Left, Right & Center

Can private companies no longer avoid political fights? Mar 17, 2023

The debate over abortion rights has entered a new phase. Last year’s Supreme Court decision to strike down the federal right to the health procedure and leave it up to states is now playing out with private companies.

The country’s second-largest pharmacy chain, Walgreens, is facing criticism from both sides of the aisle after announcing it would not ship or sell mifepristone in 21 states. The medication is used to terminate a pregnancy or treat a miscarriage.

This came after Republican attorneys general threatened legal action if the pharmacy didn’t stop selling the medication. However, abortion is still legal in a few of the states on that list such as Alaska, Kansas and Montana.

Then, California Governor Gavin Newsom said the state was cutting ties with Walgreens and its $54 million contract. He claimed the pharmacy caved to pressure from the right.

Can big companies no longer stay out of these polarizing debates?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, and Sarah Isgur, senior editor at The Dispatch.

Plus, while the Supreme Court was once considered a major polarizing force, its perception with Americans is improving.
A Marquette Law School poll from January found that 47% of respondents approve of the Supreme Court, up from 38% last July when the court struck down Roe v Wade. And surprisingly, the rise is mostly among Democrats. Can the court continue boosting its standing?

Special guest Charles Franklin, pollster and director of the Marquette Law School, weighs in on restoring faith in the High Court.

And Stanford Law School’s invitation to a controversial federal judge ended up a complete mess. Before he could start his speech, hecklers interrupted the event and even a school administrator questioned if allowing his talk was worth it.

How can universities ensure a public speaker and dissenters can have their voices heard? And where do we draw the line between free speech and hate speech?

Will the lawsuit against Fox News burden other media outlets? Mar 10, 2023

Dozens of incriminating texts and email chains between leadership and top anchors at Fox News were revealed this week as part of the defamation lawsuit Dominion Voting Systems brought against the news station.

The filings show that Fox hosts and executives knew former President Donald Trump had lost the 2020 election and that claims of voter fraud were false. But they promoted this narrative on-air because it was what their audience wanted and it was good for ratings.

This is a rare case because of the implications it could have on the journalism world. Prior to this, the Supreme Court’s 1964 New York Times v. Sullivan ruling established a high baseline to win libel and defamation cases. They said the prosecution has to show that the news station or journalist deliberately made false statements with a reckless disregard for the truth. Or actual malice.

The scope of Dominion’s lawsuit shows that Fox News kept repeating conspiracies they knew were false over an extended period of time. But was it actual malice?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, and Sarah Isgur, senior editor at The Dispatch. And special guest RonNell Andersen Jones, professor of law at the University of Utah and an affiliated fellow at the Yale Law School Information Society Project, weighs in on the arguments from both sides.

Plus, a middle school girl in Lewisville, Texas, was punished for how she processed her fear of a potential school shooting. She heard a classmate say, “Don’t come to school tomorrow,” and texted her friends out of concern. Twenty minutes later, she told her mother.

When school officials looked into the situation, they determined there were no threats to the school. But they also decided that the student who texted her friends made false accusations about school safety. They punished her with a three-day suspension, and said she would finish eighth grade at an alternative disciplinary school. Though that punishment was later scaled back.

Was this a rumor or just a frightened teenager? And, in an era where school shootings have become more common, how should students and school officials handle moments like this?

Special guests Talia Richman, staff writer at the Dallas Morning News, discusses her recent article about the incident, “How a Texas girl scared of school shootings was punished,” alongside Lisa Youngblood, the student’s mother.

Was it harmful to label the COVID lab leak theory as conspiracy? Mar 03, 2023

It’s been three years since the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread and completely shut down most of the world. But there are still many unanswered questions surrounding the virus, including where did COVID actually come from?

The argument over the virus’ origins almost instantly became political. Democrats and many scientists suggested it likely emerged from nature. But Republicans insisted it emerged from a lab in Wuhan, China, which was labeled misinformation by the left.

But this week, that debate came back into view. The U.S. Energy Department said they had “low confidence” that a lab accident was the most likely origin. Can Republicans say, “Told you so?”

This ignited a storm of finger-pointing from both sides. And it adds a new facet to the conversation regarding how social media and internet platforms should define or handle misinformation.

Was it fair to take down content suggesting a lab leak? And if Democrats hadn’t dismissed that claim, would we be closer to understanding COVID’s origins?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, and Sarah Isgur, senior editor at The Dispatch.

Plus, Chicago’s Lori Lightfoot became the city’s first incumbent mayor in 40 years to lose reelection. This week, she failed to make the runoff.

