An Orgy of Savagery
Prof. Gil Troy of McGill University joins from Jerusalem to talk about Hamas, Israel's response, the left's excusing of terrorists, and a silver lining in a horrible week.
1hr 6m Oct 13, 2023
1hr 6m
Nihilists in the Driver's Seat
Third Way's Matt Bennett joins the group to discuss the Speaker debacle, the No Labels threat, and Trump's fraud trial.
1hr 1m Oct 06, 2023
1hr 1m
"Thank You for Speaking While I'm Interrupting."
Former GOP Rep. Barbara Comstock drops in to discuss the impeachment, the debate, and the politics around threatening to shut the government down.
55m Sep 29, 2023
55m
No Justice, No Jeeps
Francis Fukuyama joins Damon Linker, Ben Wittes, and A.B. Stoddard to defend the deep state. Plus, the UAW strike.
59m Sep 22, 2023
59m
No Party for Honest Men
David Frum joins to discuss the impeachment investigation, Biden's G20 trip, Hunter's indictment, and Mitt Romney's lonely stand.
59m Sep 15, 2023
59m
Must Biden Go? Pro and Con
Kori Schake shares her views on China, Ukraine, and Tuberville's stunt. And should Biden, even now, step aside?
1hr 5m Sep 08, 2023
1hr 5m
Look Who's Claiming to Care about Norms Now
Adam White answers legal questions about Trump's trials. The panel then discusses whether prosecuting a former (future?) president is wise or necessary.
1hr Sep 01, 2023
1hr
Springtime for Demagogues
CATO's Walter Olson joins for debate analysis, the rise of “RamaSMARMY," and a discussion of the 14th Amendment argument for disqualifying Trump.
1hr 2m Aug 25, 2023
1hr 2m
Only the Heroes Have Paid a Price . . . Until Now
Kristin Du Mez and Peter Wehner join the group to analyze evangelical support for Trump, as well as the Georgia indictment. Accountability, danger, and many unknowns. Plus, in our highlights and lowlights segment, Kristin notes the start of the school year and gives a shout-out to the teachers, while Bill extols the healing benefits of a vacation. show notes: Kristin's book, Jesus and John Wa...
1hr 2m Aug 18, 2023
1hr 2m
First Debate in Which Everyone Is Afraid to Tell the Truth
Tim Mak reports from Kyiv about how Ukrainians are handling the strain of war. The panel then looks at the upcoming GOP debate on Fox and the effect of abortion on elections. Plus, in our Highlights and Lowlights segment, Mona has a lovely recognition of a nurse practitioner who cared for her husband in urgent care. Highlights/lowlights Tim's: https://counteroffensive.substack.com/ Bill's: http...
1hr 6m Aug 11, 2023
1hr 6m
The Trump Defenses That Won't Hunt
George Conway joins the group to discuss the various Trump defenses—and the party that supports him. Then the regulars discuss 'Oppenheimer,' and the bombing of Japan. And in our Highlights and Lowlights segment, Bill points to a possible US-brokered Israel-Saudi peace deal. highlights/lowlights: Bill's: https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/bidens-moral-calculus-in-brokering-a-saudi-israeli-p...
58m Aug 04, 2023
58m
DeSantis Campaign Promises "Leaner and Meaner." Is Meaner Even Possible?
Will Saletan joins the panel to discuss whether DeSantis's campaign is moribund, and whether the right or the left learned the lessons of COVID policy failures. Plus, in our "Highlights and Lowlights "segment, Damon spotlights the political crisis in Israel, and Linda shares a story of love and loss.  Damon's: https://gideons.substack.com/p/break-the-barrel-to-get-rid-of-the Will's: http://brig...
59m Jul 28, 2023
59m
Contemplating a Trump Administration 2.0
The Economist's John Prideaux joins the panel to discuss the latest likely indictment, the GOP response, and what MAGA world is planning for a Trump 2.0. Plus, in our highlights and lowlights segment, Linda flags the tactics Texas officials are using at the border that are injuring migrants. highlights/lowlights Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/us/texas-border-migrants-abbott.html Jo...
