Beyond Politics

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Trump's Military Maneuvers and the Radical Right's AgendaGuest Jonathan Larson of 'The Fucking News' discusses a series of concerning developments surrounding Donald Trump's recent actions with America's military. The discussion delves into Trump's angry, partisan speeches to service members, his illegal attempts to finance military pay through a secretive billionaire during the government shutdown, and questionable military activities aimed at Venezuelan vessels. Larson reveals the involvement of right-wing figures in supplying Trump with dubious intelligence, and examines how these actions could signal a dangerous shift towards using the U.S. military for personal political gain. The conversation further explores the National Prayer Breakfast's problematic connections and changes in the leadership of ICE, providing a comprehensive look into the nefarious underpinnings of current political maneuvers.00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning08:09 The Role of Patrick Byrne and Others13:37 Military Escalation and Media Analysis19:44 Trump's Unhinged Speech and Military Implications21:35 The Impact on Military Leadership28:51 Military Resistance and Cultural Safeguards30:21 Trump Administration as a Platform32:41 ICE Raids and Deportation Panic48:00 National Prayer Breakfast Exposé55:01 Closing Remarks and Future Topics

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Things got even more absurd in Donald Trump's Washington this week: leaked Nazi-loving group texts, an unending government shutdown, and an insane decision to fire most of the people who guard our nation's nuclear stockpile. Joined by guest Andrew Heaton of The Political Orphanage, we delve into the culture within the Republican Party, the debate over centrism versus polarization in American politics, and whether an errant artillery shell in California was a message to Vice President J.D. Vance.00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview05:28 Nuclear Stockpile Negligence11:47 Republican Extremism and Nazi Allegations22:31 The Future of the Republican Party27:45 The Dilemma of Democratic Centrism32:11 The Kiss of Death and Moderation39:28 Inflation and Kitchen Table Issues43:12 Government Shutdown and Gridlock51:07 Rescissions and Government Spending57:51 Military Mishap in California

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***This isn't just another breathless AI conversation. Cybersecurity expert Bruce Schneier joins host Matt Robison to discuss the truly transformative things that are not just on the horizon, but actually starting to happen today, as artificial intelligence bleeds into politics and government. They look at the hidden upsides for fixing many of our deepest problems, but also some of the staggering problems we could increasingly encounter. They explore some of surprising ways AI is already being used in opinion polls, political campaigns, and voter engagement. Schneier's new book is Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship02:21 AI in Opinion Polls04:50 AI Voting Assistance13:32 AI as a Consensus Builder17:00 The Dark Side of AI in Democracy23:33 Concerns About AI and Dystopia29:48 AI Avatars in Politics33:28 AI in Fundraising and Campaign Efficiency38:19 Challenges and Ethical Considerations of AI44:03 Public AI vs. Corporate AI46:48 Conclusion: The Future of AI in Democracy

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Is the Clock Ticking for Trump? Analyzing Political Dynamics with Fred Wellman. Former Lincoln Project Executive Director Fred Wellman joins to explore whether the walls are closing in on Donald Trump and his Republican allies as various pressures--including economic woes and legal challenges--keep piling up. The conversation delves into recent polling data, the impact of economic policies, and legal problems. Wellman also talks about his just-launched bid for Congress, emphasizing the importance of fighting for the public and the energy and strategy required to win challenging races. 00:25 The Clock is Ticking on Trump04:41 Desperation Moves in Politics06:30 Shutdown and Political Strategy13:50 Marjorie Taylor Greene and Political Dynamics21:42 Fred Wellman's Campaign and Personal Story31:54 Constitutional Conservatism and Federal Power35:49 Redistricting and Candidate Challenges41:01 The Importance of Running Everywhere57:06 Facing Challenges Head-On01:01:19 Call to Action and Conclusion

