Mea Culpa

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian, educator, and commentator who specializes in fascism, authoritarianism, propaganda, and the defense of democracy—topics that are, unfortunately, central to this presidential election. Ruth draws striking parallels between Trump and other authoritarian leaders, explaining how his increasingly erratic and offensive statements reflect a desperation to maintain influence. She highlights Trump’s use of dehumanizing language, misinformation, and divisive narratives to build a personality cult and deflect from his own failings. Ruth warns that Trump’s polarizing 'us vs. them' rhetoric poses a serious threat to democracy, especially to younger generations who are becoming desensitized to rising political violence and intolerance.Thanks to our sponsors:ZBiotics: Go to https://zbiotics.com/MEACULPA to get 15% off any ZBiotics probiotic when you use code: MEACULPA at checkout.HumanN: Give your cholesterol health advanced support with a free month’s supply of SuperBerine™ plus 15% off. Go to https://superberine.com and enter promo code COHEN.Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Joe Trippi, American political Democratic strategist, senior advisor at The Lincoln Project, the host of That Trippi Show podcast, and the founder of https://sez.us - a pro-democracy social network. We discuss the upcoming election, focusing on Trump’s erratic rallies, which only appeal to his MAGA base and fail to grow his support. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris’s policy-driven rallies are energizing key groups like suburban women and young voters. We also cover Trump’s voter suppression tactics, disinformation, and skewed polling aimed at claiming an early victory on election night. Trippi highlights the importance of mobilizing voters, especially in battleground states, to defeat Trumpism and protect democracy.Thanks to our sponsors:Simplisafe: Go to https://SIMPLISAFE.com/meaculpa to protect your home with 50% off any new SimpliSafe system when you sign up for Fast Protect Monitoring, plus a FREE Indoor security camera.ZBiotics: Go to https://zbiotics.com/MEACULPA to get 15% off any ZBiotics probiotic when you use code: MEACULPA at checkout.Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Tom Carle, who’s running for Congress in New York’s 23rd District. Carle is focused on integrity and stewardship, viewing this election as one of the most important of our lifetime. He aims to protect his constituents from Donald Trump, who has endorsed his opponent, current congressman Nick Langworthy, who is known for prioritizing party loyalty over district needs. Carle outlines his plans to revitalize rural communities through economic development, job creation, and support for small farms. We also tackle key issues like healthcare access, the opioid crisis, and sensible gun legislation, while highlighting the broader impact of economic inequality and rural infrastructure neglect.Thanks to our sponsors:Lumen: Take the next step in improving your health, go to https://lumen.me/COHEN to get 15% off your Lumen.Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today!Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Grant Stern—author, journalist, radio host, and Executive Director of Occupy Democrats, a leading social media outlet for Democratic news. With the election less than three weeks away, we dive into Trump’s eroding support among key demographics, especially women, and the inconsistencies in public polling. We also contrast VP Kamala Harris’s energizing rallies with Trump’s lackluster events, where attendees leave mid-speech. Grant further highlights Trump’s lack of transparency, including his refusal to release medical records, and breaks down the numerous legal battles he faces. Finally, we discuss the upcoming grassroots effort, Disrupt Project 2025, aimed at mobilizing Gen Z voters to stand against Trump’s agenda.Thanks to our sponsors:Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today!Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN for your personalized ED treatment optionsSubscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by an exciting guest - journalist and screenwriter Gabriel Sherman. His new film The Apprentice, released on Friday, examines Donald Trump’s rise and his relationship with mentor Roy Cohn. I had the privilege of attending the premiere and wanted to unpack the film with Gabriel. We explore how Roy Cohn’s ruthless strategies shaped Trump’s approach to business and politics, and how his overambitious deals led to financial disaster. Gabriel also reveals Trump’s shocking abandonment of Cohn and the media’s role in building Trump’s public image, which eventually fueled his political ascent. Plus, we discuss scenes in the movie that are eerily similar to my own experiences - you don’t want to miss this episode!Thanks to our sponsors:Hims: Start your FREE online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN.Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today!Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Maria Cardona, a Colombian-American political strategist and Principal at the Dewey Square Group. With the election less than a month away, we dive into the challenges facing VP Kamala Harris's campaign as it aims to connect with key demographics like Latino voters. Maria emphasizes the urgency of countering Trump’s divisive rhetoric, particularly its harmful impact on immigrant communities, and the dangers of his policies like mass deportation. We also cover pressing issues like voter suppression, reproductive rights, and climate change, highlighting how the Biden-Harris administration is addressing these critical concerns.Thanks to our sponsors:ZBiotics: Go to https://zbiotics.com/MEACULPA to get 15% off any ZBiotics probiotic when you use code: MEACULPA at checkout.Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today!Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining me today on Mea Culpa is David Corn, Washington, DC bureau chief of Mother Jones and a New York Times bestselling author. His latest book, “American Psychosis: A Historical Investigation of How the Republican Party Went Crazy,” is essential for understanding the current state of our republic. David and I explore the chaos surrounding Donald Trump, discussing Jack Smith's recent filings in Trump's DC case and their potential impact on the upcoming election. We delve into Trump's narcissism, detachment from voter concerns, and the shift in attitudes among key demographics like veterans and suburban women. We also address Trump's bizarre statements and their implications for serious policy issues. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of American democracy and the 2024 election.Thanks to our sponsors:Tommy John: Save 25% on your first order when you go to https://TommyJohn.com/COHENLumen: Take the next step in improving your health, go to https://lumen.me/COHEN to get 15% off your Lumen.Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I am joined by Malcolm Nance, a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief, New York Times bestselling author, and expert on terrorism, extremism, and insurgency. We discuss global and domestic political issues, with a focus on Middle East conflicts and U.S. foreign policy. Nance explains Iran's long-term strategy to become a regional superpower and its use of proxies to influence Israel and Saudi Arabia. We also critique Trump’s isolationist stance, warning that it could weaken U.S. democracy and global alliances like NATO. Nance emphasizes the need for full support of Ukraine in its fight against Russia and warns of potential domestic insurgency if Trump regains power.Thanks to our sponsor:Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today!Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining me today is my Meidas colleague, Ron Filipkowski, the editor-in-chief of MeidasTouch.com and co-host of “Uncovered.” A former Republican, Ron brings valuable experience as both a federal and state prosecutor. Like me, he is dedicated to educating and informing the American public about the threats to our democracy. Today, we discussed several crucial pro-democracy topics, including what the House and Senate may look like after this election, the threat Trump poses to the UN, NATO, and our foreign allies, and how Trump struggles to connect with the Gen Z demographic.Thanks to our sponsor:HumanN: Give your cholesterol health advanced support with a free month’s supply of SuperBerine™ plus 15% off. Go to https://superberine.com and enter promo code COHEN.Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re pleased to welcome Dan Alexander to Mea Culpa. As a senior editor at Forbes, he oversees money-in-politics coverage and is widely recognized for his reporting on Donald Trump. Dan has investigated numerous public figures, including Trump, and his work has played a significant role in various investigations, particularly Trump’s fraud trial. In our conversation, we discussed all things DJT, including, Trump Media and Technology Group, Truth Social, declining stock prices, and Trump’s controversial tax returns.Thanks to our sponsor:Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today!Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices