic fallout from current policies, and the necessity of leveraging popular ACA subsidies. They emphasize protecting elections from intimidation and advocate for robust legal actions against constitutional violations.

Oct 3, 2025 • 38min
Welcome to a Government Shutdown Only A Mussolini Could Love
Norm Ornstein, a political scholar and congressional expert, shares his insights on the unprecedented government shutdown. He discusses how Trump weaponizes the shutdown against blue states and infrastructure, along with the legal and moral violations involved. Ornstein critiques GOP leadership's complicity and highlights disturbing tactics used by ICE and the FBI. He examines the erosion of democratic norms and the urgent need for public education on government roles. Norm argues that a solid Democratic stance could sway public opinion in their favor.

Sep 25, 2025 • 36min
“Budgets? We Don't Need No Stinkin' Budgets!"
Make no mistake - we are headed towards a government shutdown and it is a strategic move from the Trump administration. So what are the Democrats doing to avert a disaster? What does this signify about the current political landscape in America and why aren’t news outlets calling out this clear constitutional crisis? Tune in as David Rothkopf and Norm Ornstein tackle all this and more.
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Sep 17, 2025 • 30min
Freedom of Speech in America is on Life Support
“This is a 10,000-meter race to a full-blown police state, and they’re picking up speed.” The Trump administration is using the Charlie Kirk assassination as a tool to attack free speech at an alarming rate. Under the guise of “hate speech,” Trump and his cronies are taking aim at everyone from ABC reporters to Democratic organizations and NGOs. What comes next for free speech in America? Tune in as Norm Ornstein and David Rothkopf discuss all this and more.
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Sep 11, 2025 • 44min
Post-9/11 We Tried to Unite, Following the Kirk Shooting it’s the Opposite
Yesterday, on September 10th, 2025, Charlie Kirk was assassinated. Today, September 11th, marks the 24th anniversary of the largest terrorist attack in U.S. history. Laurie Garrett joins David Rothkopf and Norm Ornstein in a sincere conversation to memorialize 9/11, as well as discuss the tough challenges we’ve faced since, including the alarming upwards trend of political violence.
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