Honestly with Bari Weiss

Brianna Wu, a tech industry pundit known for her bold views, joins Batya Ungar-Sargon, a Free Press contributor and author of 'The New Class War,' along with political commentator Peter Savodnik. They dissect Trump's unexpected comeback in battleground states and how Republicans engaged younger, diverse voters despite a well-funded Democratic campaign. The guests highlight the disconnect within the Democratic Party and the significance of genuine engagement, discussing the evolving political landscape and the importance of addressing voters' real concerns.

Discover the buzz around a lively live event set for election day, featuring diverse guests and audience interaction. Dive into the complexities of political endorsements in major newspapers, highlighting the internal newsroom divisions that challenge journalism's integrity. Hear inspiring reflections on the privilege of free expression through the lens of voting, spotlighting a recent immigrant's first-time experience. This dialogue champions the importance of participation and open discourse in our communities.

Eli Lake, a journalist dissecting the relationship between Americans and political bullshitters, teams up with magician and author Penn Jillette to navigate the intricate realm of communication in politics. They explore how Trump embodies modern bullshitting, weaving extravagant narratives that captivate audiences. Jillette differentiates between lying and bullshitting, shedding light on the cultural history of deception from P.T. Barnum to today. Together, they unravel the blurring lines between reality and illusion in American politics, revealing a troubling acceptance of deceit.

Join River Page, a culture writer for The Free Press, and Kat Rosenfield, who also writes on culture for the same outlet, in a thrilling Halloween special. They reminisce about childhood horror experiences and critique the financial success yet cultural snubbing of horror films. The duo dives into four new releases, exploring themes of fear, societal issues, and strong female characters. Their lively banter reveals insights on horror tropes and the absurdities of aging, all spiced with humor and relatable anecdotes that make the genre so captivating.

Ben Shapiro, a conservative lawyer and co-founder of The Daily Wire, faces off against Sam Harris, a neuroscientist and philosopher known for his criticism of political figures. They grapple with the imperfections of Trump and Harris ahead of a pivotal election. Topics include the dangers of election denialism, Trump's divisive influence, and the essential need for voter integrity. The conversation delves into the ethical implications of leadership and the complexities of political identity, making for a thought-provoking debate.

Bret Stephens, a Pulitzer Prize-winning opinion columnist for The New York Times, joins James Kirchick, an insightful author and writer, alongside journalist Matt Taibbi and investigative journalist Lee Fang. They dive into the escalating global tensions, questioning America's role in a potential third world war. The lively discussion touches on military morality, historical failures and successes of U.S. foreign policy, and the complexities of interventions. They advocate for a balanced approach, emphasizing dialogue and the need for multilateralism in uncertain times.

Gad Saad, a professor and author originally from Lebanon, shares his harrowing journey as a Jewish refugee during the civil war. He warns about the rising anti-Semitism and the dangers of identity politics echoing Lebanon's chaotic past. Saad emphasizes how vital Western values like freedom of speech are under threat and critiques contemporary ideologies that distort human nature. He also discusses the suppression of dissent in academia, stressing the importance of open dialogue to combat increasing extremism.

In this insightful discussion, guests include Makram Rabah, a history lecturer and critic of Hezbollah facing threats for his beliefs; Hanin Ghaddar, a journalist and author who provides expert analysis on Hezbollah's societal role; and Joseph Braude, an Arab culture specialist focused on peace communication. They dive into Hezbollah's identity as a totalitarian regime and an Iranian proxy, exploring its deep entanglement in narco-terrorism, sex slavery, and the refugee crisis in Lebanon. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need to challenge the romanticized narratives surrounding this group.

Brianna Wu, a trans woman, video game developer, and political activist, shares her striking insights on the shifting landscape of politics. She argues that while her views remain unchanged, the Democratic Party has lost its way. Wu critiques the progressive movement for alienating key voter groups and emphasizes the importance of focusing on common-sense issues. Reflecting on her experience with Gamergate, she reveals the impact of societal changes on trans activism and advocates for a return to meaningful dialogue in political discourse.

Joining the conversation are Shaun Maguire, a Sequoia Capital partner and former Hillary supporter turned Trump donor, Maud Maron, a progressive and ex-public defender now voting Trump over Democratic issues, and Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Harvard grad shifting from Bernie to Trump due to leftist extremism. They discuss their disillusionment with the Democratic Party, Trump's foreign policy, and the complex dynamics of antisemitism and free speech. Their narratives reveal a surprising trend of long-time liberals embracing a party they once opposed.