The Glenn Show

Paul Starr, a sociologist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, dives into his book, American Contradiction. He explores the ongoing tension between liberation movements and institutional resistance, considering the black freedom struggle as a catalyst for change. Starr critiques political responses to social issues, including Trump's immigration policies as acts of revenge. Media fragmentation and its impact on public discourse are also discussed. He emphasizes the need for democratic resilience and learning from history, advocating for renewal in liberal democracy.

John McWhorter, a distinguished linguist and cultural commentator, delves into the coarsening of public discourse. He highlights how social media has shifted the Overton window, allowing more offensive rhetoric into mainstream conversations. McWhorter and Glenn discuss the implications of figures like Trump and Nick Fuentes on civility, arguing for engagement over censorship. They explore societal grievances fueling extremist views, urban crime perceptions, and the normalization of vulgarity in politics, emphasizing a need for substantive responses to incivility.

Howard Husock, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of "The Projects: A New History of Public Housing," examines the failures of American public housing. He discusses how public housing erased community ties and harmed urban Black neighborhoods. Husock challenges the necessity of slum clearance and critiques political proposals like rent freezes. He advocates for time limits on subsidies to foster mobility, while exploring innovative solutions like the Rental Assistance Demonstration to renovate aging housing.

In a lively discussion, topics include New York City's incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his bold policy proposals. The conversation dives into the implications of Nick Fuentes's provocative rhetoric and its impact on marginalized communities. They further explore the unsettling legacy of Jeffrey Epstein and how technology, particularly AI, is shaping modern conversations. Additionally, the concept of Black Patriotism is examined, prompting reflection on identity and belonging in today’s political landscape.

Charles Murray, a political scientist and author known for his controversial works, discusses his spiritual shift in light of his new book, Taking Religion Seriously. He reveals the pivotal moment that changed his perspective on divine creation and the appeal of Christianity. Murray presents compelling evidence for life after death and critiques the materialist view of consciousness. The conversation also touches on how science and religion have swapped roles in understanding existence, showcasing Murray's evolving views that intertwine faith and social science.

In this discussion, Robert Patton-Spruill, a keen commentator on contemporary politics, joins to unravel the complexities of U.S. conservatism. They explore Charles Murray's surprising turn to religion, highlighting his newfound appreciation for spirituality. The conversation shifts to the provocative rise of Nick Fuentes, raising concerns about his influence compared to Charlie Kirk's more serious political approach. Additionally, they touch on current events like the NYC mayoral race victory of Zohran Mamdani and the implications of a possible government shutdown.

John McWhorter, a prominent linguist and cultural commentator, shares insights on the current Democratic leadership crisis. He critiques Zohran Mamdani's anti-Zionist stance and examines the party's internal struggles between principle and electability. McWhorter discusses the need for a compelling unifying figure in the Democratic Party and questions the effectiveness of Kamala Harris as a leader. He emphasizes practical solutions to racial disparities and reflects on the shift away from race-centered politics in America.

John McWhorter, a linguist and cultural commentator, dives into the Democratic Party's leadership crisis and the implications of rising stars like mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. He critiques the party's ineffectiveness amidst Trump's dominance, arguing for the need for grounded leaders with substantive messages rather than those focused solely on identity politics. McWhorter emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing and questions whether figures like Kamala Harris fulfill the party's need for core philosophies and broader appeal.

Clifton Duncan, an actor-writer known for his one-man show on Thomas Sowell, shares his inspiring experiences from a recent conference honoring Sowell. He discusses the profound impact of meeting Justice Clarence Thomas, emphasizing the warmth and resilience he observed. Duncan also reflects on Sowell's work ethic and discipline, revealing how it reignited his passion for artistic endeavors. The conversation reveals a promising resurgence of interest in Sowell’s ideas among younger generations, highlighting the intellectual legacy he leaves behind.

At a recent conference, Thomas Sowell's legacy took center stage, highlighting his influence on contemporary thinkers. Actors and creators like Clifton Duncan shared their projects inspired by Sowell. The discussion also tackled the unexpected support among some Black Americans for Trump's actions to combat crime, as well as their perceptions of illegal immigration's impact on jobs. Delving into the media's portrayal of these narratives, the conversation underscored the importance of amplifying true community voices over mainstream narratives.