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Revealing the Reality: Analyzing Trump's Unhinged Militarization On Tuesday this week, Matt was a guest on the morning show hosted by the legendary radio host Howard Monroe, and he threw Howard bit of a curve ball. Howard asked about the unhinged performances from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and US President Donald Trump last week, in which they dragged hundreds of generals and admirals across the world--to a meeting that essentially had no purpose--so that Hegseth could harangue them about personal grooming habits and Trump could go on a meandering campaign rally diatribe. But Matt made the case that what unfolded next was actually good news. And it's connected to Trump's military incursions into U.S. cities. 00:00 Introduction: Silver Linings in Unlikely Places08:33 Trump's National Guard Deployment Controversy16:23 The Legal Battle Over Militarization25:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***  The one election race that gives the most insight into the state of politics in America right now is the campaign for Bucks County District Attorney in Pennsylvania. Bucks County is the true swingiest of swing counties in one of the few--and biggest--swing states in the country. Donald Trump won it by 0.07 percentage points in 2024...less than 300 votes out of more than 400,000 votes cast. We're joined by the Democratic candidate Joe Khan (https://www.bucksunitedpa.com/joe-khan), to talk about what he's seeing, what's resonating, and why, right now, he's winning.00:00 Introduction: The Bellwether Election02:35 Interview with Joe Khan: The Campaign Journey08:14 National Implications and Local Impact12:10 The Role of Courts and Future Prospects33:06 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Matt is joined by former prosecutor and former NBC legal analyst Glenn Kirschner. They discuss why, amid the critical state of American democracy, Kirschner is seeing evidence of positive movement. Kirschner shares insights on legal battles, judicial integrity, and the importance of civic engagement. The episode also delves into the recent Supreme Court term, the importance of economic, legal, and political power in safeguarding democracy, and the controversial Pam Bondi hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.05:33 Legal Developments and Optimism18:08 Judicial Pushback Against Trump27:56 Integrity in the Judiciary34:53 Pam Bondi's Senate Judiciary Committee Appearance38:27 Trump's Criminal Enterprise43:39 Accountability and the DOJ51:30 Supreme Court and Trump's Legal Battles55:38 Call to Action: Engaging for Justice01:01:19 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** With a shutdown looming, Democrats are in a desperate fight to make a stand against President Donald Trump's attack on the rule of law, not to mention his perceived political enemies, universities, law firms, science, and our health. Stanford political scientist and prolific Substack author Adam Bonica (https://data4democracy.substack.com/) joins political analyst Matt Robison (https://worthknowing.substack.com/) to talk about some of the common threads of the shutdown, corruption, and political campaigns. Are Democrats pursuing the right fight? What would a winning approach be? And how are the money wars destroying politics?00:58 The Deeper Implications of the Shutdown04:43 The Right Fight for Democrats?10:04 Polling Data and Shutdown Impact14:57 Democrats as the Anti-Corruption Party33:33 The Ineffectiveness of Campaign Ads43:43 The Impact of Fundraising on Polarization49:41 Unethical Fundraising Practices57:12 Conclusion and Future Outlook

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Matt Robison hits his conservative Republican friend Matt Wylie with the toughest question for Republicans right now: when is all of this too much? When do you have to start fighting your own party? Wylie's answer was... surprising. They also address the erosion of rights and liberties under Trump and the necessity for core conservative Republicans to reclaim their party.04:30 Trump's UN Speech and Its Implications09:17 The MAGA Base and Political Strategy15:46 Challenges Within the Republican Party27:26 Republican Party's Identity Crisis34:10 Trump's Authoritarian Moves37:10 Democrats' Strategy and Future Elections40:30 Free Speech and Government Overreach46:57 The Role of Free Enterprise51:06 Concluding Thoughts on Political Landscape

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Is the Backlash the Beginning? Matt Robison is joined by author Greg Olear to discuss how blatant corruption and abuses of power by Donald Trump might be opening the door to the rise of a more focused opposition. From manipulating law enforcement to target his enemies, attacking free speech, financial corruption tied to his cabinet, the collapse of economic policy, and the erosion of U.S. soft power, the public's increasing disapproval of Trump might also mean an opportunity, if the nearly 50% of Americans who strongly disapprove of him can mobilize and target their energy.00:00 Introduction and Overview05:46 Discussion on Trump's Actions and Consequences12:20 Economic Policies and Public Discontent27:47 Midterms and Gerrymandering Concerns33:18 Trump's UN Speech and Global Reactions40:19 Trump's Corruption and Financial Ties56:12 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook