

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

Oct 12, 2023 • 50min
A Little Bit of Everything with Laurie Garrett
With Norm away this week, Kavita is joined by Laurie Garrett for a conversation on a potpourri of topics. From the situation in Israel, to the House speaker race, to updates on COVID, there is a little bit of everything in this week’s episode. Don’t miss it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 6, 2023 • 38min
The Speaker Has Left the Building
Another average week for the US Congress. With the shocking removal of Speaker McCarthy by a small cadre of his own party, the divisions within the Republican Party have reached new levels. Thankfully, Kavita is back with Norm to try and make sense of it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 29, 2023 • 34min
R.I.P GOP: A Political Party is a Terrible Thing to Waste
The Republican Party is falling apart before our very eyes. Between the anarchic second presidential debate and the impending threat of a destructive government shutdown, it’s clear that the party is not going quietly. David Rothkopf and Norm discuss all this and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 22, 2023 • 32min
Rantapalooza: Norm and David are Triggered
Norm and David are not happy, and for good reason.The latest judiciary committee hearing reminds us all how far down the rabbit hole the Republican party has gone in the pursuit of scorched-earth politics, but it is not the only example of Republican lunacy this week. Norm and David break down the latest news and more in suitably ranty fashion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 15, 2023 • 29min
Is It Time For a New Generation? The Narrative Around Joe Biden
It is no secret that the media remains hyper-focused on Joe Biden’s age and the growing desire for a younger generation of politicians. As the election cycle continues to ramp up, Norm and Kavita break down how the conversation around Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will make waves in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 8, 2023 • 31min
Georgia’s Special Grand Jury Is On My Mind
The latest special grand jury report from Georgia reveals recommended charges against 39 people including Senator Lindsey Graham. With Senator Graham and other high-profile individuals being named, Norm and Kavita break down DA Fani Willis’s potential course of action and more, including the latest on Trump's numerous cases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 31, 2023 • 32min
Back to School Special: Trials and Tribulations
School is back in session this week as Norm and Kavita tackle the latest in Trump's many trials. Trump remains the frontrunner despite a deluge of legal woes, but new information coming to light daily and the threat of the 14th amendment could imperil his candidacy. Tune in for all this and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 24, 2023 • 26min
Special Edition: After a Lightweight Debate on to Weightier Issues
Last night’s Republican debate may not have had a clear winner, but America was the clear loser. In this special episode, David Rothkopf joins Kavita Patel and Norm Ornstein to discuss the Republican presidential debate and what it means for the future of the party, why Ramaswamy is the front-runner for most unhinged candidate, and how Donald Trump still won - even though he wasn’t there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 18, 2023 • 38min
Best Of - On the Fringe No Longer: Republicans Mainstream the Extreme
Norm and Kavita are taking a much deserved break this week, so we're bringing you one of the best episodes of 2022.Original Description:July 23, 2022On this week's episode, we talk about how the Republican Party is embracing ideologies that used to be fringe, how the media is missing the mark, and what the future of the GOP could look like. We ground all of our analysis in the words of Matt Birk, David Brooks, and Joe O'Dea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 11, 2023 • 32min
Will Legal Drama Actually Empower Trump?
With the sound defeat of Issue 1 in Ohio, Norm and Kavita discuss whether Democrats can apply the lessons learned to 2024. Also on the agenda are the latest developments with Trump’s documents case in Florida, and whether or not the myriad legal woes will actually help Trump in the next election. Don’t miss it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