Lightfoot served during a tough time in Chicago – she led the city through the pandemic and civil unrest, and tried to fight rampant crime. But 63% of Chicagoans say they don’t feel safe, according to a recent poll.

So, what did Lightfoot get wrong? And what does this election say about the politics of the nation’s other big cities?

And why do our politics feel so reactionary? Political comedy writer Jeff Maurer discusses his article, “‘Omg Stop Freaking Out!!!’ Is a Bad Response to Right Wing Freakouts” from his Substack blog “I Might Be Wrong.” He weighs in on neverending freakouts from all sides and the evolving political news landscape.

Can Biden get Americans to support Ukraine long-term? Feb 24, 2023

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, and Sarah Isgur, senior editor at The Dispatch. And special guest Evelyn Farkas, executive director of the McCain Institute and former deputy assistant secretary at the Department of Defense, shares her thoughts on the future implications of Biden’s Europe trip.

Plus, the Supreme Court is weighing a case that could have major implications for online platforms. The law in question is the Communications Decency Act from 1996, which shields technology companies from being held accountable for the content on its platforms.

Changing this law could transform the very basis for how the internet works, but technology can be very complex. And both political parties have different ideas on where to draw the line. Who should decide what counts as political speech or misinformation?

Special guest Katie Harbath, fellow at Bipartisan Policy Center and expert on technology and democracy, explains what effective social media reform would require.

And a four-day work week once seemed like a pipe dream, but is now gaining traction. Who would benefit from working fewer hours for the same pay? And would it even be practical for many industries?

Are criminal charges coming for Trump allies over 2020 election probe? Feb 17, 2023

The Fulton County, Georgia special grand jury investigating efforts by former President Donald Trump and his supporters to overturn the 2020 election released a portion of its final report this week.

The grand jury interviewed 75 witnesses as part of its investigation and said it found no evidence of election fraud. The report also recommended prosecutors pursue indictments against witnesses they believe committed perjury during their testimonies. Though, the report did not list any names of the people they believe lied under oath.

Much of the report was redacted, and the rest of the grand jury’s findings are still sealed. But could accusations of perjury lead to criminal charges? And how does this probe fit into the larger content of other investigations around Trump or his 2024 presidential bid?

Special guest Holly Bailey, national correspondent at the Washington Post, weighs in on how serious the charges might be.

Plus, it’s been a year since Russia began its full invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. has provided billions of dollars in aid, weapons, and support to Ukraine, but all that assistance could be waning.

A new Associated Press Norc Center poll showed the number of American adults who support sending weapons to Ukraine has dropped 12% since last summer.

How should President Biden prioritize numerous global crises? And how should he measure the strategic interest in Ukraine going forward?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, and Sarah Isgur, senior editor at The Dispatch.

And, HBO’s new hit show about a brain-eating fungus, “The Last of Us,” offers a picture of a totally incompetent and cruel government. Is that narrative dangerous in pop culture?

Will war-torn Syria restrict aid after a devastating earthquake? Feb 10, 2023

A 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria this week, leaving at least 20,000 people dead and tens of thousands injured or stuck under rubble.

It was particularly devastating because many buildings were not built to withstand this level of disaster, and it hit a region already torn apart by war. It left millions of Syrians, who are already displaced by the war and neglected by the Assad regime, suffering with little way to access help.

The Syrian regime’s relationship with countries like the U.S. is frozen. So, even gaining access into rebel-held regions for non-governmental organizations may be difficult.

How can the world help? And are geopolitical tensions forcing millions of people to suffer?

Special guest Kemal Kirişci, non-resident fellow at the Brookings Institution, weighs in on the conditions in Turkey and Syria on the ground, and how the ongoing war is affecting recovery efforts.

Plus, this week President Biden delivered his State of the Union, the annual speech given to a joint session of Congress at the beginning of the year.

Biden touted many of his accomplishments and avoided pointing fingers at “MAGA Republicans,” as he’s done in previous speeches. But the president did call out some Republicans for threatening Social Security and Medicare, which was met with boos and shouts from conservatives.

Was Biden setting the stage for a 2024 presidential run? And did he break through to the American public

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, and Sarah Isgur, senior editor at The Dispatch.

And the Super Bowl this weekend is resurfacing calls for the Kansas City Chiefs to abandon some of their traditions that Native communities consider racist and offensive. Why are the Chiefs resistant to change?

