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
16 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 51min
The politics of a government shutdown
Mike Dubke, a GOP communications strategist and former White House communications director, dives into the chaos of the recent government shutdown. He discusses the blame game between Democrats and Republicans, emphasizing Trump's stance on workforce reductions. The conversation turns to the implications of a polarized political landscape and the potential risks for Democrats. Mike also critiques the militarization of domestic issues, questioning the optics of military involvement in civilian affairs and its impact on voter sentiment.
30 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 50min
From health to prosecutions, retribution defines the moment
Join Elizabeth Brunig, a staff writer at The Atlantic, and Will Swaim, president of the California Policy Center, as they dive into the contentious landscape of political retribution. They explore how Trump's vengeance-driven politics shaped the current climate and discuss the backlash against health authorities during the pandemic. The conversation touches on vaccine skepticism, the role of nostalgia in political movements, and strategies for engaging with those who hold opposing views. It's a provocative look at how health, politics, and personal beliefs intersect.
43 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 51min
A big talk about how the country moves forward
In the wake of a shocking assassination, calls for unity clash with rising political rhetoric. The struggle over free speech intensifies as government pressure looms over media figures. A poignant discussion about gun violence emerges through a documentary that seeks to bridge divides. The hosts ponder the challenges of nurturing open dialogue in a polarized society. Can we find common ground, or are we too divided to engage meaningfully?
79 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 51min
America is in a dark era of political violence
Mo Elleithee, executive director at Georgetown's Institute of Politics, and Mike Dupke, veteran GOP strategist, delve into the troubling rise of political violence in America. They discuss the recent assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and its implications for democracy. The duo examines the dangerous rhetoric fueling extremism and calls for a reevaluation of how political discourse is conducted. They also explore U.S. foreign policy under Trump and its effectiveness in addressing global conflicts, questioning whether Democrats have better solutions.
51 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 51min
Can Congress work its way back to relevance?
Mike Dubke, a veteran GOP communications strategist, and Elizabeth Brunig, a staff writer for The Atlantic, dive into Congress's waning authority amid executive overreach. They discuss the implications of the Trump administration's foreign aid control and its impact on legislative power. The conversation shifts to the new IRS rules that permit churches to endorse candidates, raising questions about the blurring lines between faith and politics. Lastly, they tackle the importance of language in political discourse, exploring how it can unite or divide voters.
68 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 51min
Trump bargains between power, safety, freedom
Mo Elleithee, former communications director for the Democratic National Committee, and Mike Dupke, a veteran GOP strategist, delve into the complexities of safety and power in the Trump era. They discuss the controversial use of the National Guard in cities facing crime spikes, questioning whether militarization really enhances safety or just gives an illusion of security. The conversation also touches on the contentious issue of transgender athletes in sports, examining how societal norms are shifting and the balance between inclusivity and perceived fairness.
35 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 51min
Trump pursues control of voting, teases a third term
Mike Dupke, a veteran GOP communications strategist and former White House communications director under Trump, and Rebecca Piercy, a Democratic strategist and former political director for Elizabeth Warren, dive into Trump’s controversial take on voting. They discuss his crusade against mail-in voting and potential federal overreach, raising alarms about the implications for state rights. The conversation also scrutinizes the ongoing military presence in D.C. amid protests, and Trump's promotional push for a possible third term, igniting debates on democracy and power dynamics.
27 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 51min
Trump calls on National Guard to patrol D.C.
Mo Elleithee, Executive Director at Georgetown's Institute of Politics, and Antonia Ferrier, veteran communications strategist, dive into President Trump's controversial ordering of National Guardsmen to patrol D.C. following a crime surge. They discuss potential motives behind this move and the implications for urban policing. The conversation shifts to Trump’s upcoming negotiations with Putin about Ukraine, raising questions about foreign policy strategies. Lastly, they explore America’s cultural landscape, debating the rise of conservatism and its impact on society.
33 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 51min
Was there any good reason to fire BLS chief?
Mike Dupke, former White House Director of Communications, and Mo Elleithee, executive director at Georgetown's Institute of Politics, dive into the firing of BLS chief Erika McEntarfer, sparked by controversy over job reports. They discuss the manipulation of economic data for political gain and how this affects public trust. The conversation shifts to bipartisan critiques of parties ignoring voters' needs, emphasizing a need to prioritize substantial issues over cultural wars. They also address the role of objectivity in journalism amid rising misinformation.
50 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 51min
Will MAGA fractures push Trump to pressure Israel?
Antonia Ferrier, a veteran communications strategist with experience working for notable GOP lawmakers including Mitch McConnell, discusses the shifting dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations amid rising humanitarian concerns in Gaza. She highlights Trump's unusual pressure on Netanyahu regarding starvation in the region and the emerging calls for Palestinian statehood by global leaders. The conversation also delves into Texas's contentious congressional redistricting efforts and the implications of cultural controversies, including a new Superman film that ignites debates on representation.
