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
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.
47 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 51min
Ceasefire deal emerges, but peace may be far off
Mo Elleithee, a seasoned Democratic operative, shares insights on the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, celebrating hostage returns while warning of unresolved issues for lasting peace. Will Swaim, a conservative commentator, highlights the broader implications of the conflict, linking it to regional dynamics with Hezbollah and Iran. The duo also explores the complexities of political violence, evaluating claims about left-wing threats in the U.S., and debates the role of Trump's foreign policy amidst the fragile deal, while engaging in a spirited discussion about cultural events like Bad Bunny's Super Bowl appearance.
26 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.
46 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.