Special guest Lawrence Brooks IV, race and culture reporter for KCUR, discusses his article, “As Kansas City Chiefs Head to the Super Bowl, Their Violent Traditions Alienate Even Some Local Fans” and why Kansas City fans haven’t abandoned their celebrations.

Are personality politics distracting from the GOP’s agenda? Feb 03, 2023

During his first month in Congress, Republican Representative George Santos from New York has been a giant distraction for the new House leadership.

He was caught lying about parts of his job experience, education and even his heritage. He’s now facing multiple state and federal investigations into his personal and campaign finances. Members from both parties and the majority of his constituents want him to resign. And he announced this week he’s temporarily declining his committee assignments.

Santos said it was voluntary, and he was stepping down to clear his name and focus on serving his constituents. But what does all the attention on one member tell us about the direction of the new Congress?

The House also voted to remove Representative Ilhan Omar from the foreign relations committee. However, a small group of Republicans want to end the partisan war over committee assignments. Do they want to focus on real business?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, and Sarah Isgur, senior editor at The Dispatch.

Plus, the Republican field for the presidential nomination in 2024 has been relatively quiet. Former President Donald Trump is trying to regain momentum. And there has long been speculation that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence will run as well.

But now, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley says she’ll announce her candidacy this month. Will this turn out to be a contest of personalities? And how do these people represent different visions for GOP leadership?

And the pandemic permanently altered the American workplace. How can downtowns and office managers adjust to a new reality? And what would incentivize people to come back?

Can we change the gun reform conversation? Jan 27, 2023

Monterey Park, Half Moon Bay, and Oakland, California are all reeling from mass shootings in their communities this past week that left at least 19 people dead.

In Monterey Park, a city east of downtown Los Angeles, the shooter opened fire in a dance hall during Lunar New Year celebrations. The next day’s festival, which was set to draw thousands of people, was canceled.

Special guest Elise Hu, journalist and host for NPR, was supposed to take her three young daughters to perform at the next day’s Lunar New Year festival. She shares her experience trying to make sense of the violence and looking for hope amid tragedy.

And with more mass shootings comes the wave of politicians and policymakers demanding gun reform. President Biden is renewing his call for an assault weapons ban, though House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield says he won’t commit to considering any new legislation.

Would stricter gun laws make a difference? And is there a compromise both sides could be content with?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, and Sarah Isgur, senior editor at The Dispatch.

Plus, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is standing by his state’s decision to reject an Advanced Placement course in African American studies last week. He said the course lacks educational value and is too political due to its discussion of queer studies, reparations, and abolishing prisons.

This is the first time a state has rejected an AP course, which is a class that allows high school students to potentially gain college credit. What’s behind this decision and how can policymakers move forward?

And special guest Sergio Peçanha, columnist at the Washington Post, discusses his recent article, “Hug an election denier,” and how we can embrace those we love despite disagreeing with them.

What will it cost Dems to raise the debt ceiling? Jan 20, 2023

The Biden administration and House Republicans are already in a potentially months-long standoff over raising the national debt ceiling.

The Treasury Department started to enact “extraordinary measures” this week in order to keep paying the federal government’s bills after hitting the debt ceiling, or the borrowing cap set by law, at $31.4 trillion. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen must now suspend some investments and exchange other types of debt to keep the cash flowing, but she predicts that can only last until June.

Congress must now raise or suspend the debt ceiling so the government can keep the cash flowing. Failing to act could push the country into default could destabilize financial markets and push the world into economic chaos.

Historically, raising the debt ceiling has been an easy vote for legislators. But it’s become a political game of chicken in recent years. Republicans want to slash spending for entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare, but the Biden administration has made clear it wants the limit to be raised without conditions.

What’s really behind the hard stances from both parties? And given the clear divisions in the Republican party, are negotiations a good strategy?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, and Sarah Isgur, senior editor at The Dispatch.

Plus, Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar were once again granted seats on House committees after being kicked off in 2021 by a Democratic-led Congress. They will both join the House Oversight and Accountability Committee and have already announced their intention to investigate President Biden over a number of issues.

What does this tell us about how the GOP plans to use its slim House majority? And what will this mean for Democrats?

And Israel is moving toward a dangerous path away from democracy with Benjamin Netanyahu’s reinstatement as prime minister. While Democratic lawmakers are criticizing Israel, President Biden is now weighing how to respond.

What could the Biden administration do, as it navigates debates in their own party? And is now the time for Biden to take a stance?

Did Jan. 6 inspire Brazil’s rioters? Jan 13, 2023

Brazil experienced what looked eerily similar to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Rioters protested outside Brazil’s congress and stormed government buildings, bolstered by the false claim their recent election was stolen.

The rally was organized online by far-right groups who supported former President Jair Bolsonaro. Similar to January 6, the disinformation campaign was brewing for months, but security still wasn’t able to prevent the surge.

However, there were key differences to what happened in the U.S. Unlike former President Trump, Bolsonaro allowed for a peaceful transfer of power.

Are far-right attacks on the government becoming more frequent? What does this tell us about the global state of politics?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right.

Plus, President Biden made his first visit to the southern border in El Paso. This came as his administration announced plans to crack down on asylum seekers from Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Haiti, which politicians on both sides of the aisle have criticized.

Special guest Lauren Villagran, reporter from The El Paso Times, weighs in on the mood near the border as the number of migrants and asylum seekers continues to rise. Is there hope that compromise around immigration policy is coming?

And Biden’s aides found multiple sets of classified documents stored in his former offices from when he was vice president under former President Obama.

But Republicans have been quick to accuse Democrats of hypocrisy for their criticism of Trump holding onto private government documents at Mar-A-Lago. Could Biden be in legal trouble? And how will the Justice Department handle each of these investigations?

Are House speaker negotiations good for the country? Jan 06, 2023

It’s a new year but the incoming Congress has not been able to start work yet. With a slim House majority, California Republican Kevin McCarthy has faced failed vote after failed vote to try and become speaker of the House without success. This is the first time a bid for speaker has failed multiple times in more than a century. How high are the stakes to elect a speaker?

McCarthy is facing a rebellion from around 20 Republicans, many of whom are backed by former President Trump including Florida Representative Matt Gaetz and Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert.

Is McCarthy conceding too much power to try and win over those 20 members? And how long will this dysfunction roadblock the Republican-controlled House?

Meanwhile, President Biden and Senator Mitch McConnell came together to celebrate the building of a bridge between Kentucky and Ohio as part of last year’s bipartisan infrastructure bill.

Is this more political theater or are these longtime politicians trying to show younger colleagues how to work across the aisle?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right.

Plus, this week marked the two-year anniversary of the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol. What has changed (or not) since then?

And sports fans and non sports fans alike were moved by Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamiln’s near death experience during an NFL football game. Why was his injury so significant?

Rants and raves of 2022 Dec 30, 2022

In a special show to end the year, Left, Right & Center recaps some of the most important political moments of 2022, and what it all means as we head into the new year.

The midterm elections revealed the declining support for former President Donald Trump amid losses for many of the candidates he backed. Is there a growing part of the electorate that’s craving less chaos? How are both parties responding to lessons learned?

And the Democratic party found some success by donating money to Republican candidates they believed they could beat in the midterms. Is that a blueprint they’ll turn to again? Or is that bad for democracy?

Plus, it’s been more than 300 days since Russia officially invaded Ukraine. How consequential is this war on Ukraine? What’s at stake globally? And could the Ukrainians grab the upper hand next year?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right.

Plus, the panelists share their New Year’s resolutions.

Reforming immigration amid the end of Title 42 Dec 23, 2022

The controversial policy to turn away asylum seekers from crossing the country’s southern border, Title 42, is getting another life. At least for now.

First invoked during the Trump administration in March 2020, Title 42 is a portion of the U.S. Public Health code that allows immigration officials to stop asylum seekers from entering America in the name of public health.

The policy was set to end on Wednesday after a federal judge said in November the rule was unlawful. But Republican attorneys general from 19 states argued the Center for Disease Control didn’t follow the proper procedure to end the policy last April.

The Biden administration continued to use the policy with some changes, though the president has tried to end the policy this year. U.S. Customs and Border Protection estimates Title 42 allowed officials to turn away more than 2.4 million migrants, many of whom would have had the right to apply for asylum under normal circumstances.

Now, the Biden administration is furiously trying to finalize its plan for when the policy is likely struck down as tens of thousands of migrants have arrived near the southern border.

How can Biden reform the troubled immigration system? And what kind of system reimagining could both parties get behind?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right.

Plus, special guest Evelyn Farkas, executive director at the McCain Institute and former deputy assistant secretary of defense, weighs in on Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s powerful speech to Congress this week.

Is support for Ukraine in its war against Russia investing in a better world for all? And will America’s financial support be enough for Ukraine to get the upper hand?

Plus, Elon Musk is back in the news for suspending more than half a dozen journalists’ Twitter accounts, bringing into question his support of free speech. How do you balance free speech with public safety?

Did extremists and social media weaken our political parties? Dec 16, 2022

In yet another alteration to the new balance of power in the Senate, Arizona’s Krysten Sinema announced she is leaving the Democratic Party and is now an Independent.

Sinema claims this move will help her represent her constituents. But her approval ratings among Democrats in Arizona have been dropping for months because many voters feel she betrayed them for her own interests. She’s vulnerable to a primary challenge in two years if she runs. Was going Independent her only option?

This change is unlikely to affect the Democrats’ control of the chamber. But this forces the party to decide if they will back Sinema’s reelection campaign in 2024 or if they’ll throw their support behind a real Democrat. Would the party risk splitting votes? How could Republicans use this to their advantage?

Sinema’s announcement also demonstrates how much easier it is now for individual politicians to go against their party or their agenda. What does the democratization of politics mean for the future of both parties? Are the Democrats and Republicans getting weaker?

Plus, German intelligence intercepted a scheme by an extreme right wing group to overthrow the government. The plot had ties to conspiracy theories and right wing doctrine that is proliferating in the U.S.

What did this plot have in common with the January 6th insurrection in the U.S.? What’s the connection between ultra-right-wing politicians and political violence? And what does “far right” or “far left” even mean?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right. They weigh in on how social media and recent media layoffs are making news less reliable and misinformation more prominent.

Are the Georgia runoffs a precursor to 2024? Dec 09, 2022

After the recent win by Raphael Warnock in Georgia, Democrats will hang onto control of the Senate by a slightly larger margin. Warnock beat Republican Hershel Walker in Georgia’s runoff with a 51% to 49% lead…giving Democrats a 51-49 edge in the Senate.

Though Democrats had already secured the Senate majority, this race may have bolstered the narrative that former President Donald Trump is losing influence on the right. Walker was yet another one of Trump’s hand-picked candidates to be defeated.

But what actually decided the race? Was it candidate quality? And will Trump really be stripped of his sway in the Republican party?

Plus, a significant percentage of Georgia voters split their ticket by voting for Republican Brian Kemp for governor but Warnock for Senate. Is Georgia truly turning purple, or was this race too close to make that assumption?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right. And, special guest Stephen Fowler, political reporter for Georgia Public Broadcast, weighs in on how the messaging from each side played with Georgian voters.

Meanwhile, both Republicans and Democrats are doing some soul searching with the midterms officially over. What lessons are both sides taking away from this runoff? And how are they preparing for 2024?

Also, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is trying to change which states cast their ballots first in a presidential primary election. Iowa is out, and the DNC is looking to move South Carolina to the first slot. Will this actually prioritize Black voters, as committee member Donna Brazile proclaimed. Or does this calendar give President Joe Biden and Democrats an advantage?

And Brittney Griner is free. The WBNA star was convicted for carrying cannabis cartridges in her luggage and held in a Russian penal colony for most of the year. Now, she will return home in exchange for the U.S. releasing convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, nicknamed the Merchant of Death. Was this prisoner swap worth the risk for the Biden administration? And what can Americans read into this?

Can law enforcement be reformed from the inside? Dec 02, 2022

Despite protests and promises of change, violent acts from police officers and scandals in law enforcement agencies seem to continuously dot the headlines. That’s according to Christy E. Lopez, columnist at the Washington Post, in her recent LA Times column, “A dismissal at Customs and Border Protection shows how hard law enforcement reform can be.”

She joins as this week’s special guest to discuss U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus’ departure from his position last month after just a year on the job. Known as a reformer, the Biden administration hired Magnus to help address the corruption, racism, and violence among border patrol agents.

But more than a dozen House Republicans wrote to the White House, asking for Magnus to go. Though he said he was leaving due to differences with leadership at Homeland Security.

With Magnus gone, an agency that has faced criticism from both Democrats and Republicans needs new direction. What are the broader implications of his exit? And does his absence reveal the difficulties of reforming a law enforcement agency from the inside?

Plus, antisemitic comments and hate crimes are rising in the United States. Even political leaders, like Pennsylvania Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano, and public figures, like the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, are making hateful statements. Why is antisemitism rearing its’ head again and how can we stop its’ spread?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right.

And the World Cup is in full swing with exciting matches on the pitch and political drama behind the scenes. Should athletes focus on their sport or do they carry a responsibility to speak for or against their government? And how does a worldwide competition affect geopolitical relationships?

Is Russia’s war endangering democracy? Nov 25, 2022

It’s been nine months since Russia invaded Ukraine, starting a war that has killed at least 200,000 military personnel and approximately 40,000 civilians, according to U.S. officials.

Winter is fast approaching, and it seems like both sides might be gearing up to fight well into next year.

At the Group of Twenty (G20) Summit, world leaders issued a statement saying they “deplore in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine.” They demanded a “complete and unconditional” withdrawal from Ukraine.

Thousands of Russian citizens have fled the country to avoid the draft, while others have been arrested for protesting their government’s actions. Are Russians responsible for President Vladimir Putin’s decisions? And could this be the moment a lasting empire falls in Russia?

Plus, Russia is not the only democracy worldwide that has shifted in recent years. Leading up to the recent midterm elections, President Biden said repeatedly democracy itself was at risk, a sentiment shared by the majority of Americans. Is America’s democracy adjusting to current society or are we falling into authoritarianism?

Host David Greene discusses with special guest Anne Applebaum, historian and staff writer at The Atlantic, about what’s at stake for the future of Russia and Ukraine, as well as her recent article, “The Russian Empire Must Die.”

Plus, Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, joins on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right, weigh in on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s legacy after her announcement to not seek reelection to Democratic leadership.

What made Pelosi special? How did she become an enemy for Republicans? And where will House Democrats go from here?

Dems make final push during lame duck session Nov 18, 2022

The balance of power in the nation’s capital has finally been decided — Democrats will keep control of the Senate and Republicans grabbed the majority in the House, though by slim margins.

And as both sides decide their party’s leaders, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced she would not seek reelection for Democratic leadership.

But before a new Congress begins its work next year, the lame duck season has begun. The Democrats have already secured bipartisan support for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would protect same-sex marriages if the Supreme Court decided to overturn that right. It earned 62 votes — enough to overcome a filibuster — so it may be on its way to becoming law.

With all its technicalities, is this a good bill? What does it say about this moment in American culture that 12 Republicans supported it?

And Democrats are also eager to move the needle on the DACA program that protects “Dreamers,” but why? How are Republicans responding with calls for more border security?

What other legislation can we expect to see coming down the pipeline over the next two months?

Plus, Donald Trump announced his presidential bid for 2024, despite being blamed for his hand-picked candidates losing. Are Republicans ready to move past Trump?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right.

And special guests Jim Hobart, partner at Public Opinion, and Margie Omero, principal at GBAO Strategies, weigh in on exit poll trends and why certain issues deeply resonated with voters.

Republicans didn’t get a red wave. What does it mean for 2024? Nov 11, 2022

Millions of people cast their ballots in the 2022 midterm elections this week — though votes are still being counted — and neither Democrats nor Republicans saw the results they expected.

A sitting president’s party often takes a beating in a midterm election, so Democrats were preparing to lose their majorities in the House and Senate. Despite sky-high inflation and sinking approval ratings for President Biden, Republicans won far fewer seats in the House than anyone predicted. And some competitive Senate candidates, like Pennsylvania Republican candidate Mehmet Oz, underperformed.

There’s still a chance, though much smaller than before, that Republicans could control both houses of Congress. Was this a repudiation from voters on both sides? Could this election be the start of a reckoning in both parties?

The issue of abortion played a large role in this election, especially for Democrats. Plus, inflation and the economy were top of mind for most voters. But much of the conservative messaging focused on crime and immigration.

Did Republicans misread their base? Did they suffer for promoting abortion bans, when the majority of the country doesn’t agree with that stance? And what did Democrats get right in their campaigns?

Plus, a healthy portion of Republican candidates that questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election and backed by former President Trump lost their bids. Meanwhile, more moderate conservatives won by significant margins.

Did Trump’s handpicked candidates harm Republicans overall? Will this showing encourage the GOP to move past Trump’s hold on the party?

And what does all of this mean for the 2024 presidential bid?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Jim Hobart, partner at Public Opinion Strategies, on the right.

And special guest Molly Ball, national political correspondent at TIME Magazine, weighs in on how this election could reshape politics and discusses her cover piece for TIME Magazine, “How Democrats Defied History in the Midterms and What it Means for 2024.”

Crime, inflation, democracy: What will sway voters? Nov 04, 2022

With only a few days before midterm elections, a number of key races across the country are heating up, putting the capital’s balance of power on the ballot.

A recent NPR/PBS Newshour/Marist national poll shows the country has swung by six points in favor of Republican candidates, who are now more confident they can take control of the House.

