The Warning with Steve Schmidt
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There is a very significant, “exhausted majority” of Americans looking to move past this rotten moment in American life. They have lost trust and faith in government, business, media and not-for-profit institutions at a moment of technological, cultural and economic upheaval. Fascism did not rise in the 1930s because it was strong, but rather, because democracy was weak. The cycle is repeating itself with a new extremism rising in 2020s America. On the podcast – consistent with the mission of The Warning newsletter offered on Substack and The Warning YouTube channel – I will be joined by interesting guests – some familiar, and some you may never have heard of – to discuss the political and cultural currents that are shaping our times, as well as the unseen forces driving politics that are rarely discussed on cable news. It's important for you to hear from a diverse range of voices – not just me – about the issues facing America today.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 18, 2025 • 8min
Donald Trump Gets STEAMROLLED By Putin
A deep dive into the unsettling dynamics between Trump and Putin reveals an unsettling pattern of appeasement. The discussion connects historical lessons from World War II to today’s global authoritarian challenges. The dangers of propaganda in shaping perceptions of conflict are starkly illustrated through Zelensky's Washington visit. The rise of authoritarianism at home mirrors international trends, raising alarms about civil liberties and the necessity for dissent to uphold American values.
Aug 14, 2025 • 8min
Trump Is Selling Out Ukraine To Putin
Ahead of his meeting with Putin in Alaska, Trump has talked a big game about ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Steve Schmidt previews the Trump-Putin meeting and explains why Trump will do whatever he wants to remain in Putin's favor. Subscribe for more and follow me here:Substack: https://steveschmidt.substack.com/subscribeStore: https://thewarningwithsteveschmidt.com/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewarningses.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteveSchmidtSES/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewarningsesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewarningses/X: https://x.com/SteveSchmidtSESSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 13, 2025 • 9min
Trump Using Fear Tactics to Take Over D.C.
The discussion dives into how fear tactics are wielded as political tools in D.C. The use of federal troops underlines an attempt to manipulate public perception of safety. The critique highlights the stark contrast between historical values of freedom and the current climate of suppression. Additionally, it questions the legitimacy of narratives portraying urban chaos and advocates for the core principles of liberty and equality. It's a compelling look at how fear shapes political landscapes.
Aug 12, 2025 • 10min
The FULL STORY Behind Terry Moran's Firing at ABC News
Discover the untold tale behind Terry Moran's firing from ABC News. The conversation dives into the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in today's polarized climate. Explore the impact of labeling political figures and the historical context of such controversies. The discussion emphasizes the vital role of honest reporting in fighting against autocracy and prejudice. Moran shares personal insights on values, integrity, and the sacrifices made for democratic ideals, revealing a poignant perspective on the media landscape.
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 3min
Why Americans Can't Trust Their Institutions Anymore | A Conversation with Terry Moran
Terry Moran, a veteran journalist and former ABC Newsman, dives deep into the critical state of American democracy and trust in institutions. He discusses how corporate influence has compromised journalism integrity amidst the Trump era. Moran reflects on the chilling effects of authoritarian tactics and the erosion of public trust. He emphasizes the need for new leadership and structural reforms to restore faith in democracy, while also addressing human rights abuses and the importance of integrity in reporting during these turbulent times.
Aug 11, 2025 • 10min
Why Trump's Latest Executive Order Is Straight Out Of The Authoritarian Playbook
The discussion kicks off with alarming parallels drawn between current events and historical authoritarian regimes. The impact of military presence in urban settings is explored, revealing personal experiences of oppression. Unchecked presidential power raises concerns about its implications for political opposition. The nature of hatred in politics is scrutinized, highlighting risks to democracy, while figures like Pope Francis are contrasted with contemporary leaders in a reflection on the lessons of bigotry from the past.
Aug 11, 2025 • 15min
REACTION: Trump Deploys National Guard to Washington DC
The podcast dives into the alarming militarization of Washington D.C., exploring its threat to democracy. It critiques Trump's controversial decision to federalize police control, linking it to a disturbing trend of authoritarianism. Conversations highlight how this deployment could infringe on civil liberties, especially for marginalized communities. The discussion raises important questions about political accountability and the failure of opposition parties to challenge growing state control.
Aug 9, 2025 • 56min
How Trump Is Trying To Rewrite The Rules of Democracy | A Conversation with Mike Nellis
Mike Nellis, a Democratic strategist, joins to share insights on the alarming rise of authoritarianism under Trump. They delve into Texas redistricting and its implications for democracy. The conversation touches on the Epstein cover-up and the urgent need for new Democratic leadership to revitalize the party's connection with younger voters. Nellis emphasizes collective action against injustices, from private prisons to the challenges posed by ICE, underscoring a critical moment for safeguarding American values.
Aug 8, 2025 • 12min
Crooks, Confederate Statues and Cost of Living | The Schmidt Storm
Dive into the militarization of D.C. as it grapples with crime and the troubling celebration of controversial figures. Explore the impact of gerrymandering in Texas and how political corruption intertwines with real-life economic challenges. The discussion takes a critical look at rising inflation and its looming threat to everyday citizens. Moreover, delving into the role media plays in shaping political narratives adds an engaging layer to this multifaceted conversation.
Aug 7, 2025 • 56min
How Money and Corruption Obstruct Criminal Justice | A Conversation with Vicky Ward
Vicky Ward, an investigative journalist and author known for her work on corruption and power, joins the discussion to dissect the Epstein case's chilling implications. She highlights how money can shield even the worst offenders from justice and stresses the significance of narrative control in shaping public perception. The dialogue expands to include the tragic Idaho murders, examining community impacts and the dangerous intersections of wealth, power, and accountability in the criminal justice system.