55m Jul 21, 2023
55m
Is Optimism Warranted?
Noah Smith tries to bring a little sunshine to the dour regulars (and Cathy Young) who are worried about the economy, the threat from third parties, and more. Plus, in our highlights and lowlights segment, Mona celebrates the fact that a famous Trumper has to liquidate. highlights/lowlights Mona's: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mypillow-auction-mike-lindell_n_64acffa0e4b0e5efaaddd535 https://...
57m Jul 14, 2023
57m
A Class Full of Frenchmen?
The Washington Post's Megan McArdle joins to discuss the pros and (mostly) cons of affirmative action. Also, will anyone watch August's GOP debate? Who will show up? Plus, in our highlights/lowlights segment, Linda points to a new draconian law in Florida that targets undocumented immigrants and those who employ them. highlights/lowlights Linda's: https://www.wsj.com/articles/migrant-workers-fl...
55m Jul 07, 2023
55m
A Week Where Decades Happen
Bob Shrum, Steve Vladeck, and David Kramer join the show this week to discuss momentous Supreme Court cases and the tremors out of Russia. Plus, in our highlights/lowlights segment, Damon shares details about how a bloc of right-wing influencers and DeSantis supporters are rallying behind an antisemite. highlights/lowlights Damon's: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/desantis-i...
54m Jun 30, 2023
54m
The View from Trumpland
Former Rep. Tim Ryan reports from Ohio that the GOP base there remains in the tank for Trump, DeSantis is in a no-man's land, and most voters probably aren't paying any attention to Hunter Biden's plea deal. Meanwhile, there's a country to run, but Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene made time for a catfight. Plus, remembering compelling testimony from the Jan 6 hearings a year ago in our...
48m Jun 23, 2023
48m
Republicans Get a Little Punchy
Arc Digital's Nicholas Grossman joins the panel to help analyze the Republican reaction to Trump's indictment—both the officials and the voters—as well as the Ukrainian summer offensive. Plus, renaming Southern military bases, inflation, the steak-price indicator, and must-watch TV starring Keri Russell. show notes: Sarah Longwell's Iowa Focus Group featured on the PBS NewsHour Highlights/lowli...
53m Jun 16, 2023
53m
An Incredibly Weak Field
New York Times contributor Peter Wehner joins the panel to evaluate the GOP presidential field, consider whether Republicans care about issues, and ponder the Trump indictment. Plus, in our highlights and lowlights segment, Damon and Linda praise the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Alabama voting rights case, and Pete pays tribute to his family’s beloved dog, Romeo.  highlights/lowlights Linda's ...
49m Jun 09, 2023
49m
Green Shoots of a Responsible Right?
New York Times columnist David French joins the show to discuss signs of sanity from Texas Republicans and the averted default. Plus, the dangers of AI, and our highlight and lowlight segment, including Mona's shout-out to Mississippi's successful effort to raise reading test scores. highlights/lowlights Mona's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/31/opinion/mississippi-education-poverty.html David...
1hr 8m Jun 02, 2023
1hr 8m
DeSantis Is No Trump Slayer
Tom Nichols joins the panel to consider the botched DeSantis announcement, the primary campaign so far, and Biden's debt limit dilemma. Plus, for a break from politics this holiday weekend, Damon recommends “Still,” the documentary about Michael J. Fox, as his highlight of the week. highlights/lowlights Tom's: https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-oath-keepers-seditious-conspiracy-sentencin...
59m May 26, 2023
59m
Durham Got Bupkis
Will Saletan joins to talk about his special project on The Corruption of Lindsey Graham. The panel also tackles the Durham Report and Comer's damp squib, as well as high and low points of Biden's presidency. highlights/lowlights Damon's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/18/us/politics/feinstein-illness-shingles-senate.html Bill's: https://apnews.com/article/biden-papua-new-guinea-australia-debt...
1hr May 19, 2023
1hr
Demonic Charisma
Eric Edelman and Benjamin Wittes join to discuss Ukraine's coming offensive, the end of Title 42 and a looming immigration crisis, and the 30-car pile up that was CNN's town hall with Donald Trump. highlights/lowlights Ben's: https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/p/defect-and-repent Linda's: https://www.americanpurpose.com/articles/mission-accomplished/ Eric's: https://www.kyivpost.com/post/16767 https...
55m May 12, 2023
55m
Trump Biden Redux?
Sarah Longwell joins the panel to discuss debt ceiling brinksmanship, possible indictments, and the contours of the 2024 race —as of now. To continue the conversation go to https://b2d.thebulwark.com/ highlights/lowlights Bill's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/02/business/media/tucker-carlson-text-message-white-men.html Sarah's: https://www.keranews.org/texas-news/2023-05-01/no-thoughts-and-pr...
55m May 05, 2023
55m
Tucker's Unique Malevolence
Jill Lawrence joins the show to discuss Biden's 2024 announcement, Kamala's rehabilitation, Tucker's tumble, E. Jean Carroll's testimony, and Disney's counterattack on DeSantis. To continue the conversation go to https://b2d.thebulwark.com/ highlights/lowlights Jill's: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/3970356-sanders-cassidy-will-mark-up-drug-pricing-bills-next-week/ https://www.washington...
53m Apr 28, 2023
53m
DeSantis Fights Off a Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly
DeSantis is even more charmless than Nixon. And while Fox avoided one embarrassing trial—the truth and lies are plain for all to see. Plus, the panelists share their current TV viewing recommendations. Guest host Sonny Bunch takes over the director's chair on this week's episode.  highlights/lowlights Damon's: https://libertiesjournal.com/articles/the-once-and-the-now/ Linda's: https://www.nyti...
49m Apr 21, 2023
49m
Why a Third Party Is a Threat
Matt Bennett joins the team to discuss the ill-considered No Labels third party gambit. The group then turns to Trump's return to Fox, Greg Abbott's proposed pardon of a murderer, and how abortion is roiling elections. highlights/lowlights Damon's: https://substack.com/profile/12665540-damon-linker?utm_source=substack-feed-item https://on.substack.com/p/notes Bill's: https://www.politico.com/n...
54m Apr 14, 2023
54m
Are There Any Grown-Ups in Government?
Maya MacGuineas of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget discusses our broken budget and the fiscal gridlock that is undermining America’s economic strength. Plus, why people are taking to the streets in Israel. highlights/lowlights Damon's: https://www.liberalpatriot.com/ Bill's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/03/29/investigating-low-fertility-rates/ Mona's: https://www....
56m Mar 31, 2023
56m
Is Accountability Dead?
Philip K. Howard joins the group to discuss his book on public sector unions. The panel — with special guest Cathy Young — also addresses Trump's possible indictment and looks back at the 20th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War. highlights/lowlights Philip's: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-23/lausd-strike-ends-with-no-settlement-but-classes-to-resume Bill's: https://www...
1hr 3m Mar 24, 2023
1hr 3m
Bragging Rights
Ken White (Popehat) joins the panel to consider the wisdom of the Manhattan DA's Trump indictment, as well as DeSantis joining the surrender caucus, SVB, and a low moment at Stanford Law. highlights/lowlights Linda's: https://www.jamesgmartin.center/2023/03/law-school-mismatch-is-worse-than-we-thought/ Damon's: https://jabberwocking.com/silicon-valley-bank-was-fine-its-silicon-valley-thats-bro...
1hr 10m Mar 17, 2023
1hr 10m
The Pro-Storming-the-Capitol Party
A.B. Stoddard joins the group to discuss the Fox News retcon of January 6, whether Biden should/will run again, and "messaging bills." highlights/lowlights A.B.'s: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/03/08/norfolk-southern-train-derailment-ohio-senators/ Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/09/opinion/english-literature-study-decline.html https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/08/opinion/...
57m Mar 10, 2023
57m
Chicago's Message
Axios's Josh Kraushaar helps analyze the lab leak story, the Chicago election results, and Trump v. DeSantis. highlights/lowlights Josh's: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-nikki-haley-is-running-for-president/id1570872415?i=1000602459553 Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/25/us/unaccompanied-migrant-child-workers-exploitation.html Bill's: https://www.chicagotribune.com/voter-gu...
