Politicology

In a gripping discussion, Jay Solomon, an investigative journalist specializing in Iran, joins guest host Hagar Chemali to dissect the ongoing protests in Iran. They explore how a bank collapse sparked nationwide unrest and delve into the regime's economic fragility. Solomon reveals the weakening of Iran's regional power and the implications for U.S. strike strategies. The conversation also touches on the complexities of protest narratives and the potential outcomes if the government were to fall. Insights on international influence, particularly from Qatar, add depth to the analysis.

Jorge Jraissati, an economist and president of the Economic Inclusion Group, delves into financial systems and exclusion. He explains FATF’s hidden influence on global banking rules and how it pressures nations through gray lists. The conversation reveals the consequences of debanking, including asset freezes that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Jorge emphasizes the potential of Bitcoin as a lifeline for the unbanked, while highlighting the critical need for reforms to safeguard due process and ensure financial inclusion.

Jorge Jraissati, an accomplished economist and president of the Economic Inclusion Group, joins Ron Steslow to discuss the alarming reality of debanking. They delve into how post-9/11 regulations have transformed banks into state enforcement tools, risking civil liberties for many. Jraissati highlights the stigma faced by the unbanked and examines how vague rules can lead to the weaponization of financial systems. The conversation sheds light on the implications of compliance regimes on privacy and the fundamental rights of individuals.

Join political powerhouse Mike Madrid, a Latino politics expert, alongside veteran strategist Lucy Caldwell, geopolitical analyst Hagar Chemali, and crisis communications guru Susan Del Percio. They explore the seismic shifts set to shape 2026, from the need for uncomfortable political alliances to the Supreme Court's influence on party dynamics. With discussions on institutional transformation, economic risks, and the erosion of democratic norms, this panel unpacks the urgent issues facing the political landscape. Tune in for insightful predictions and calls for bold reforms!

A dramatic raid in Venezuela sees Nicolás Maduro captured by the U.S., sparking a deep dive into its implications. The hosts explore the geopolitical motives beyond oil and drugs, questioning the legality of such actions in a flawed international legal landscape. They discuss Maduro's regime's resilience, the challenges of ensuring free elections, and the complex political responses in the U.S. A nuanced critique emerges—emphasizing transparency without legitimizing authoritarianism. Hope for Venezuelans is tempered with caution about possible fallout.

Olivier Knox, a seasoned journalist covering politics and technology, dives into whether thinking is becoming a luxury good. He and Ron Steslow address the troubling decline in literacy, exploring how digital media and AI reshape human interaction. They discuss the risks of a post-literate society and the impact of algorithm-driven content on civic knowledge. Their conversation highlights how wealth and education inequality influence access to critical thinking, alongside alarming insights into AI's role in replacing deep thought and ethical decision-making.

In this discussion, political commentator Lucy Caldwell, known for her insights on healthcare policy, tackles the complexities of the current healthcare landscape. She critiques the ACA, arguing it benefited insurers more than patients, and shares her personal challenges with pre-existing conditions. Caldwell advocates for market-based solutions while spotlighting the need for personal health advocacy. She also introduces the Maha movement, which emphasizes personal responsibility in healthcare, and explores the intriguing role of AI in navigating health options.

Jon Ward, a seasoned political journalist and author of Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation, opens up about his upbringing in the Evangelical Church. He discusses how Sarah Palin's style resonated with many Christians and examines the impact of fear over faith among evangelicals in 2016. Jon shares insights on how evangelical communities enabled Trump's distortions and explores ways to engage constructively with Evangelicals for reform. His journey reflects a shift from defensiveness towards curiosity, underscoring the need for difficult conversations.

Jon Ward, a journalist and author of "Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation," shares insights from his life growing up in the Evangelical Church. He discusses the complexities of "Christian Trumpism" and his motivations for writing his memoir. Topics include the insular nature of church communities, the political motivations behind evangelical support for the GOP, and how beliefs in the end times shape ethical perspectives. Ward also addresses the emotional toll of spiritual ecstasy and the tension between faith and intellectualism.

Mike Madrid, a political analyst and author focused on redistricting and voting behavior, joins to delve into the complexities of redistricting, especially in light of a pending Supreme Court case that could challenge the Voting Rights Act. They discuss how the increasing Latino population shifts the dynamics of minority identity and voting patterns. The conversation also explores the rise of partisanship as a primary political identifier and the potential consequences of these changes on American democracy and electoral maps.