Rick Wilson&#8217;s The Enemies List

Phil's book, "All the Worst Humans: How I Made News for Dictators, Tycoons, and Politicians," available now.

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"Briefcases Full of Cash, Libyans, Guns, and Drugs" Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

What happens when your PR job is to represent clients including Gaddafi, Assad, and the government of Qatar? Well for one thing, a great many wild stories. In this episode, Rick welcomes Phil Elwood, the author of "All the Worst Humans: How I Made News for Dictators, Tycoons, and Politicians." Phil shares astonishing tales from his career in public affairs, detailing his work with notorious figures such as the Gaddafi family and Assad, and so many more. From orchestrating media strategies in high-stakes environments to confronting his own moral dilemmas, Phil's journey is both fascinating and eye-opening.

Timestamps:

(00:01:42) All The Worst Humans

(00:06:12) Libyans, guns, and drugs

(00:11:27) The rules of PR

(00:16:20) When the FBI comes to your house

(00:23:35) The inside game of PR

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News is Dead Jun 19, 2024

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The steady decline of traditional media seems a near certainty. In this podcast episode, Rick speaks with Margaret Talev, a journalist and head of the Institute for Democracy, Journalism, and Citizenship at Syracuse University. They discuss the evolving challenges in the news industry, including the decline of local news, the rise of misinformation on social media, and the growing distrust in media, particularly among conservatives. Talev emphasizes the importance of reliable news sources for a healthy democracy and describes efforts to rebuild local news and civic engagement. She also shares insights from focus groups and polling on voter behavior and media consumption, highlighting the impact of media sources on public perceptions and polarization.

Timestamps:

(00:02:20) Margaret's role

(00:06:21) The ecosystem of local news

(00:16:39) Voting based on vibes

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BONUS: This Is Why I Blocked You Jun 18, 2024

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Today on The Enemies List, Rick reads a particularly spicy post from his Substack.

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Jewish Identity, Israel, and Constitutional Crises Jun 17, 2024

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Navigating what it means to be Jewish today's world is a nuanced conversation. In this episode Rick enlists the support of Noah Feldman, the Felix Frankfurter Professor of Law at Harvard University. The conversation dives into Feldman's latest book, "To Be a Jew Today: A New Guide to God, Israel, and the Jewish People," exploring its themes and the broader American legal landscape. They discuss the evolving perspectives within the Jewish community, the challenges facing Israel, and the complex relationship between American Jews and Israel. Additionally, Feldman offers insights into the current state of the U.S. Supreme Court, the impact of recent rulings, and the future of constitutional law in an era of political polarization.

Noah's new book, "To Be a Jew Today: A New Guide to God, Israel, and the Jewish People," available now.

Timestamps:

(00:01:33) To Be a Jew Today

(00:09:56) Defining what Israel is

(00:16:41) Challenges to the constitution

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Steven's book, "The Death of Truth," available now.

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The Death of Truth Jun 12, 2024

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Truth in politics has become an oxymoron. In this episode Wilson is joined by veteran journalist and author Steven Brill to discuss his latest book, "The Death of Truth." Brill, the founder of NewsGuard, dives into how social media and the internet have become powerful tools for spreading disinformation, influencing politics, and polarizing society. The conversation covers the impact of generative AI, programmatic advertising, and the role of bad actors like Russia, China, and Iran in propagating falsehoods. Brill shares insights on combating these issues, including potential regulatory measures and political reforms.

Timestamps:

(00:02:00) The Death of Truth

(00:08:09) The Russian disinformation machine

(00:20:21) The hill that companies die on

(00:27:11) Strategies against disinformation

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Steven's book, "Comeback: Routing Trumpism, Reclaiming the Nation, and Restoring Democracy's Edge, available now.

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Dominance in Politics Matters Jun 10, 2024

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Dominance in politics matters, clearly, but how do we have strong leadership without authoritarianism? In this episode Rick speaks with political scientist Steven Fish, discussing his new book, "Comeback: Routing Trumpism, Reclaiming the Nation, and Restoring Democracy's Edge." They dive into the dynamics of political dominance, the importance of strong leadership, and the failures of current Democratic messaging. Fish argues that Democrats need to reclaim patriotic symbols and adopt a more assertive and emotional approach to connect with voters. The conversation covers the need to highlight achievements confidently and ridicule opponents effectively to counter authoritarian figures like Trump.

Timestamps:

(00:01:53) Comeback

(00:13:36) The four pillars of Americanism

(00:19:51) Whole country nationalism

(00:22:32) Reactions to Trump's convictions

(00:31:51) Strategizing against Trump

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Garrett's book, "When the Sea Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day, available now.

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The 80th Anniversary of D-Day Jun 05, 2024

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As the 80th anniversary of D-Day approaches, Ricks sits down with Garrett Graff to discuss his latest book, When the Sea Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day. Graff's book offers a compelling recounting of this pivotal moment in history through the voices of over 700 interviews. The conversation explores the logistical challenges, the cultural and racial dynamics among American troops, and the personal stories of bravery and sacrifice. Highlighting battles like the fierce struggle for Lafayette Causeway, this conversation is a reflection on the significance and legacy of D-Day.

Timestamps:

(00:02:12) Approaching the research

(00:07:52) The majestic, inevitable, and terrible task

(00:21:40) What should I be doing on January 6th?

(00:27:26) Inspiration behind the book

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Guilty as Charged Jun 03, 2024

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Now that we have the dramatic and decisive guilty verdict against Trump, what happens next? In today's episode, Rick dissects the landmark moment in the former president's long history of legal and ethical controversies. He explores the broader implications of the verdict, dismantling Trump's aura of invincibility and labeling him unequivocally as a felon. Through vivid analogies and historical references, Rick paints a picture of a once untouchable figure now facing the tangible consequences of his actions.

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The Situation Room May 29, 2024

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What really happens in the White House Situation Room? In this episode Rick sits down with George Stephanopoulos to discuss his new book, "The Situation Room: The Inside Story of the Presidents in Crisis." They delve into the history and evolution of the White House Situation Room, from its creation by John F. Kennedy after the Bay of Pigs to its current high-tech incarnation. George shares insights into how different presidents have utilized this critical hub during moments of national crisis, including 9/11, the operation to capture Osama bin Laden, and the January 6th insurrection.

George's new book, "The Situation Room: The Inside Story of the Presidents in Crisis", available now.

Timestamps:

(00:01:26) Origins of the situation room

(00:04:00) Managing a crisis

(00:12:39) What should I be doing on January 6th?

(00:20:22) Inspiration behind the book

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