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
Apr 14, 2023 • 34min
Why Does the Judiciary Branch Wield So Much Power?
On this week’s episode of Words Matter, Norm and Kavita discuss a number of judiciary issues, including reproductive health. In a special extended bonus section, Norm and Kavita tackle Clarence Thomas and Diane Feinstein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 7, 2023 • 37min
Why Can't We Have an "Operation Indictment Warpspeed?"
Note: This episode was taped prior to the announced indictments of Donald Trump. The absence of real indictments against Donald Trump allows him to set the narrative. That's not a good thing. So maybe prosecutors should consider drinking a little more Red Bull, having a few more cups of coffee. This is getting ridiculous. We discuss with Dr. Kavita Patel, Norm Ornstein and David Rothkopf. We also discuss who will be the GOP candidate for president when Trump and DeSantis flame out. And we consider the imponderable: Why is George Santos still a member of Congress. Join us for answers to all the most pressing political questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 31, 2023 • 32min
Sue the Gunmakers, Tax the Bullets, Just Do Something!
In the wake of yet another tragic mass shooting--and we're averaging two per day this year in the US--Americans are again asking the question what can be done. The response of the GOP: "Nothing." That's their plan and it has worked so far to make the U.S. a very dangerous place. So what can we do to help combat this national gun pathology? On this episode of "Words Matter" Dr. Kavita Patel, Norm Ornstein and David Rothkopf discuss. Don't miss it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 24, 2023 • 36min
The Politics of Justice
Trump might finally be indicted but what impact will that have on the political landscape? Kavita and Norm seek to answer that question during this engaging conversation. Members get a bonus conversation about COVID and the recent UN Climate Report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 17, 2023 • 31min
Bail outs for thee but not for me?
Silicon Valley Bank collapsed in spectacular fashion last week but the Biden administration stepped in to save its depositors. Was that the right thing to do and what can prevent things like this happening in the future? Norm and Kavita discuss during this thoughtful conversation. Members get a bonus conversation about Ron DeSantis and his views about the war in Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 10, 2023 • 33min
Our Two Speed Country
From the media and books to drag shows and voting, states is in the South have been trying to turn back the clock. Kavita and Norm talk about these updates, what they mean for the country as a whole, and what we can do about it. Members get a bonus conversation about Walgreens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 3, 2023 • 44min
Lab Leaks and Committees Speak
Congress is back in session and there is lots of news. First Kavita and Norm talk about the Department of Energy's report around the "Lab Leak" theory and then they discuss Attorney General Merrick Garland's testimony in front of the House Judiciary Committee. Members of The DSR Network get a bonus conversation about the recent hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 24, 2023 • 31min
East Palestine's toxic plume and America's toxic politics
Kavita is back from her trip but the problems in the country haven't moved much. The train derailment in East Palestine has caused concerns about environmental and health impacts while the right-wing media pushes it as race issue. Members of The DSR Network get access to a bonus segment about Mark Brnovich. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 17, 2023 • 32min
Nikki Haley Jumps In
On this week's episode, Kavita is still out of town. So Norm and producer Grant Haver talk Nikki Haley getting into the Presidential race, her potential candidacy, and what this means for the future of our democracy. Members of The DSR Network get access to a bonus segment about the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 10, 2023 • 38min
The State of Our Union Is....
On this week's episode, Kavita is still out of town. So Norm and producer Grant Haver talk about the State of the Union, what it says about the future prospects for Joe Biden, and if it matters. Members of The DSR Network get access to a bonus segment about the House "oversight" hearings on Twitter and the weaponization of government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
