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
17 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.
40 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 51min
Trump vs. the media
Mo Elleithee, Executive Director at Georgetown University's Institute of Politics and Public Service, and Mike Dupke, a veteran GOP communications strategist, dive into Trump's tumultuous relationship with the media. They discuss his $20 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and its implications for press freedom. The conversation explores the use of masked ICE agents, raising concerns about accountability and the impact of Trump's aggressive immigration policies. Expect humor and reflections on nostalgia amidst the serious political debates.
6 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 4min
When you become the news
Funding cuts are threatening the future of public radio, particularly KCRW. The conversation emphasizes the critical role public stations play in connecting communities and providing timely information. There's a heartfelt appeal for listener support to help sustain these essential services in challenging times. The hosts delve into the broader implications for media and public discourse, making a compelling case for why supporting public radio matters now more than ever.
45 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 51min
Is the MAGA crowd losing faith in its leader?
The podcast dives into Trump's shifting relationship with his MAGA base, especially after his DOJ's refusal to release controversial files like those on Epstein. It questions whether the tourism decline in America is linked to his policies and examines his recent changes in stance on Ukraine, sparking discontent among supporters. Additionally, it reflects on the internal divisions within the GOP and the significance of maintaining voter trust in his leadership. The discussion highlights how personal principles can shape political identities.
37 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 51min
Democrats sought accountability after deadly Texas floods. Was it too soon?
Mike Dubke, a veteran GOP communications strategist and former White House director of communications under Trump, teams up with Rebecca Pearcey, a Democratic strategist and political director for Elizabeth Warren's campaign. They discuss the fallout from Texas floods and the blame game between parties over disaster funding. The conversation explores whether it’s too soon for accountability. The duo also delves into educational challenges post-pandemic, contrasting successes in red states with a broader debate on political distractions. Finally, they touch on Elon Musk's political ambitions and their implications.
36 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 51min
Did the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ kill compromise in Washington?
Antonia Ferrier, a veteran communication strategist who has advised Republican leaders, joins Elizabeth Brunig, a staff writer for The Atlantic, to dissect the implications of the recent ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’ They discuss the decline of compromise in Washington, exacerbated by the MAGA movement and Trump's influence. The conversation also touches on a pivotal Supreme Court ruling that empowers parents to opt out of certain school lessons, raising questions about education rights and the balance between majority and minority viewpoints in a polarized political landscape.
37 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 51min
Shouldn’t Congress have a say in US military action?
Debates swirl around President Trump's military actions in Iran and the War Powers Act, questioning the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch. While critics call for restrictions, Trump's recent diplomatic moves at a NATO summit raise eyebrows. The okay of military funding commitments might serve his political agenda. Meanwhile, a democratic socialist's victory in New York City points to a shift in the Democratic Party, challenging the status quo and reflecting a broader movement on the left. Just how do these issues intertwine? Tune in for insights!
23 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 51min
Trump keeps US and Europe in the dark on Iran plans
The discussion centers on President Trump's secretive peace plans regarding Israel and Iran amid diverging opinions within his support base. Tensions rise as his administration balances a tough immigration policy with the needs of industries reliant on foreign labor. The podcast also reflects on the lasting impact of racial violence in America, while exploring the roots of political populism and the role of social media in deepening divisions. Finally, listeners hear about the pressing legislative changes surrounding a significant bill that could affect many social programs.
