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
Oct 17, 2025 • 8min
Karoline Leavitt Attack on Democrats is DANGEROUS
Karoline Leavitt's alarming comments about Democrats spark a heated response. Steve Schmidt calls her rhetoric un-American and dangerous, emphasizing the importance of protest and dissent. He critiques Donald Trump's incitements to violence, warning of escalating tensions. Schmidt highlights the potential consequences of militant language from Trump allies and calls for nationwide marches as a means of civic renewal. He encourages listeners to unite against intimidation and to participate in upcoming demonstrations for accountability and hope.
Oct 16, 2025 • 13min
What Happened To The Republican Party? | A Conversation with Mike Nellis
In this engaging discussion, Mike Nellis, a savvy political commentator and writer behind 'Endless Urgency,' examines the tumultuous landscape of the Republican Party post-Trump. He highlights the troubling normalization of extremist rhetoric and the implications of a youth culture steeped in divisive imagery. They dissect the GOP's fear of protests and emphasize the need for Democrats to adopt a more aggressive stance in wielding power. Nellis urges innovative strategies at state and local levels to counter federal overreach, igniting a call for transformative policies.
Oct 16, 2025 • 10min
What Trump's Middle East "Peace" Really Means | A Conversation with Katie Couric
The podcast dives into Trump's celebrated role as a peacekeeper in the Middle East, questioning whether the praise is justified amidst ongoing conflict. It critiques the Abraham Accords as a superficial and corrupt transaction that neglects Palestinian issues. The conversation highlights Netanyahu's divisive leadership and how it has exacerbated tensions, while examining the dangers of praising temporary ceasefires. The impact of Trump's influence on Israeli politics and the potential consequences for long-term stability are also discussed.
Oct 16, 2025 • 10min
Behind The Scenes of the No Kings Movement | A Conversation with Ezra Levin
Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, is a passionate organizer driving grassroots engagement against authoritarianism in U.S. politics. He delves into the No Kings protests, highlighting over 2,700 events that symbolize the fight for democracy. Levin discusses the backlash from MAGA leaders and the importance of exercising First Amendment rights. He also addresses the psychological impact of mass protests, revealing how they combat isolation and showcase unity. Finally, Levin outlines future strategies to maintain momentum and pressure institutions.
Oct 15, 2025 • 9min
Young Republicans Group Chat Reveals the Future of the Republican Party
Leaked messages from a Young Republicans group chat reveal a disturbing fascination with extremism and violence. The rhetoric includes shocking racist and anti-Semitic language, raising questions about the future of GOP youth leadership. Steve Schmidt connects these sentiments to historical dangers and emphasizes a systemic toxicity within the party. He calls for accountability, urging Republican leaders to address this growing crisis rather than dismiss it as isolated incidents. A chilling discussion on democracy, moral decay, and the path ahead for the Republican Party ensues.
7 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 11min
Why The Media Is Complicit In Trump's Crimes Against America | A Conversation with Matthew Dowd
Matthew Dowd, a seasoned political analyst and former ABC News chief, joins Steve Schmidt to delve into the critical role of media in safeguarding democracy. They discuss the alarming decline of trust in media and its implications for Trump's unchecked power. Dowd highlights the risks of media abdication and the urgency of addressing deep-seated racial and economic issues. He advocates for rebuilding societal bonds and emphasizes that while elections are crucial, they aren’t a panacea for the democratic damage we've witnessed.
Oct 14, 2025 • 8min
Trump's Peace In The Middle East Deal Is A LIE
The discussion reveals the stark contrast between media portrayals of Trump as a peacemaker and the harsh realities in Gaza. Host Steve Schmidt critiques the financial corruption behind the so-called peace deal, pointing out the influence of wealthy Gulf states. He emphasizes the ongoing violence and devastation, arguing that true peace remains elusive. Through sharp commentary, he encourages listeners to seek genuine reconciliation rather than succumb to the vanity of political narratives. A call to civic action urges resistance against authoritarianism and the perils of misplaced focus.
4 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 14min
The Growing Decay of Trump's America | A Conversation with Ryan Lizza
Ryan Lizza, a seasoned journalist and political commentator, joins to dissect the tumultuous impact of the Trump administration. They explore the alarming use of federal troops in U.S. cities and discuss the administration's tactics against Democratic strongholds. Economic warning signs and potential crashes are analyzed, alongside a shift toward gold and crypto as safe havens. Lizza raises pressing questions about the militarization of domestic protests and the implications for voter access, offering a stark view of the political landscape.
Oct 13, 2025 • 13min
JD Vance EMBARRASSED On Live TV
JD Vance finds himself in hot water during a tense interview with George Stephanopoulos, evading questions about bribery allegations involving Tom Homan. Steve Schmidt analyzes the significance of this exchange and critiques Vance’s political connections, particularly with Peter Thiel. The conversation highlights the moral stakes of political integrity and the critical role media plays in holding public figures accountable. Schmidt applauds Stephanopoulos for his relentless questioning, framing it as a blueprint for responsible journalism.
Oct 12, 2025 • 12min
Why They Want You To Believe America Has Been Invaded | A Conversation with
In an attempt to justify their use of the National Guard, Trump and his goons have spread lies about the dangers in major American cities. Steve Schmidt sits down with Jim Acosta to discuss the Insurrection Act and ICE's abuse of the legal system. 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.
