Avsnitt
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For all of the head scratching by Trump supporters over his literal, real-life, actual love of tariffs, it’s worth noting that for everyone who thought he’d never be crazy enough to go through with them, there were those who knew the whole time that this outcome was at best likely - and worst inevitable.
One of those sounding the alarm was Rick Wilson.
In this rebroadcast episode from the lead up to the election, Rick sat down with Edward Goldberg, an adjunct professor at NYU’s Center for Global Affairs and expert on political economy and trade. Together, they predict the dangers of Donald Trump's proposed tariffs and the broader risks of economic isolationism - the risks we’re now facing.
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Today on the Enemies List, Rick is joined by the head of the ACLU in DC, Monica Hopkins. In its 105-year history, the ACLU has never faced a president like Trump, and that's all the more reason to fight back. Rick and Monica discuss Trump's defiance of court orders, utter disrespect for the law, his desire to reshape DC in his own grotesque image, and the overall state-of-play of the rule of law in America.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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What does it take to win back voters in red districts and break through the noise? On today's episode Rick sits down with Congressman Ro Khanna to discuss his work engaging communities where Democrats have struggled, emphasizing the importance of showing up and fighting for working-class Americans. They also explore the rising influence of Bitcoin among young voters, the dangers of anti-tech sentiment, and how Democrats can rebuild trust with a clear, action-oriented plan.
Timestamps:
(00:01:25) Voters in Bakersfield
(00:07:30) What do non-democrats want?
(00:14:08) What are democratic voters looking for?
(00:16:49) Where do democrats need to go on bitcoin?
(00:24:21) Giving America a set of principles
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Three top intelligence officials sat before Congress and lied through their teeth. In another classic Rick rant, our host unpacks a jaw-dropping hearing featuring Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel, and John Ratcliffe, the classified Signal chat scandal, and the dangerous implications for U.S. national security.
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What does it take to go from Googling “how to run for office” to becoming one of the most compelling voices in American politics? In this episode Rick speaks with Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow to discuss her new book Hate Won’t Win: Find Your Power and Leave This Place Better Than You Found It. They dive into her unexpected path into politics, what drives her to fight back against extremism, and how everyday people can reclaim their power in a chaotic political landscape. Mallory also hints at a possible run for U.S. Senate and shares her thoughts on trade, tariffs, and the importance of staying engaged.
Mallory's book, Hate Won’t Win: Find Your Power and Leave This Place Better Than You Found It, available now.
Timestamps:
(00:01:48) Hate Won't Win
(00:11:54) What should people do?
(00:16:08) Michigan's response to the trade war
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Rick kicks off this episode with a blistering rant on Trump and his blatant, idiotic buffoonery. He couldn't wait so we put it at the top of the show. Then he speaks with authors Sarah Vowell and Casey Cep about their contributions to the new Michael Lewis anthology Who is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service. They discuss the often-overlooked dedication of public servants, from archivists preserving the nation's history to veterans ensuring the dignity of military burials. Through their compelling profiles, Vowell and Cep highlight the essential yet under appreciated roles these individuals play in upholding democracy.
Who is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service, available now.
Timestamps:
(00:11:50) Who is Government?
(00:14:57) The Sentinal
(00:27:52) Keepers of the Tradition
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Politics is a battlefield, and right now, Democrats are struggling to break free from the traps set by Republicans. In this episode Rick Wilson sits with Democratic strategist Joel Payne to discuss the current political landscape and the challenges facing the Democratic Party. They break down the Republican Party’s attempts to box Democrats in on spending bills, the broader cultural and messaging battles, and how Democrats can better connect with voters by focusing on real-world concerns rather than policy jargon. Payne offers insight on the evolving political spectrum, the need for Democrats to fight smarter, and how Trump’s chaos-driven approach presents both challenges and opportunities.
Timestamps:
(00:01:36) Should they be helping Mike Johnson?
(00:09:04) Speaking American
(00:14:53) An agenda that doesn't rely on Trump
(00:18:27) Susie Wiles and Elon Musk
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What really fueled Donald Trump’s 2024 comeback? In this episode Rick sits with journalist and author Alex Isenstadt to discuss his new book, Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power. They dive into Trump's campaign strategy, his ability to harness cultural resentment, and the political maneuvers that secured his victory. From his outreach to young male voters through podcasts to the decisive role of figures like JD Vance and Elon Musk, Isenstadt provides an insider's perspective on how Trump reshaped his movement. They also explore the psychological impact of the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania and how it further galvanized his supporters.
Alex's book, Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power, available here.
Timestamps:
(00:01:30) What people missed in the Trump Campaign
(00:02:50) How Trump used the culture war
(00:14:53) Revenge
(00:24:13) Susie Wiles and Elon Musk
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The fight for civil rights wasn’t just waged in the streets, it was built in classrooms led by unsung heroes. In this episode Rick speaks with author Elaine Weiss about her new book, Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools That Built the Civil Rights Movement. They discuss the little-known history of citizenship schools—grassroots educational programs in the 1950s and 60s that empowered Black Americans to pass literacy tests, register to vote, and fight systemic oppression. Weiss sheds light on the broader civil rights movement, the institutional barriers activists faced, and the enduring importance of civic education in today’s political landscape.
Elaine's book, Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools That Built the Civil Rights Movement, available now.
Timestamps:
(00:02:00) The history of the citizenship schools
(00:07:32) The institutional opposition
(00:16:15) The post war era ripple effect
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The balance of power in American democracy is being tested like never before. In this episode Rick is joined by legal expert and author Tristan Snell to discuss the latest legal battles surrounding Trump, the Supreme Court’s role in shaping executive power, and the broader implications for American democracy. They break down key cases, including the limits of presidential immunity, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the growing constitutional crisis if Trump defies court rulings.
Visit Tristan's Substack at tristansnell.com.
Timestamps:
(00:01:26) Watching the legal battles unfold
(00:10:59) What happens when Trump denies a court order?
(00:20:24) The protection of executive action
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America’s political landscape is shifting in dangerous ways. On today's episode Rick is joined by journalist and author Garrett Graff to dissect the current crisis in U.S. democracy, where unchecked power, disruptive media narratives, and the staggering influence of figures like Elon Musk are redrawing the rules of governance. Graff introduces his incisive newsletter, Doomsday Scenario, which reimagines American news as if it were unfolding overseas—casting a stark light on the nation's mounting instability and the erosion of federal institutions.
Subscribe to Garrett's newsletter at doomsdayscenario.co.
Timestamps:
(00:01:44) Doomsday Scenario
(00:13:08) The machine moves with the president
(00:22:53) Dismantling the federal government
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Gen Z is at a political crossroads, and the battle for their votes is intensifying. In this episode Rick speaks with Gen Z political commentator Dash Dobrofsky to discuss the shifting political landscape among young voters. Dash shares his journey into political activism, the impact of social media on shaping narratives, and the growing influence of right-wing messaging on Gen Z—particularly young men. They dive into economic frustrations, media strategies, and the urgent need for Democrats to improve their branding and messaging. With insights on the future of digital political engagement and the 2028 election, this conversation sheds light on the evolving battle for young voters' attention and trust.
Timestamps:
(00:01:15) The Gen Z voice
(00:04:39) How Gen Z is processing today's politics
(00:11:39) Who can reach Gen Z?
(00:22:06) The 2028 election
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We have entered a whirlwind of chaos and controversy as the new order attempts to reshape the American political landscape. In this episode Rick sits with Andrew Egger, chief White House correspondent for The Bulwark, to dissect the early months of Trump's second first term in the White House. They explore how a disruptive, Doge-fueled approach is reshaping federal agencies, from hasty cuts in key national security institutions to internal power struggles, and debate the evolution of conservative politics. And of course, Rick adds to the Enemies List.
Timestamps:
(00:01:08) Covering the second Trump white house
(00:05:52) What the public doesn't know about DOGE
(00:16:29) Trumpism is not inevitable
(00:23:01) Trump's fear mongering
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The chaos isn’t slowing down, it’s accelerating. In this episode Rick is joined by Will Saletan from The Bulwark to dissect the unfolding turmoil in D.C. and beyond. They discuss Elon Musk's growing influence, Trump's erratic decision-making, the GOP’s shift toward isolationism, and the potential global and domestic fallout from these radical changes. From economic instability and foreign policy upheaval to the looming dangers of reckless governance, the two break down the woodchipper-like destruction of key institutions and its long-term consequences.
Timestamps:
(00:01:17) Where does the DOGE arc end?
(00:07:13) Trump's attitude toward Europeans
(00:14:00) MAGA and expanding the American empire
(00:18:31) "Burn it all down, we'll figure it out later"
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Is America’s economic power a weapon, or a ticking time bomb? In this episode Rick is joined by Edward Fishman, author of Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare. They dive into the rise of economic warfare as the primary battleground for global powers, exploring how tariffs, sanctions, and export controls have reshaped international relations. Fishman discusses the risks of Trump's aggressive trade policies, the potential fallout of economic isolationism, and the unintended consequences of a fractured global economy.
Edward's book, Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare, available for pre-order now.
Timestamps:
(00:01:43) Anticipating Harris or Trump
(00:05:25) The first month of Trump
(00:14:45) How will the rest of the world react to Trump?
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Can Democrats win back rural and working-class voters before it’s too late? In this episode Rick Wilson sits down with Adam Frisch, former congressional candidate from Colorado, to discuss the state of the Democratic Party and its challenges in connecting with rural and working-class voters. Frisch shares insights from his campaign against Lauren Boebert, emphasizing the importance of dignity, economic messaging, and breaking through the Democratic Party’s institutional mindset. He also critiques the party’s communication strategies and highlights the need for candidate-led campaigns. Together, they explore the impact of Trump’s policies, the role of soft power, and the looming economic consequences that could shift voter sentiment in the coming months.
Timestamps:
(00:01:26) How the democratic party is responding to Trump
(00:14:02) Rural America and Trump
(00:24:21) How to draw back the soft republicans
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USAID being dismantled before our eyes is just the beginning. In this episode Rick is joined by Josh Rogin, Lead Global Security Analyst for Washington Post Intelligence, to discuss the shocking dismantlement of USAID by Elon Musk and Donald Trump. They explore the broader implications of this decision, including the erosion of America’s global influence, the potential humanitarian crisis, and how adversaries like China and Russia stand to benefit. The conversation also delves into Trump’s complicated relationship with Xi Jinping, the future of Taiwan, and the geopolitical risks of a second Trump presidency—particularly regarding Ukraine, where Vladimir Putin is poised to take advantage.
Timestamps:
(00:02:08) Filling the gap after USAID
(00:10:29) Giving up Taiwan
(00:19:32) If Trump tries to "buy" Gaza
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Today we tackle a new age of politics and propaganda as Rick is joined by philosopher and author Jason Stanley. The two discuss the manipulation of language, propaganda, and the rise of authoritarianism in modern politics. They examine how global far-right movements are using nationalism, immigration fears, and media control to consolidate power, drawing parallels to historical fascist strategies. The conversation delves into the role of education, corporate-state alliances, and the erosion of democratic norms, highlighting the dangerous shift toward kleptocratic authoritarianism. Stanley also discusses his latest book, Erasing History, and the ongoing battle for truth in an age of disinformation.
Jason's book, Erasing History, available now.
Timestamps:
(00:01:40) The use and abuse of language
(00:13:18) The new reality
(00:17:07) Classic and diet authoritarianism
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Is the world on the brink of permanent instability? In this episode Rick Wilson sits down with renowned author and geopolitical analyst Robert D. Kaplan to discuss his latest book, Wasteland: A World in Permanent Crisis. Together, they explore the challenges of our increasingly interconnected and unstable world, from the decline of great powers and the erosion of democracy to the disruptive forces of AI and automation. Kaplan offers a sobering comparison to the Weimar Republic and stresses the urgent need to rediscover the principles of historic liberalism in the face of rising global disorder.
Timestamps:
(00:01:42) The current geopolitical order
(00:06:48) The overt desire for chaos
(00:11:55) The currency of freedom
(00:15:25) Facing AI
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What happens when traditional media faces off against a generation raised on TikTok and influencers? In this episode Rick chats with political scientist and journalist Jason Johnson for a discussion on the evolving landscape of media, politics, and culture. They explore how generational shifts and platforms like TikTok are reshaping news consumption, the deeper racial and gender dynamics fueling Trumpism, and the media's struggle to adapt to a rapidly changing audience. From the rollback of DEI policies to the future of journalism, this conversation dives into the critical challenges facing the press and its role in holding power accountable in the Trump era and beyond.
Timestamps:
(00:01:42) Our definitions of the press
(00:11:39) The economic disconnect in media
(00:26:28) The responsibility of the press
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