The Dispatch Podcast

Sarah, Steve, Jonah, and David French discuss the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, examining the challenges of reporting accurate information, irresponsible speculation on social media, extremist tactics, security measures, the ethical dilemmas of extreme actions, concerns over Trump's potential second term, unity in the wake of political violence, and The Dispatch's role in navigating challenging political times.

French public intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy discusses French antisemitism, rise of far-left in French elections, America's victory in Afghanistan, and why Jews should stay in France. Topics include migrants, broken economic schemes, and Ukraine-Israel conflict. Bonus insights on influential books and thinkers.

Axios' national political correspondent, Alex Thompson, joins Sarah, Steve, and Jonah to discuss Biden's press conference, media critiques, Harris' electability, tensions in the Democratic Party, Trump's campaign strategy. Topics include Biden's performance concerns, media coverage, press conference strategies, VP Harris dynamics, Democratic internal debates, Trump's VP strategy, concerns about presidential health and transparency.

Tim Miller discusses backlash from calling for Biden to step down, the spin not working, comparisons between Trump and Biden, and the need for better leadership. He also touches on credibility in opinion journalism and alternative candidates to Biden.

Stephen Richer, Maricopa County recorder, discusses threats against public servants due to election conspiracies, examining 2020 fraud claims, Trump's knowledge, and future implications for 2024. Challenges within the Republican Party, defamation lawsuits, and predictions for the upcoming election are also covered.

Podcast hosts discuss Fourth of July traditions, Biden's SCOTUS statement, Harris' challenges, media coverage of Biden's age, and implications for Trump's VP pick. Also explore historical documents, Democratic candidate selection challenges, and strategies for President Biden. Analyze scenarios for Democratic success, media bias in reporting on mental acuity, and challenges in reporting cognitive concerns in a public figure.

Political consultant and former aide to Hillary Clinton, Philippe Reines, discusses Biden's performance in the debate, the possibility of him dropping out, speculation on Hillary Clinton in 2024, and the potential threats of a Trump second term. They also touch on Biden's stuttering, Trump targeting Clinton, and Project 2025. Topics include Biden vs. Trump's health, a brokered convention, and the need for younger candidates in the Democratic Party.

Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle joins Sarah, Kevin, and Steve to dissect Joe Biden's debate performance. They debate if Joe will remain the nominee, Trump's veeptakes, and Trump's shortcomings. They question Biden's mental acuity and discuss the importance of clear leadership during crises.

Dr. Shiloh Brooks from Princeton’s James Madison Program discusses studying historical statesmen, restoring ambition, challenges in higher education, and the significance of recognizing greatness in past and present leaders. The conversation explores Western classical tradition, ideological influences in classrooms, and the complexities of influential historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Frederick Douglass.

Sarah, Mike, and Jonah dissect the debate strategies of Biden and Trump. They discuss the importance of presidential debates, the effectiveness of communication strategies, and the impact of executive orders on immigration policies. They also touch on the shift from legislative victories to fundraising in interest groups and introduce a new Dispatch newsletter focusing on religion content.