Honestly with Bari Weiss

In this lively discussion, guests Tara Palmeri, a senior political correspondent at Puck News, and Batya Ungar-Sargon, Newsweek's opinion editor, share their insights on Biden's media tensions and the chaotic election landscape. Anna Khachiyan adds her sharp commentary on political narratives, while legendary pollster Frank Luntz offers valuable voter sentiment data. Reihan Salam analyzes the evolving GOP, focusing on J.D. Vance's ideological shifts, and journalist James Pogue discusses foreign policy impacts. The group tackles the contrasting enthusiasm levels of Trump vs. Biden supporters.

In this engaging conversation, Yuval Levin, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and an expert on American political life, discusses the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump. He explores the implications for national politics and the deepening divisions in the country. Levin emphasizes the need for accountability among political leaders and advocates for constructive dialogue. The discussion also touches on the erosion of trust in public institutions and the responsibilities shared by citizens and leaders to uphold democracy amidst rising populism.

Salena Zito, a reporter for the Washington Examiner and contributor to The Free Press, witnessed the shocking shooting incident at a rally where Donald Trump was present. She shares her harrowing experience standing just four feet away when the gunfire erupted. Zito discusses the immediate chaos that ensued, the bravery displayed by those around her, and reflects on the troubling normalization of political violence in America. The conversation also touches on the media's polarizing reactions and the importance of responsible coverage in such crises.

In this lively discussion, historian Niall Ferguson and Jonah Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Dispatch, dive into the provocative comparison between modern America and the late Soviet Union. Ferguson argues that societal decay and elite disconnect mirror the past, while Goldberg counters that America’s challenges arise from an excess of freedom and not totalitarianism. Their debate touches on public health crises, political transparency, and the erosion of values, making for a thought-provoking examination of America’s current state and future potential.

In this lively discussion, guests Bethany Mandel, a mother of six, Elon Gold, a comedic take on marriage and family, and Mary Katharine Ham, a mother of four, share their nuggets of wisdom with Bari and Nellie as they prepare for their new addition. They delve into the dynamics of birth order, the delicate balance between marriage and parenting, and the joys of raising a large family. Personal anecdotes and humor make the conversation relatable and insightful, providing invaluable advice for navigating the wild journey of expanding a family.

The discussion dives into Joe Biden's troubling debate performance, raising concerns about his cognitive fitness for office. It draws parallels to 1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson made the hard choice to withdraw from the race amid political turmoil and societal unrest. Key events of Johnson's era, like violent protests and tragic assassinations, spotlight the deep divisions within the Democratic Party. The podcast emphasizes the importance of public perception and the lessons today's leaders can learn from the past.

Alex Thompson, an Axios national political correspondent with extensive experience covering President Biden, delves into the fallout from Biden’s recent debate performance. They discuss the panic within the Democratic Party and the implications of Biden's age and mental fitness. Thompson shares insights on Biden’s determination to stay in the race despite growing doubts, potential replacements if he withdraws, and the changing dynamics among donors and party members. The conversation sheds light on the overall future of the nation in these turbulent political times.

The speaker navigates the controversy of being invited to TED, reflecting on the clash between its stated values and public backlash. They discuss the importance of ideological diversity and personal beliefs amid criticism. With a blend of political confessions, the speaker emphasizes character over immutable traits in social justice dialogues. The episode explores the complexities of courage in contemporary conversations, advocating for open dialogue and understanding the power of words in society. A call for fostering respect and honesty in discourse resonates throughout.

Mary Katharine Ham, a Fox News analyst and co-host of Getting Hammered, joins Ben Smith, co-founder of Semafor and former media columnist for The New York Times. They delve into the recent debate between Biden and Trump, highlighting the panic in the Democratic Party over Biden's performance. The discussion also critiques perceptions of Biden's cognitive abilities compared to Trump, and examines the dynamics of charisma versus demeanor in political debates, unpacking the challenges both parties face leading up to the election.

Ben Kawaller, a reporter known for his investigative work on the Matthew Shepard case, delves into the complexities and misconceptions surrounding this tragic event. He challenges the typical narratives of the murder, revealing the interplay of drug culture and personal struggles faced by the perpetrators. The discussion highlights the societal impact of Matthew's death on LGBTQ+ rights and the media's role in shaping public perception. Kawaller emphasizes the importance of uncovering the full truth to foster deeper understanding and acceptance.