Tensions in Springfield, Ohio, are escalating as inflammatory rhetoric about immigrants spreads. Residents, particularly from the Haitian community, face heightened fears of violence, exacerbated by baseless claims and a recent bomb threat at City Hall. The conversation uncovers how extremist political messaging distorts community dynamics, feeding misinformation and division. As this small town grapples with these challenges, the implications for democracy and the upcoming elections become increasingly concerning.

After Kamala Harris’s shellacking of Donald Trump at the debate, Trump ventured on to Fox News, where he attacked the moderators as deeply biased against him. Incredibly, he even said their network, ABC News, should have its broadcasting license revoked. This is really a show of weakness: what enraged him is that real scrutiny was applied to the lies he can air unchallenged on right wing media. We talked to Media Matters senior fellow Matt Gertz—author of a new piece on Trump’s debate struggles—about Trump’s retreat into the MAGA media bubble, why that’s so politically perilous for him, and what it all says about today’s GOP. Listen to this episode here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew Sheffield, a writer and podcaster at Flux and former conservative, joins to dissect the recent twisted rants by J.D. Vance about Haitian immigrants eating pets. Sheffield unveils how these lies serve as a disturbing tool for dehumanization in MAGA propaganda. The conversation explores the dangerous influence of misinformation in political narratives, particularly on immigration, and underscores the significant disconnect between such rhetoric and the reality of vulnerable communities. Join them as they unravel this alarming trend.

Lakshya Jain, a data analyst from Split Ticket, brings insightful analytics to the table as he discusses the upcoming debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. He emphasizes the importance of engaging undecided voters and building a supportive coalition for Harris. Jain outlines strategies Harris can utilize to convey her message effectively, particularly on hot-button issues like abortion and economic concerns. He offers a cautiously optimistic perspective on Harris's chances to prevail by harnessing her unique narrative and connecting with diverse voter demographics.

In this thought-provoking discussion, A.B. Stoddard, a columnist for The Bulwark and a staunch critic of Donald Trump, dives into the alarming threats Trump has made against his enemies and his disturbing rhetoric on immigration. Stoddard sheds light on how Trump is preparing his supporters for potential violence post-election and critiques the normalization of authoritarian tactics in today's political climate. With polls showing a tight race, the episode raises urgent questions about voter awareness and the challenges facing Democrats in conveying the gravity of Trump's dangerous message.

During an event billed as a speech about the economy, Donald Trump was addled and confused, rambled incoherently, and launched into strange non sequiturs. Yet The New York Times’s initial news story made the event sound far more normal than it was. Is the press doing an adequate job of analyzing Trump’s deteriorating mental state? We think the answer is an emphatic “no.” We talked to former reporter Meredith Shiner—author of a recent piece for The New Republic about the successes of GOP media ref-working—who explained why the press largely fails to scrutinize Trump’s mental unfitness for the presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Kurtz, executive editor at Talking Points Memo, dives into the recent uproar surrounding Donald Trump's remarks about Arlington National Cemetery. He unpacks how Trump's distortion of events highlights a troubling culture of intimidation within MAGA politics. Kurtz discusses the emotional fallout from Trump's actions, particularly among grieving families, and the concerning implications of his rhetoric on accountability in government. The conversation sheds light on the dark side of political influence and the urgent call for integrity in democratic values.

In a fascinating discussion, Leah Greenberg, a veteran organizer and co-founder of Indivisible, reveals how increasing enthusiasm for Kamala Harris is reshaping the political landscape. She highlights the alarming fundraising disparities facing GOP candidates as they grapple with this sudden shift. Greenberg emphasizes the power of grassroots organizing and personal stories in mobilizing support, especially around reproductive rights. The conversation dives into the importance of local victories and the growing engagement against extremist positions.

Anne Lutz Fernandez, a keen observer of political discourse, joins the conversation to discuss Donald Trump's recent controversial Fox News interview. They dissect Trump's claims of divine endorsement and his assertion of a 'right' to interfere in elections. The talk delves into the darker undertones of the MAGA movement, including its ethno-nationalistic elements and implications for democracy. They also explore how Trump's rhetoric shifts accountability, fostering division while reshaping American identity in alarming ways.

Jonathan Bernstein, a political scientist and author, joins to discuss a recent scandal involving Donald Trump's campaign team at Arlington National Cemetery. The conversation reveals shocking details about the physical confrontation with an official and the backlash from the Army. They unpack the erosion of the rule of law and the unsettling intimidation tactics that echo historical injustices. Bernstein stresses the urgent need for oversight as the upcoming elections loom, highlighting the dangers posed by Trump's authoritarian rhetoric.