55m Mar 03, 2023
55m
The North Koreans Do a More Nuanced Show
Jill Lawrence joins B2D to discuss the revelations about Fox, Biden v. De Santis on Ukraine, and Marjorie Taylor Greene's national divorce talk. highlights/lowlights Jill's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/21/tucker-carlson-kevin-mccarthy-jan-6-insurrection/ Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/17/opinion/desantis-florida-african-american-studies-black-history.html Damon's:...
1hr 5m Feb 24, 2023
1hr 5m
Is Everyone Underestimating Nikki Haley?
Bill Kristol joins the group to consider Haley's possible hidden strengths. Also, Biden, the GOP, and the war in Ukraine. highlights/lowlights Bill Kristol's: https://thetriad.thebulwark.com/p/lets-talk-about-aliens Damon's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/technology/bing-chatbot-microsoft-chatgpt.html Bill Galston's: https://apnews.com/article/politics-2023-turkey-syria-earthquake-governme...
55m Feb 17, 2023
55m
State of Biden Is . . . Strong? But Kamala Harris, Not So Much
New York Magazine's Jonathan Chait helps evaluate the SOTU: politics, visuals, and substance. The group then considers Kamala Harris's unprecedentedly terrible press. highlights/lowlights: Jonathan's: https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/3849811-greenes-viral-outfit-was-meant-to-echo-chinese-spy-balloon-her-office-says/ Linda's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/09/supreme-court-...
59m Feb 10, 2023
59m
What if DeSantis Can't Hack It?
The Atlantic's David Frum joins the panel to discuss the coming GOP nomination fight, the Democrats' white liberal problem, and problems with policing. highlights/lowlights: Linda's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/02/canada-uyghur-refugees-resettle-china/ David's: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/02/mortgage-rates-five-percent-range-first-time-september.html Damon's: https://www.newyo...
52m Feb 03, 2023
52m
Does NATO Want Ukraine to Win the War?
The George W. Bush Institute's David Kramer joins B2D to consider the decision (at last) to send tanks to Ukraine. What does the dithering say about the Western alliance? Also, the regulars discuss Florida's rejection of an AP African American studies curriculum. highlights/lowlights: Damon's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/25/opinion/rural-voters-republican-realignment.html Bill's: https://w...
49m Jan 27, 2023
49m
The Marjorie Taylor Greene Majority
The Atlantic's Ron Brownstein joins the group to discuss Kevin McCarthy giving the crazies the keys. Plus, Biden's attempt to pivot on immigration, and will Ukraine get the tanks it needs? highlights/lowlights Linda's: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/19/supreme-court-could-not-identify-who-shared-draft-abortion-opinion-00078602 Ron's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/18/us/politics/republ...
1hr 4m Jan 20, 2023
1hr 4m
Classified Shmasified
Arc Digital's Nick Grossman joins the group to discuss Biden's classified documents mess, the GOP majority's foreign policy confusion, free speech on campuses (and in Florida) — and more. highlight/lowlights: Bill's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/12/poland-leopard-tank-company-ukraine/ Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/11/opinion/republican-party-future.html Damon's: http...
1hr Jan 13, 2023
1hr
McCarthy Sells His Soul for Nothing
Charlie Sykes joins B2D to discuss the House soap opera — from the comical to the consequential. Highlights/lowlights Charlie's: https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-ohio-kentucky-mitch-mcconnell-6123aeccfa1c71bad84f57e735962f2f Damon's: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/12/ron-desantis-just-as-bad-as-donald-trump-2024 Bill's: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/gop-hardliners-angle-for-plum-p...
59m Jan 06, 2023
59m
How to Disempower the Extremists
Katherine Gehl — the originator of Alaska's Ranked Choice Voting system — discusses progress on reforming our primary elections. The group then weighs in on Zelensky's historic visit, Elon's fate, Trump's taxes, and the immigration stalemate. Highlights/Lowlights Bill's: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/tucker-carlson-zelenskyys-visit-represented-bipartisan-masochism Damon's: https://www.nytime...
