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
30 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 50min
Will changes to ICE operations in Minneapolis be enough?
Mo Elleithee, Democratic strategist and Georgetown politics director, and Will Swaim, conservative commentator and California Policy Center president, discuss Minneapolis immigration operations after two fatal shootings. They debate Tom Homan’s role, local-federal coordination, targeted arrests versus sweeps, political fallout and whether Congress will impose new guardrails. Listener questions probe presidential power and U.S. standing abroad.
55 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 50min
Trump threatens Greenland… then pulls back
Joining the discussion are Sarah Isger, Senior Editor at The Dispatch and former DOJ spokesperson, alongside Mo Alethi, Executive Director at Georgetown’s Institute of Politics. They dive into Trump’s controversial threats over Greenland and his quick backtrack after NATO talks. Sarah explains the 'taco Trump' pattern of responding to economic pressures, while Mo highlights the damage to U.S. credibility among allies. The duo also critiques the far-right tone of recent federal social media posts and reflects on surprises from Trump’s first year in office.
25 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 51min
Trump threatens to enact Insurrection Act in Minnesota
Mo Elleithee, a Democratic political strategist and executive director at Georgetown's Institute of Politics, joins conservative commentator Sarah Isger from The Dispatch. They dive into Trump's threat to enact the Insurrection Act amid protests in Minneapolis, discussing the implications of military deployment. The pair debate the complexities of immigration enforcement, the dynamics of public protests, and how accountability is sought. They also analyze Trump's bold stance on international issues like Greenland and Iran, questioning the potential consequences for global alliances.
50 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 51min
An ICE raid in Minneapolis turns deadly
Mo Elleithee, a political strategist at Georgetown University, and Mike Dupke, a former Trump communications director, dive into the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good by ICE in Minneapolis. They discuss the escalating tensions between citizens and federal agents, with Elleithee criticizing the administration's policies. The conversation shifts to U.S. actions in Venezuela, including the capture of Nicolás Maduro, raising questions about governance and oversight. They also tackle the need for real political solutions over mere messaging in today's political landscape.
71 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 51min
The 2026 midterms are closer than they appear
Moa Lathie, Executive Director at Georgetown's Institute of Politics, and Mike Dupke, veteran GOP strategist, dive into the critical 2026 midterm landscape. They explore the affordability crisis, with Moa emphasizing a unified Democratic message, while Mike discusses Trump's economic impact on voter perceptions. The duo also tackles the rise of online election betting, pondering its influence on political engagement. Listeners hear candid reflections as the panel admits their past predictions missteps, all while navigating the tumultuous political waters ahead.
74 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 51min
The shift from America First to Trump’s new interventionism
Mo Elleithee, a seasoned political communications expert, and Sarah Isgur, a legal analyst from the Trump era, dive into Trump's evolving foreign policy from America First to increased interventionism. They discuss how Trump's foreign approach reshapes global views and NATO dynamics, highlighting tensions in Europe. Mo critiques Trump's ability to influence NATO funding while undermining trust. Both guests reflect on their political journeys, share hilarious campaign anecdotes, and reveal their unexpected passions for karaoke and birdwatching!
51 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 51min
Is President Trump losing his grip on the Republican Party?
Mo Elleithee, Executive Director at Georgetown’s Institute of Politics, and Mike Dupke, a seasoned GOP strategist, dive into the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party. They discuss the failed healthcare legislation and the delicate balance of moderates and leadership amid growing voter identity changes. With polling showing a decline in MAGA dominance, they ponder Trump's waning influence and his ability to rally voters for the midterms. The panel also tackles why comprehensive reforms often stall and the fading urgency around the national debt.
39 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 51min
Can Europe trust Trump’s vision for peace?
Joining the discussion are Sarah Isger, an ABC News legal analyst and former DOJ spokesperson, and Mo Alethi, a strategic advisor from Georgetown University. They dive into Trump's proposed peace plan for Ukraine, debating if ceding territory is a dangerous reward for aggression. Topics like migration's impact on European democracy and differing views on politics' virtues come to light. Can fiscal conservatism coexist with social progressivism? The panel emphasizes understanding opposing views for better policy-making and the importance of productive political engagement.
44 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.
32 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.
