Politicology

Liam Donovan, a Principal at Bracewell LLP and host of 'The Lobby Shop', teams up with Marc Caputo, a Senior Politics Reporter at Axios. They dive into the implications of Donald Trump's broad pardons related to January 6th and Joe Biden's strategic pardons for critics and family members. The duo sparks conversation around the evolving views on executive power and whether America is inching toward a more monarchical presidency. They also touch on the ethical quagmire surrounding Trump and Melania's entry into memecoins, raising eyebrows about political influence in the crypto space.

Liam Donovan, a savvy political commentator and strategist, joins Marc Caputo and Brady Dale to dissect the launch of meme coins by Donald and Melania Trump. They delve into the chaotic world of cryptocurrency, highlighting its speculative nature and ethical quandaries. The conversation covers the implications for pro-crypto policies and regulatory challenges emerging from Trump's entry into this space. The panel also explores how Trump's tactical instincts play into the unpredictable cryptocurrency landscape, raising questions about finance and politics.

Nick Anthony, a Policy Analyst at the Cato Institute and Fellow at the Human Rights Foundation, dives into the risky realm of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). He explains how CBDCs could grant governments unprecedented control over spending and invade personal privacy. Discussing the weak arguments for their implementation, he reveals the hidden assumptions that could threaten civil liberties. Anthony also compares CBDCs to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, shedding light on their implications for financial regulation and surveillance.

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plusThis week, we discuss the devastating wild fires in California and the political earthquake that’s coming.Then, we talk about the paradox of America’s dysfunction at home and unparalleled power on the global stage.Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we discuss the TikTok ban set to go into effect and the “refugees” flocking to other China controlled apps. Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN)Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder, author of The Latino Century)Segments this week:(02:04) The Wild Fires(32:02) Dysfunction at home and power abroadNot yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss all the extra episodes on the 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://x.com/HagarChemalihttps://x.com/madrid_mikeRelated reading:Segment 1: NBC News - Reservoir in Pacific Palisades was out of commission when fire startedNYT - Newsom Suspends State Environmental Rules for Rebuilding After Fires - The New York TimesCato - California Insurance Market: Another Victim of the War on Prices | Cato at Liberty BlogLos Angeles Daily News -Misinformation about California fires is spreading like, well, wildfire – Daily NewsSegment 2: Foreign Affairs - The Strange Triumph of a Broken America  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plusIn this episode, Ron talks to Senator Ron Wyden (Oregon) about his new book It Takes Chutzpah and leading the legislative charge for privacy in the digital age. Segments to look forward to:(01:48) What is Chutzpah(06:06) Being the ‘Designated Driver’ in the Senate (07:31) Why he’s committed to principled bipartisanship (10:22) Why the fight for privacy is so important to him (14:17) The “wild west” of data privacy (18:35) Putting the “foreign” back in FISA(19:43) Where the political battlelines are drawn on privacy (24:57) Financial privacy Read It Takes Chutzpah: How to Fight Fearlessly for Progressive Change: https://bit.ly/4fWL3stFollow Ron and Sen. Wyden on Twitter:https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://x.com/RonWydenEmail your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Susan Del Percio, an MSNBC political analyst with a knack for crisis communications, joins Stef Kight, a politics reporter at Axios, to explore President-elect Trump’s ambitious agenda. They discuss the potential of a 'mega MAGA moonshot' that could revolutionize legislation. The conversation shifts to cryptocurrency, spotlighting a proposed strategic Bitcoin reserve and evolving bipartisan support. The duo also addresses the chilling effects of January 6th on political dialogue, considering how narratives around the attack are changing in light of Trump's possible re-election.

Heather Shaner, a seasoned Washington D.C. public defender, discusses her extensive work representing January 6th defendants, focusing on their emotional struggles and the complexities of their motivations. Joining her is Liz Gilbert Cohen, a political advisor and documentary producer who sheds light on the media representation of these individuals. They explore the balance between legal representation and public perception, the societal impact on diverse defendants, and the ethical challenges faced within a contentious political landscape.

Justin Zorn, a Harvard and Oxford trained policymaker and meditation teacher, dives into the often-overlooked significance of silence in our noisy world. He discusses the Amish approach to technology, which emphasizes thoughtful evaluation over haste. Zorn and co-author Leigh Marz explore the attention economy, advocating for a shift towards mindful engagement and quality over quantity. They also highlight practical ways to incorporate silence into daily life and discuss the impact of silence on mental well-being and relationships.

Justin Zorn, a policymaker and meditation teacher, and Leigh Marz, a collaboration consultant, dive into the transformative power of silence. They explore the impact of constant noise on our minds and relationships, revealing why silence often feels intimidating. Their personal journeys highlight silence's dual role as both a source of inspiration and discomfort. They also discuss societal tendencies that discourage quietness, linking this fear to modern distractions and the pressure of constant connectivity.

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plusThis week, we discuss President Biden carrying out the largest single-day act of clemency in American history and the controversial commutations of sentences for corrupt public officials.Then, we talk about the rash of reported drone sightings in New Jersey and the confirmed UAV sightings around military bases, and how we can sort fact from fiction to make sure we address real security concerns.  Later, we talk about Mitch McConnell’s call to reject isolationism and the Atlantic’s deep reporting on how our crumbling military manufacturing infrastructure makes us vulnerable in a turbulent world.Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we discuss CNN admitting that the person they showed being freed from a Syrian prison last week was actually an intelligence officer in the Assad regime and the growth of mediated media. Joining host Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP)Olivier Knox (Senior National Political Correspondent at U.S. News & World Report)Segments this week:(04:31) Biden’s pardons and commutations (26:13) Drones(41:04) The precarious state of our military manufacturing infrastructure Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss all the extra episodes on the 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) 455-4558‬Get Olivier’s newsletter “Decision Points”: https://bit.ly/3ZTK8TUFollow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter):https://x.com/RonSteslowhttps://x.com/LPDonovanhttps://x.com/OKnoxRelated reading:Segment 1: WSJ - Mystery Drones Swarmed a U.S. Military Base for 17 Days. The Pentagon Is Stumped. - WSJCNN - Key US Air Force base closes airspace amid drone sightings | CNNSegment 2: AP - Biden commutes roughly 1,500 sentences and pardons 39 people in biggest single-day act of clemencyCNN - Victims ‘shocked’ after Biden grants clemency to ‘kids-for-cash’ judge and $54 million embezzler | CNN PoliticsSegment 3: Foreign Affairs - Mitch McConnell: The Price of American RetreatThe Atlantic - The Crumbling Foundation of America’s Military - The Atlantic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices