Left, Right & Center
KCRW
Left Right & Center is for listeners who feel like people on the other side of the political divide are on Mars. David Greene pieces together the big picture by inviting people from the left and the right to unpack their ideological differences, not to smooth them over, and look at what’s truly at stake. The show offers a rare kind of clarity. It doesn’t ask you to agree. It asks you to look more closely at what’s happening and to challenge your assumptions. You might not always agree – you might even get angry – but you’ll know why you feel the way you do. No knee-jerk reactions or name calling. This show doesn’t promise easy answers or warm fuzzies; it promises more clarity for the chaotic political era we’re all living through.
Episodes
Mentioned books
33 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 51min
Trump rants, Hegseth deflects while Congress looks for answers
Mo Elleithee, a Democratic strategist and executive director at Georgetown's Institute of Politics, joins Sarah Isger, a senior editor at The Dispatch and former DOJ spokesperson. They discuss President Trump's incendiary remarks about Minnesota's Somali community and the political framing of immigration policies amid ICE raids. The panel explores historical narratives on immigration, the legality of military actions against alleged drug traffickers, and the troubling influence of foreign actors on social media amidst rising political tensions.
21 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 51min
Why are executions on the rise in the US?
In this discussion, guests Sarah Isger, a seasoned legal commentator and former DOJ spokesperson, and Liz Brunig, a criminal justice writer from The Atlantic, delve into the alarming rise of executions in the U.S. They explore Trump’s motivations behind capital punishment, examining its political implications. The conversation shifts to Gen Z's political disillusionment, revealing how economic pressures and social dynamics influence their views. The episode also tackles the complexities of presidential pardons and their need for reform, highlighting the duality of mercy and justice.
10 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 54min
From Question Everything: The Epstein Files
Vicki Ward, an investigative reporter known for her early work on Epstein, David Enrich from The New York Times, journalist Tara Palmieri focusing on survivor stories, and MAGA commentator Eric Abinante engage in a frank discussion about the Epstein case. They explore the intertwining themes of power, money, and class injustice. Ward and Enrich delve into Epstein's mysterious finances and ties to elite institutions, while Palmieri highlights survivor experiences. The conversation challenges journalistic norms and considers how upcoming revelations may shift the narrative.
44 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 51min
Trump faces one crisis after another
This week, Liz Bruning, a Staff writer at The Atlantic, and Sarah Isger, Senior editor at The Dispatch, dive into President Trump's latest political hurdles. They discuss the implications of the newly signed bill for releasing Epstein documents, questioning if it serves public interest or political maneuvering. The duo also analyzes Trump's tariff rollbacks amid rising costs and debates the political fallout. Lastly, they weigh in on Texas redistricting challenges and intra-Republican tensions revealed by Marjorie Taylor Greene’s actions.
34 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 50min
The shutdown is over - but the fighting isn’t
The government shutdown ended after 43 days, revealing deep political tensions within the Democratic party. With new emails related to Jeffrey Epstein surfacing, there's speculation about their potential impact on President Trump. The discussion shifts to Trump’s controversial pardons for allies, raising questions about the pardon process. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court's refusal to revisit the same-sex marriage ruling Obergefell prompts debate about its permanence. Lastly, insights into recent election margins reveal energetic Democratic support as midterms approach.
38 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 51min
Did anyone learn anything from the 2025 elections?
Mike DuBke, a Republican communications strategist, and Rebecca Piercy, a Democratic political strategist, discuss the recent election outcomes. They analyze how Democrats’ focus on affordability resonated with voters, leading to key wins in Virginia and New Jersey. The conversation dives into California's Proposition 50 as a response to redistricting and whether it represents a genuine democratic effort or a partisan maneuver. The duo also debates the implications of Zoran Mamdani’s victory for the Democratic party and the challenges of voter choice in a two-party system.
72 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 51min
Could the SNAP deadline get Congress to end the shutdown?
Mo Elleithee, the executive director at Georgetown's Institute of Politics, and Sarah Isger, a lawyer and senior editor at The Dispatch, tackle pressing issues like the looming SNAP deadline and its impact on millions. They explore whether economic pressures can spur Congress to end the ongoing shutdown. The discussion also delves into the controversial East Wing renovations at the White House, raising questions about private funding and access. Additionally, they assess key upcoming elections, emphasizing Virginia's significance for national trends.
49 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 50min
What is Trump trying to do in Venezuela?
Mo Elleithee, a progressive political strategist, and Will Swaim, a conservative commentator, dive into the recent military actions against Venezuelan vessels. They question if Trump’s motives lean more towards regime change than drug enforcement. The duo also explores the implications of the 'No Kings' protests, discussing whether such mass movements can influence elections. Additionally, they debate California's Proposition 50, its potential to reshape electoral maps, and the ethical ramifications of redistricting.
52 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 51min
Trump's promising peace, but that could still come with problems
This podcast features Sarah Isger, a Senior editor at The Dispatch, and Liz Bruning, a staff writer at The Atlantic. They dive into President Trump's recent claims of peacemaking amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Both guests discuss the implications of humanitarian promises by Hamas and the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian relations. They also analyze Trump's foreign policy approach and its impact on domestic voter priorities. The conversation touches on economic grievances, debates over political priorities, and the concept of 'pruning' for personal growth.
18 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 48min
Jake Sullivan’s Toughest National Security Decisions, from On Point
Jake Sullivan, former U.S. National Security Advisor, shares insights on critical foreign policy challenges. He discusses the implications of Trump’s potential return on international relations and emphasizes the importance of U.S. democratic institutions after January 6. Sullivan elaborates on U.S. roles in the Israel-Gaza conflict, the need for humanitarian efforts, and the evolving dynamics in Ukraine. He also reflects on the emotional weight of making life-and-death decisions and critiques both past and current strategies regarding China.
