The Good Fight

Miles Taylor, a national security expert and former chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, opens up about the tumultuous Trump administration. He reveals how 'adults in the room' attempted to uphold the rule of law amidst chaos. Taylor shares insights on the misuse of executive power, the chilling effects of political retribution, and the moral dilemmas public servants faced. He also discusses the implications of his anonymous op-ed on internal resistance and the importance of maintaining free speech in a hostile political climate.

Thomas Chatterton Williams, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author, dives deep into the cultural and political fallout of the summer of 2020. He discusses the complexities of the racial justice protests and the subsequent backlash, emphasizing the abandonment of key ideas from that moment. Williams also critiques the misallocation of political anger during the Trump era and the nuanced challenges of Black representation in media. He addresses the impact of pandemic-driven cancel culture and the evolving skepticism among minority groups towards established political narratives.

Jesse Singal, co-host of the Blocked and Reported podcast and author of 'The Quick Fix', dives into a lively discussion on the current state of politics and social science. He examines the impact of wokeness and its implications for the Democratic Party. Singal delves into the replication crisis in social sciences, particularly around youth gender medicine, highlighting methodological flaws in influential studies. The conversation grapples with authenticity in politics and the challenges of maintaining meaningful discourse in today's polarized climate.

Mona Charen, a syndicated columnist and Policy Editor at The Bulwark, Ivan Krastev, a political analyst and chairman at the Centre for Liberal Strategies, and Francis Fukuyama, a senior fellow at Stanford, dive into pressing contemporary issues. They discuss the ramifications of Epstein's revelations on Trump, the growing political pressures on American universities, and Ukraine's struggle with corruption amid war. The conversation also critiques the independence of institutions like the Federal Reserve in an increasingly polarized landscape.

Isaac Saul, a politics reporter and founder of Tangle, dives into the importance of exploring opposing viewpoints. He and Yascha Mounk discuss the ramifications of executive overreach during the Trump administration, questioning whether it leads to authoritarianism. They navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration policy, emphasizing the need for balance in enforcement and reform. The conversation also touches on the role of media in shaping perceptions of contentious issues and the evolving dynamics of the Supreme Court.

Dan Williams, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Sussex and author of the Conspicuous Cognition newsletter, dives into the nuances of misinformation. He talks about the overly broad definitions that plague public discourse and examines how bias affects our perception of fake news. The conversation also addresses the impact of media narratives on climate change and the societal pressures that stifle critical thinking in journalism and science. Williams emphasizes the need for clarity in political discussions to combat polarization and foster trust.

Steven Teles, a Political Science professor at Johns Hopkins, dives into the concept of abundance and its implications for policy. He examines how rent-seeking behaviors disrupt economic equality and innovation, stressing the need for reform in healthcare and housing. Teles discusses the clash between NIMBY and YIMBY movements within the Democratic Party and proposes a coalition to merge economic and cultural interests. He also addresses the disconnect in political discourse among STEM students and the influence of top universities on societal views.

In a riveting discussion, Alex Thompson, a national political correspondent for Axios and co-author of 'Original Sin', delves into the concerning decline of Joe Biden's mental acuity. He reveals how Biden's team and the Democratic Party concealed information about his health. The conversation explores the shifting media dynamics and public perceptions that shape Biden's re-election campaign. Thompson also examines the complex relationship between Biden and his son Hunter, particularly how personal struggles intertwine with political ambitions. A must-listen for political enthusiasts!

This week's guest is Martin Wolf, the Associate Editor at the Financial Times, renowned for his insights on global economics. He discusses potential threats to the U.S. economy, including Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' and its implications for his supporters. The conversation highlights the stark disparities in America’s safety net and delves into the alarming budget deficit, pointing to a lack of political will to tackle fiscal irresponsibility. Wolf also explores unsettling economic bubbles and the precariousness of corporate profits in today's market.

Dean Spears, an economist and demographer specializing in population dynamics, and Michael Geruso, an economist focused on population and innovation, share their insights on the paradox of population growth. They discuss how a larger populace can drive innovation and enhance living standards, debunking the myth that fewer people equates to better environmental health. The conversation also highlights the challenges posed by an aging population and the need for collaborative solutions to avoid the pitfalls of depopulation.