Honestly with Bari Weiss

Peggy Noonan, an acclaimed author and columnist for The Wall Street Journal, shares her insights into American identity and the decline of political civility. She reflects on the emotional toll of losing grace in political discourse, particularly since Trump's presidency. Noonan discusses the stark divide between societal classes and the dangers of 'luxury beliefs.' Through personal anecdotes, she highlights the importance of unity and resilience in a polarized world, emphasizing how gratitude and shared cultural values can bridge gaps.

Freddie deBoer, a critical writer and self-described Marxist, teams up with Ruy Teixeira, a political demographer and strategist, to dive into the struggles of the Democratic Party. They analyze why the party has disconnected from traditional voters, questioning the loss of working-class representation. Discussions include the potential decline of identity politics, the inadequacy of abortion as a rallying issue, and contrasting ideals for the party's future. Can they bridge the gap between economic concerns and evolving cultural narratives?

Join Sarah Isgur, a former Justice Department spokeswoman, Matthew Continetti, a leading conservative voice and author, and Josh Hammer, a Newsweek senior editor, as they delve into the GOP’s reimagining under Trump. They discuss his surprising appeal to working-class voters, the shift toward a multiracial party, and the ramifications of his cabinet choices. Key themes include the party's future conservatism, the evolving immigration sentiment, and how Trump's endurance shapes political landscapes ahead.

In this engaging conversation, billionaire venture capitalist Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, shares his provocative views on the rise of counter-elites, notably with the appointments of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Thiel reflects on his political evolution and the shifting landscape within the Republican Party, examining the implications of identity politics on liberalism. He emphasizes the societal impact of technology while navigating the complexities of populism, skepticism, and the need for open discourse as America approaches the 2024 election.

In this discussion, journalist Eli Lake analyzes the Democratic Party's strategic crossroads in the wake of Trump's rise. He critiques the shift from opposition to resistance, noting its failure to resonate with voters. Lake emphasizes the need for introspection, drawing parallels to the 1984 election where centrist approaches revived the party. The conversation also delves into the influence of identity politics and the repercussions of movements like 'defund the police,' advocating for a more grounded and unified strategy to regain support ahead of future elections.

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.