For Democrats, who are trying to hold onto their slim majority, a loss of control could bring their agenda to a standstill. But would this give President Biden more freedom to negotiate with less pressure to please his party?

This week, Biden delivered a speech and said this election is specifically about our democracy, addressing the hundreds of election deniers running for office across the country. But many voters say the price of gas, inflation and the economy are their top issues this cycle.

While it made sense for Biden to speak about preserving democracy, should he have addressed the economy or inflation? Will Democrats suffer at the ballot box for not laying out their vision for the economy?

Plus, the issue of crime in Wisconsin has taken center stage in the Senate race between incumbent Republican Ron Johnson and Democrat Mandela Barnes. Did progressive messaging around public safety and crime hurt Democrats?

And another significant Senate race in Nevada has Senator Catherine Cortez Mastro fighting to hold onto her seat against Republican Adam Laxalt. Are Democrats wrongfully assuming they’ve locked down the Latino vote? And will Republicans be able to peel off that voting bloc?

Host David Greene discusses with Elizabeth Bruenig, staff writer at The Atlantic, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right.

Also, a man broke into Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s home in San Francisco last week with the intention of kidnapping her and breaking her kneecaps. While the Speaker was in D.C., the man attacked her husband, Paul, with a hammer and fractured his skull. How did Nancy Pelosi become a target for far-right extremists? And how can politicians ensure their words don’t lead to violence?

Special guest Molly Ball, national political correspondent at Time Magazine, weighs in on the rise of political violence and discusses her bestselling biography about the Speaker called “Pelosi.”

Scaring voters — just in time for Halloween Oct 28, 2022

Midterm elections are a week and a half away, which could alter the balance of power in the nation’s capital. Millions of people have already cast their ballots, and overall voter turnout is projected to be one of the highest ever for a midterm.

The Senate race in Pennsylvania could be crucial for Democrats to pick up and hang onto control. The fight between Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz is narrowing, and the candidates debated for the first and only time this week. Oz attempted to appease both sides on the abortion debate, but did he alienate everyone instead? And how will Fetterman’s ongoing recovery from a stroke this summer sit with voters?

Plus, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are holding events throughout the country to advocate for their parties. Both are using scare tactics — just in time for Halloween — to persuade voters the other party has become too extreme.

Is this argument more effective for Republicans or Democrats? And, is this actually a country full of political extremists?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right.
And, special guest Kimberly Atkins Stohr, senior opinion writer at the Boston Globe, weighs in on the future of affirmative action in higher education. Atkins Stohr discusses how universities could uphold diversity if the Supreme Court strikes affirmative action down, and her recent column “Affirmative action in college admissions is at risk.”

And finally, a Halloween treat of Sarah Isgur’s secret skill.

Republican-led Congress could tie up Biden agenda Oct 21, 2022

With nearly three weeks until the midterm elections in November, Republicans may have a good shot at gaining the majority in both the House and Senate.

Democrats saw boosted support over the summer after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, but that enthusiasm may be waning. The tide may be turning for Republicans, despite trailing Democrats just one month ago. A New York Times-Siena College poll shows a bump in support for Republicans in recent weeks.

Plus, President Biden’s approval ratings plunged over the summer to record lows because of high gas prices and inflation, and they still haven’t completely recovered. Nearly half of likely voters say they strongly disapprove of Biden’s job performance.

Republicans only need to pick up five seats in Congress to gain the majority, and just one for control of the Senate. So, what would the first changes a Republican-controlled Congress would make? And how would a conservative legislative branch work with Biden on matters like abortion, Russia’s war against Ukraine, or a possible recession?

Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right.

Plus, the new Supreme Court session is in full swing, but many Americans are questioning if the highest court has become too politicized. Special guest Dahlia Lithwick, senior editor at Slate and author of “Lady Justice: Women, The Law and the Battle to Save America,” weighs in on judicial gender parity, and why she’s worried about an uprising among those in the legal profession.

Despite President Biden’s promise to unify the country, our politics seem more divisive than ever. Are universities to blame? And is an overrepresentation of liberals in higher education changing our political sphere?

Trump gets subpoenaed by Jan. 6 Committee. Too late? Oct 14, 2022

This week, the January 6 House Committee voted unanimously to subpoena testimony from former President Donald Trump.

In what could be the final televised hearing, the committee members recapped much of the evidence it’s been gathering for the last year. They presented proof that Trump wanted to join the violent mob that day, despite knowing he had lost the election.

The committee also played never-before-seen footage of congressional leaders during the Jan. 6 attack, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Shumer attempting to contact state and federal officials for help.

After the hearing ended, Trump posted on his own social media platform, Truth Social, that the committee was a “bust,” and asked why they had waited for months to subpoena him. The former president has reportedly indicated he would appear before the committee if it televised live. What is Trump’s legal team weighing? And would live testimony give Trump the upper hand?

While the decision to subpoena a former president is uncommon, the ability to prosecute sits with the Department of Justice. And the Jan. 6 Committee will dissolve after it delivers its final report. So, have the members performed their job well? What will they need to show in their report to have any lasting impact?

Plus, Trump may run for president again. And nearly 300 candidates on the ballots for federal or state office next month deny that Trump lost the previous election. Could these hearings affect these candidates' chances of winning? Or does it fire up their supporters?

Host David Greene discusses with Jill Filipovic, columnist at CNN.com, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right. And special guest Evelyn Farkas, executive director at the McCain Institute, weighs in on Russia’s latest tactics in their war against Ukraine and how its consequences are playing out across the world.

High gas prices tower over elections. Will voters punish Democrats? Oct 07, 2022

This week, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Plus coalition, a crude oil group led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, announced the biggest cut in oil production in two years. This means that Russia will make more money off its oil, which it can then use to fund its war against Ukraine.

Americans are likely to see soaring gas prices at the pump again. This is a diplomatic problem for President Biden. He has invested a lot of capital in trying to talk the Saudis out of this move, including when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in July and initiated a controversial fist bump.

Presidents are often blamed for economic trends, even if they don’t have much control over economic highs and lows. But is Biden, at least partially, at fault? And should the United States keep ties with this Saudi regime that is responsible for killing an American journalist?

Rising gas and oil prices have also caused a political problem for Democrats. Inflation is often cited as one of the top issues for voters, and Biden’s party may suffer in the midterm elections for the economic hit.

Plus, this week marked 100 days since the Supreme Court eliminated the constitutional right to get an abortion by striking down Roe v. Wade. Biden said that decision has had frightening ripple effects across the country.

The president announced some new guidelines and grants to help protect abortion rights — in part as a response to a new policy at the University of Idaho that threatened employees with felony convictions if they refer a student for the procedure, reported by the Washington Post. But at least 14 states have already enacted near-total bans on abortion, leaving nearly 30 million women without access in their states.

Some reproductive health rights advocates and progressives want Biden to use executive powers to protect abortion rights nationally. But he maintains that the only way to codify abortions by law is to give Democrats a larger majority in Congress. Has Biden exercised everything in his control to reinstate abortion rights?

And after Kansas residents overwhelmingly voted against removing abortion protections from their state constitution in August, Democrats are trying to build on that momentum. Should Republicans be worried Roe’s fall could cost them in the midterm elections? And how is the abortion debate playing out in key races like Georiga?

Host David Greene discusses with Jill Filipovic, columnist at CNN.com, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right. Plus special guest Bill Kristol weighs in on the differences between state and local Republican candidates, and how November’s midterm elections could strengthen America’s democracy.

DeSantis might run for president. His response to Hurricane Ian matters Sep 30, 2022

This week, Hurricane Ian slammed into southwest Florida as a Category 4 storm and one of the strongest to make landfall in the U.S. Millions of people are without power and many homes are underwater.

Natural disasters are often tests of state and federal leadership. The Biden administration was in contact with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ahead of the storm to help support emergency response. But the stakes are high for DeSantis. The governor is seen as a frontrunner for the presidential bid in 2024, and handling this disaster could hurt or bolster his potential campaign. How is he doing so far?

DeSantis made a point during the COVID-19 pandemic to refuse federal guidance. Will a disaster of this scale help government agencies work together? Or will political tensions block necessary coordination?

Plus, Iranian protests, largely led by women, have lasted for nearly two weeks. They were triggered by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who was apprehended by the “morality police” for not wearing her head covering correctly.

Iranian authorities are violently cracking down on protestors, which the Biden administration swiftly denounced. The White House is also getting communications equipment to protestors as the government shuts down internet access.

Could this ignite a universal feminist movement? And will the protests force a change in U.S. policy toward Iran?

Host David Greene discusses with Jill Filipovic, columnist at CNN.com, on the left; and Avik Roy, president at the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, on the right.

And special guest Renato Mariotti, former federal prosecutor and columnist at Politico, analyzes the upcoming consequential Supreme Court docket.

What can we expect from the conservative majority court? And could cases on affirmative action, immigration policy, or voting rights drastically reshape our society?

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