Rick Wilson&#8217;s The Enemies List

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Trump’s Evangelical America Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

It’s difficult to tell where white Evangelicalism ends and Trumpism begins, so we’re excited Rick is joined by Sarah McCammon, NPR's national political correspondent and co-host of the NPR Politics podcast, about her book "The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church." McCammon shares her personal narrative of growing up within the evangelical movement in the Midwest, her gradual estrangement from its teachings, and her eventual departure. The two discuss the complexities of evangelicalism's intertwined relationship with American politics, particularly in the context of the Trump presidency. They also explore the contradictions within evangelical Christianity, the generational shifts, and the evolving identity of evangelicalism in the political sphere.

Sarah's book, "The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church" available now.

Timestamps:

[00:01:41] Motivation behind the book

[00:06:46] Leading into the Evangelical movement

[00:12:10] Justifying the contradiction of Trump

[00:23:51] Business Christianity

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Asa Hutchinson & the GOP Before Times Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by former Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson. As a Republican who ran in the primary against Donald Trump, Hutchinson shares his unique perspective on the state of the Republican Party, emphasizing the importance of returning to its traditional values of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and integrity. The discussion explores the challenges and strategies for reviving these core principles in today's insane political climate. The two also discuss the implications of Trump's potential re-election on the party's future, the importance of standing with allies, and the critical need for a Republican Party that actually solves problems.

Timestamps:

[00:01:49] The 2024 field

[00:07:54] Talking to the other side of the aisle

[00:09:59] Playing in the hands of a dictator

[00:15:08] A consistant conservative

[00:21:33] Looking forward

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Michael Cohen on Trump's Financial Meltdown Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Michael Cohen, former attorney and fixer for Donald Trump, to dive into the complex web of legal and financial troubles surrounding the former president. With Cohen's insider knowledge, the conversation illuminates the recent legal developments, including Alan Weisselberg's guilty plea and its limited impact on Trump. Cohen provides a candid look at Trump's precarious financial situation, debunking myths of his wealth and detailing the challenges of covering substantial legal debts without sufficient liquid assets. Cohen offers an intimate exploration of Trump's transactional approach to relationships, his struggle to navigate a maze of legal battles, and the potential consequences for his future.

Timestamps:

[00:01:10] Allen Weisselberg's guilty plea

[00:02:58] Trump's current finances

[00:13:39] Trump's testimony

[00:20:42] Did he think he would get caught?

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The GOP's Fraught Political Future Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Jonathan Martin, Senior political columnist at Politico, for a pointed conversation on the state of American politics. They dive into the legacy of Mitch McConnell and the future of Senate leadership, analyzing potential successors and the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party. They cover the impact of Donald Trump on the party, examining his influence over potential leaders and the direction of the GOP. Furthermore, they discuss the presidential race, highlighting the role of third-party candidates like Bobby Kennedy and their potential to sway the outcome.

Timestamps:

[00:01:26] Mitch McConnell's tenure and departure

[00:03:26] Who has the vote if Trump loses?

[00:07:51] How well is Mike Johnson sleeping lately?

[00:09:57] The end of the beginning

[00:17:15] Processing Trump's charges

[00:20:26] What should people be paying attention to?

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Michigan Madness, CPAC Insanity, and Neo-Nazis Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

This week on The Enemies List, Rick rants on the Michigan republican primary and its implications for the GOP, spotlighting Trump's failure to solidify the Republican base and the notable dissatisfaction among Republican voters. He calls out CPAC for embracing extremist elements (including neo-Nazis), arguing it has lost significance and has become part of the extreme MAGA ecosystem. He dissects Trump's CPAC speech, casting it as a harbinger of divisive and revenge-driven politics. The episode raises concerns about threats to democracy, the rule of law, and the influence of nationalistic rhetoric.

Timestamps:

[00:07:45] A week in Trump world

[00:08:27] Crying about immunity

[00:10:28] Who can run for office

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For more information on Tara, her Substack and book, find her on Twitter/X.

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Trolls, Trials & Trump: An Absurdist Political Satire Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by author political commentator Tara Dublin for a cheeky, candid discussion on the challenges and absurdities of the current political climate. They touch on their experiences with online trolling, the inefficacy of the GOP, and the impact of Donald Trump's legal troubles. Despite the serious subject matter, their conversation is laced with wit and humor, offering insightful commentary on American politics with a satirical edge.

Timestamps:

[00:01:36] A week in Trump world

[00:05:20] Crying about immunity

[00:13:18] Who can run for office

[00:19:35] When Trump came down the escalator

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A GOP in Disarray Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by former Maryland Lieutenant Governor and RNC Chairman, Michael Steele. Together, they discuss what they describe as a tumultuous week for the Republican Party. Both former Republicans who have been vocal critics of the party's direction in recent years, they dissect the various political missteps and internal conflicts within the GOP. They touch on the leadership challenges faced by Mike Johnson, the party's stance on immigration, the GOP's approach to Ukraine, and the resignation of Ronna McDaniel as party chair. They also discuss the GOP's strategy (or lack thereof) on key issues like the border crisis, impeachment threats, and foreign policy.

Timestamps:

[00:02:53] Mike Johnson's life expectancy

[00:08:42] Impeachment as a weapon

[00:11:14] Blocking aid to Ukraine

[00:15:52] National security

[00:17:26] The complete takeover of the GOP

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Democracy on Trial in Georgia Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by journalists Michael Isikoff and Daniel Klaidman, authors of the new book "Find Me the Votes," to explore the Georgia investigation led by Fani Willis into efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. The conversation highlights the case's breadth and complexity, from pressure campaigns on state officials, intimidation tactics against election workers, and the strategic use of RICO charges. The episode also details the challenges facing Willis, Trump's reactions, and the case's implications for future elections and American democracy.

Michael and Daniel's new book, "Find Me the Votes" available now.

Timestamps:

[00:01:44] The pressure campaign

[00:05:25] How the criminality came together

[00:11:59] Fani Willis

[00:18:11] Brian Kemp's position

[00:20:40] Flipping the witnesses

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The Rise of GOP Malice Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by writer and former speechwriter for the administrations of three Republican U.S. presidents, Peter Wehner. Together they engage in a deep discussion about the significant ideological and moral shifts within the Republican Party, particularly under Trump's influence. They contrast the party's past values of compassionate conservatism and dignified leadership with its current populist nationalism, marked by malice and division.

Timestamps:

[00:01:23] Defined by cruelty

[00:04:06] What does the Republican party reflect now?

[00:10:05] Immigration and the American brand

[00:13:30] Surviving without optimism

[00:19:59] Biden's communication style

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