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
Mar 15, 2024 • 31min
Reflecting on Four Years of COVID
On March 13, 2020, COVID was declared a national emergency. Four years on, Norm Ornstein and Kavita Patel reflect on fallout of the COVID pandemic, what we learned, and why we're more prepared than ever for the next pandemic. Members get exclusive access to a discussion on the chaos around Representative Ken Buck's surprise early departure from Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 1, 2024 • 33min
Trump’s Potemkin Village
Donald Trump is the healthiest, most successful, and most innocent man in America — according to Donald Trump. The grifts and lies show no signs of slowing even as the walls close in around the former president. Norm and Kavita go over the many machinations of the former president, including the New York criminal trial, his efforts to turn the RNC into his personal piggy bank, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 23, 2024 • 33min
Alabama’s Twisted ‘Family Values’ aren’t very Small Government
The Republican crusade against families continues. The Alabama Supreme Court ruling equating embryos with babies makes clear the fact that they won’t stop any time soon. So what comes next? Norm and Kavita break down the ruling and the political fallout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 9, 2024 • 30min
Courting Disaster
The Supreme Court is finally hearing Trump’s appeal of the Colorado ruling removing him from the ballot. The decision will be massive, but it is not the only legal challenge on Donald Trump’s plate. Norm and Kavita break down the case before the Court, and the state of Trump’s numerous legal battles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 30, 2024 • 40min
The Impending Border Battle
Greg Abbott and the House Republicans are using the border as a political poker chip, with disastrous implications for immigrants. As Abbott continues to defy the Supreme Court and the House refuses to pass immigration reform, what does the Biden administration need to do? Norm and Kavita discuss the answers and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 25, 2024 • 36min
Is it Time to Panic Yet?
Donald Trump is now the GOP's presumptive nominee. How should the Biden team be responding? What should they be doing differently.?David Rothkopf joins Norm and Kavita to analyze the good, the bad, and the ugly of the election so far and what comes next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 19, 2024 • 29min
Does the Trump Train Have Brakes?
The Iowa caucus was a blowout. Trump trounced DeSantis and Haley, leaving us all wondering how much longer they will hold on. But how much can we actually learn from the caucus? Norm and Kavita are back to break down the lessons from Iowa and the trouble for Trump looming on the horizon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 5, 2024 • 38min
Political Prognostications for the New Year
With 2023 in the rearview mirror, many of our greatest political challenges remain unresolved. Norm and Kavita are back for a new year with new political prognostications about what 2024 holds for Congress and what will undoubtedly be a dramatic campaign season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 15, 2023 • 27min
Dr. Ornstein's Political Prescriptions for Smart Democrats
Democrats have their work cut out for them moving into the new year. With monumental elections on the horizon, Norm has plenty of ways the Democrats can press the advantage. In this insightful episode, David Rothkopf fills in for Kavita to discuss the House, Senate, and presidential elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 8, 2023 • 30min
The Fight for Abortion in Texas and Senate Skullduggery
Norm and Kavita are back! Republicans at both the state and national level have continued to chip away at abortion rights, with a case in Texas drawing national attention and the ire of the state’s AG, Ken Paxton. In addition, Senate Republicans have blocked Ukraine funding, demanding border action. Join us as we break down all this and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
