Politicology

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts.** Get your ticket to our special LIVE recording with Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid in Sacramento, CA on May 29th: politicology.com/events **This week, we discuss Russia’s latest offensive in Ukraine, stubborn inflation, Biden and Trump’s plans to debate, and the parade of Republicans going to Trump’s trial in New York CityJoining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director)Molly McKew (writer and lecturer on Russian influence and information warfare)Segments this week:(04:15)  Russia’s offensive (32:50) Stubborn inflation (50:00) Should Biden have pardoned Trump? [Politicology+] Laser weapons, rapidly advancing A.I., and growing privacy concernsNot yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus.Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter):https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://twitter.com/MollyMcKewhttps://twitter.com/ZackCzRelated reading:Segment 1: NYT -Mapping Russia’s Sudden Push Across Ukrainian Lines - The New York TimesNYT - Facing Russian Advance, a Top Ukrainian General Paints a Bleak PictureCNN - Sergei Shoigu: Putin replaces Russia’s defense minister with a civilian as Ukraine war rages and defense spending spirals | CNNWP - In surprise Ukraine visit, Blinken declares vision for Kyiv’s victory - The Washington PostSegment 2: CNBC - CPI report shows inflation easing in April, with consumer prices still rising 3.4% from a year agoNYT - Fed Chair’s Confidence in Slowing Inflation Is ‘Not as High’ as Before - The New York TimesCNN - What Biden’s tariffs on Chinese imports may mean for American jobs, the economy and inflation | CNN BusinessSegment 3: CNN - Biden and Trump accept CNN’s invitation to debate on June 27 | CNN PoliticsWP - Republicans flock to court to ‘kiss the ring’ during Trump criminal trial - The Washington PostMSNBC - Romney interview with Stephanie Ruhle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plusMike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder), Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) and Ron Steslow respond to your feedback and answer your questions on our latest mailbag episode. (06:50)  How you can maximize the impact of political donations (15:10)  The precinct strategy and how bad actors could sow doubt about the election (27:00) It’s not a good political strategy to shoot your dog(33:40) How 2020 election denial has pervaded the Republican party (34:20)The Trump Veepstakes (43:20) What could happen if Trump loses in November? (52:38) Mike’s takeaways from the New York Times/ Siena College pollHave a question for a future Mailbag episode? Send it over to us at podcast@politicology.com!You can also leave us a voice message at ‪(202) 455-4558‬Follow Ron, Mike, and Lucy on Twitter:https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://twitter.com/madrid_mikehttps://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former spokesperson for a political figure, Hagar Chemali, discusses how the affordability crisis is impacting Biden's Latino voters. They also cover the rise of good jobs without a college degree and a Democratic Rep being indicted for bribery. The panel highlights the influence of major Biden donors on anti-Israel protestors.

Nick Troiano, Executive Director of Unite America, dives into the flaws of primary elections that fuel partisanship, disenfranchise voters, and limit choices. He advocates for open primaries, ranked-choice voting, and abolishing partisan primaries. Examples from Alaska show the success of alternative systems. The conversation explores reform options, challenges, and the path forward toward a healthier democracy.

Lucy Caldwell, from Renew Democracy Initiative, discusses growing pessimism about money. They explore a second Trump term dystopia and Arizona's abortion ban repeal. RFK Jr's appeal to Latino voters is highlighted. The episode also covers Trump's imperial plans, voter messaging, and regulating AI in elections.

Death Doula Alua Arthur discusses embracing mortality, practical ways to approach contemplating death, importance of quality of life in end-of-life care, reframing language about death, meaningful rituals for death, and being briefly, perfectly human.

This week's panel discusses aid packages for Ukraine and Israel, anti-Israel encampments at colleges, and the 'safe space' election dynamics. They also delve into Speaker Johnson's decisions, the TikTok ban, rising tension and antisemitism on campuses, generational views on Israel, and media strategies of Biden and Trump.

Journalist and author Byron Tau discusses government data collection post-Snowden, encryption's role in privacy, risks of foreign misuse of data, public awareness of surveillance, and potential legislative reforms in creating a New American Surveillance State.

Former spokesperson Hagar Chemali discusses Iran's attack on Israel, financial challenges for those above the poverty line, Trump's economic plan, and the IMF's warning about deficit spending. They also touch on media activism, bias, and trust erosion.

Journalist and author Byron Tau discusses his book on the hidden alliance of tech and government creating a surveillance state. Topics include data brokering evolution, metadata identification, personal privacy implications, state of privacy rights in the US, public-private surveillance relationship, and the impact of social media on data collection.