1hr 5m Dec 23, 2022
1hr 5m
Bad Science; Good Science
Jesse Singal joins to discuss the fraught discourse on trans treatment. The group then turns to Ron DeSantis' possible big blunder embracing anti-vaxers and a great scientific breakthrough (and its detractors). Highlights/lowlights: Mona: https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/helping-trans-kids-means-admitting-what-we-dont-know.html Damon: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/15/us/politics/trump...
53m Dec 16, 2022
53m
Bibi is Back
Amir Tibon of Haaretz joins to explain how Netanyahu won again and what his new coalition means for Israel, for US/Israel relations, and possibly, for Ukraine. Also, the shape of American politics after Georgia's runoff. Highlights/Lowlights: Mona's https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/12/03/president-emergency-power-student-loan-forgiveness/ Damon's https://damonlinker.substack.com/p/...
58m Dec 09, 2022
58m
Boy Troubles
Richard Reeves discusses his book Of Boys and Men. The panel then considers China's COVID turmoil, and the poisons unleashed by Trump into our national bloodstream, including anti-Semitism. Highlights/lowlights: Mona: https://www.thebulwark.com/putins-bogus-blame-nato-excuse/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/palo-alto-recycling-asia-garbage-waste-rcna58633 Linda: https://www.nytimes.com/...
58m Dec 02, 2022
58m
Righting the Ship
Bret Stephens joins the group to share reflections on Trump's prospects, lessons for both parties from the midterms, and changing your mind in public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1hr 2m Nov 18, 2022
1hr 2m
The Biggest Loser
Sarah Longwell joins the group to evaluate the momentous midterms. highlights/lowlights Mona's:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/11/07/putin-backs-down-ukraine-turkey-china-india/ Bill's:  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/09/world/europe/ukraine-russia-kherson-retreat.html Linda's: https://www.texastribune.org/2022/10/21/texas-republican-democrat-hispanic-voters/ Learn more about...
53m Nov 10, 2022
53m
Moral Illness
Ruy Teixeira joins the panel to evaluate the coming election, the attack on Paul Pelosi, and the argument that both Biden and Harris should stand down. highlights/lowlights: Mona's  https://www.theunpopulist.net/p/sohrab-ahmari-thinks-that-the-anti?r=6jqoy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web Linda's https://quillette.com/2022/10/27/fdr-and-the-holocaust/ Bill's  https://www.npr.org/2022/11/03/...
1hr 2m Nov 04, 2022
1hr 2m
It's the Center That Is Strong and Principled
The Washington Post's Charles Lane joins the panel (along with Benjamin Wittes) to discuss the progressives' Ukraine letter to Biden, prospects for the midterms, and misreading Latinos. Highlights/lowlights: Mona's https://rollcall.com/2022/10/26/fda-delays-key-advisory-committee-meeting-on-otc-birth-control/ Linda's  https://www.npr.org/2022/10/23/1130712231/the-trump-tapes-reveal-much-abo...
59m Oct 28, 2022
59m
The Weakness of Strongmen
Kori Schake of AEI joins the group to discuss Ukraine and some of the world's most malign actors: Russia, China, and Iran. Plus, the panelists' favorite books this year. Highlights/Lowlights:  Mona: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/10/19/texas-dna-kits-schools-shootings/ Damon: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-colbert-grateful-for-grief/id1643163707?i=1000580162304 Li...
55m Oct 21, 2022
55m
Is a Utah Senate Upset in the Cards? (with Evan McMullin)
Senatorial candidate Evan McMullin joins the panel to discuss his race against Mike Lee. Also, should Biden be talking about Armageddon? The panel begs to differ. Highlights & Lowlights: Evan: 'The Most Serious Threat The Iranian Regime Has Faced Since 1979' - MSNBC (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5Pu1qxk498) Mona: Introducing The Prince - The Economist (https://shows.acast.com/theintelligenc...
1hr 1m Oct 14, 2022
1hr 1m