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 7m Jun 02, 2023
1hr 7m
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 9m Mar 17, 2023
1hr 9m
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 4m Feb 24, 2023
1hr 4m
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...
59m Jan 13, 2023
59m
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 1m Nov 04, 2022
1hr 1m
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
Courting Trouble? (with Prof. Steve Vladeck)
Prof. Steve Vladeck joins the group (plus Bill Kristol) to consider how far the Supreme Court will go this term on matters of race and elections. Also, will GA really make Herschel Walker a US Senator? Highlights & Lowlights: Mona: Russia’s Nuclear Bluster Is a Sign of Panic - The Atlantic (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/10/putin-nuclear-weapons-threat-us-sanctions-military/6716...
1hr 3m Oct 07, 2022
1hr 3m
Our Unchristian Churches (with Pete Wehner)
Peter Wehner joins the group to discuss populism's rise in Europe, the crisis in evangelical churches, and some personal stories. Highlights & Lowlights: Mona: Arizona’s School Choice Election - The Wall Street Journal (https://www.wsj.com/articles/arizonas-school-choice-election-katie-hobbs-education-savings-accounts-governor-doug-ducey-11663335266) What Country Is the Wall Street Journal Livi...
1hr 3m Sep 30, 2022
1hr 3m
Trump and Putin Both Had a Bad Week (with Benjamin Wittes)
Benjamin Wittes joins the panel (including Will Saletan) to discuss Trump's triple legal woes, Putin's nuclear saber rattling, and Electoral Count Act reform finally happening. Highlights & Lowlights: Benjamin Wittes: Show of support for Ukraine takes ugly turn outside Russian Consulate in Montreal - CBC (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/russian-consulate-montreal-ukraine-1.6588382) Mona...
58m Sep 23, 2022
58m
Imagining Victory (with Noah Smith)
Noah Smith joins the group to consider Ukraine’s stunning counterattack, as well as inflation and DeSantis' stunt with asylum seekers. Highlights & Lowlights: Mona: The Demagogue's Playbook (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250303042/thedemagoguesplaybook) Linda: How Trump lost one of his biggest fights — and nobody noticed - Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/09/14...
1hr 1m Sep 16, 2022
1hr 1m
Reading Midterm Tea Leaves (with Josh Barro)
Josh Barro joins the group to reflect on Queen Elizabeth, analyze President Biden's democracy speech, interpret the midterm tea leaves, and evaluate what lessons we must learn from the poor US response to COVID-19. Highlights & Lowlights Mona: How Not To Write A Constitution - Persuasion (https://www.persuasion.community/p/how-not-to-write-a-constitution) Bill: How reactionary is MAGA? Try the ...
1hr 5m Sep 09, 2022
1hr 5m
He Is a Sucking Black Hole of Disaster (with Megan McArdle)
Republicans know the 'Trump magic' isn't working, so when is the party going to get rid of him? Plus, ground zero in the midterms meme warfare, the politics of student loan relief, and special segment "What Are You Watching?" Megan McArdle and guest host Sonny Bunch join the panel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1hr Sep 02, 2022
1hr
How to Defeat Putin . . . and Trump (with Eric Edelman)
Eric Edelman joins the panel to discuss how to help Ukraine win. The panel also addresses Biden's student loan forgiveness and yea or nay on prosecuting Trump. Highlights & Lowlights Mona: What Biden could gain from pardoning Trump - The Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/08/18/trump-pardon-biden-benefit/) Linda: The Trump Warrant Had No Legal Basis - The Wall Street ...
1hr 5m Aug 26, 2022
1hr 5m
I'm Sorry, That's Classified
Former CIA officer David Priess joins the group to consider Trump's secrets squirreled away in Mar-a-Lago, the "woke" FBI, the Democrats' prospects in the midterms, and much more. And Cathy Young sits in for Linda Chavez. Highlights/Lowlights: Mona's: https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-american-academy-of-pediatrics-dubious-transgender-science-jack-turban-research-social-contagion-gender-dyspho...
57m Aug 19, 2022
57m
GOP vs. Rule of Law (with Ted Nordhaus)
Ted Nordhaus of the Breakthrough Institute answers doubts about nuclear energy. And the panel (including Walter Olson) then turns to the FBI's Mar-a-Lago search warrant and the GOP meltdown. Also, Biden had a good week. Will it matter? Highlights & Lowlights Mona: The Shovel’s view on the Donald Trump FBI raid - The Shovel (https://www.theshovel.com.au/2022/08/10/the-shovels-view-on-the-fbis-ra...
57m Aug 12, 2022
57m
Kansas Shocker (with A.B. Stoddard)
A.B. Stoddard helps analyze this week's primary election results and also tackles the 2024 question: If not Biden, who? Highlights & Lowlights: Linda: The Jan. 6 Committee’s Findings Have Met the Appropriately High Bar for Prosecuting Trump - The UnPopulist (https://theunpopulist.substack.com/p/the-jan-6-committees-findings-have?utm_source=email) Damon: The Violent Fantasies of Blake Masters - ...
54m Aug 05, 2022
54m
Indict Them All? (with Nicholas Grossman)
Arc Digital's Nicholas Grossman joins the Beg to Differ panel to debate prosecuting Trump, and to weigh the impact of the GOP's crazy candidates. In the lightning round, we cover the Manchin deal, the Respect for Marriage Act, Brittney Griner, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1hr 8m Jul 29, 2022
1hr 8m
Did the January 6 Committee Make a Difference? (with Tom Nichols)
Tom Nichols joins the group (plus Jon Ward) to discuss the committee's work, the polls on Trump's standing in the GOP, the Secret Service, Ukraine, Democrats boosting Trumpy candidates, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
56m Jul 22, 2022
56m
A Patchwork Nation on Abortion (with Frances Kissling)
After a multi-decade project to reverse Roe, the two biggest issues right now are interstate travel and pregnancy-terminating pills. Guest host Will Saletan, guest Frances Kissling, and the panel address abortion access and the politics of it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
51m Jul 15, 2022
51m
Can Democrats do Politics? (with Ruy Teixeira)
Ruy Teixeira joins Beg to Differ to consider abortion, guns, crime, and other issues on which Democrats can't seem to find the sweet spot. Also, is there any chance for a moderate party? Highlights & Lowlights Linda: How Unlikely Is It That the Audits of Comey and McCabe Were a Coincidence? A Statistical Exploration. - New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/07/upshot/comey-mccabe-tax-a...
1hr 7m Jul 08, 2022
1hr 7m
The End of Roe and Trump's Pathology (with Peter Wehner & Ted Johnson)
The Atlantic's Peter Wehner joins the group (plus Ted Johnson) to discuss the reasoning and implications of the Dobbs decision. The panel then considers the ​impact of ​Cassidy Hutchinson and other testimony. ​Air going out of the Trump balloon? Highlights & Lowlights: Mona: Baltimore Police interns could help ease recruitment woes, improve community relations as pilot program launches - The Wa...
53m Jul 01, 2022
53m
“Wintry realism.” (with David Frum)
The Atlantic’s David Frum joins the group to discuss the January 6 committee’s purpose and the prospects for a non-Trump in 2024. Plus, guns, the gas tax holiday, Uvalde, and Biden’s trip Saudi Arabia. Highlights & Lowlights: Mona: Prosecute Trump? Put Yourself in Merrick Garland’s Shoes. (New York Times) - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/20/opinion/trump-merrick-garland-january-6-committee.htm...
58m Jun 24, 2022
58m