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
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
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
