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 17, 2023 • 38min
The First Rule of Congressional Fight Club
Norm and Kavita are breaking the rules this week to talk about congressional fight club. With threats of violence by multiple GOP members, its clear that tensions are high as Republicans struggle to govern. With the government shutdown pushed to next year, join us as we break down the political field heading into 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 7, 2023 • 29min
Should We Be Worried About 2024 Polls?
Recent polls on a Biden and Trump showdown in 2024 aren’t great for the incumbent president. But with just under a year to go before the election, how worried should we really be? David Rothkopf joins Norm to explain how Biden can bounce back and why the lunacy of the Republican Party will be its own undoing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 30, 2023 • 47min
Managing Mental Health with Dr. Ben Miller
In the face of such overwhelming bad news, it’s all too easy to feel hopeless. Dr. Ben Miller joins Kavita and Norm to talk about the narrative of mental illness in mass shootings, and shares ways that we can maintain good mental health even when the news is bleak. Don’t miss this important episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 19, 2023 • 41min
Words Matter - So Close and Yet So Far: The Search for a Speaker
Two failed votes for Jim Jordan later, and the House is still no closer to electing a speaker. Norm and Kavita break down what could come next for a speaker pro tempore-led Congress and where the Republican caucus will go from here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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
