The Latest

Rick Wilson and Molly Jong-Fast talk Kamala's big launch, the Trump campaign in panic, and how music and pop culture are a not-so-secret weapon for the Harris campaign. Follow Molly Jong-Fast on X @MollyJongFast, listen to her podcast - ‘Fast Politics’ - on your favorite podcasting platform, and read her articles on Vanity Fair here: https://www.vanityfair.com/contributor/molly-jong-fast.

Trump's most recent gaffes, Kamala surges, the tables have turned. In this episode Rick is joined by Joe Walsh to dissect the latest developments in the election. They discuss President Biden's decision to step down, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee. The two dive into the strategic missteps of Donald Trump, particularly his choice of JD Vance as a running mate, and how it has backfired. They highlight the surprising enthusiasm surrounding Harris's campaign and her potential to challenge Trump effectively. Wilson and Walsh emphasize the need for Harris to maintain her positive momentum and stay on the offensive, while also addressing the challenges in key battleground states. We then are blessed with another classic Rick rant, so be sure to listen through.

A special guest memo from Rick Wilson this week. Rick writes, "The next 99 days will decide if my granddaughter's future demands engagement, involvement, and commitment to the idea of America or merely requires obedience to authority and a tolerance for autocracy."

Momentum is everything on campaigns. Joe and Alex explain why Kamalamentum is real - and it is spectacular. It's not going away anytime soon. And on the other side - could it be possible for Trump to have a worse week? We'll see what happens the next time he opens his mouth. Why his campaign managers have to be very worried. And on a personal note for Joe - why the release of detained Americans in Russia is so meaningful.

Brian Daitzman writes: "J.D. Vance's alignment with Hungary's authoritarian regime, indifference towards U.S. allies, and regressive social policies pose a significant threat to American strategic and domestic interests"

The term "weird" has always perfectly described MAGA. Mattie Timmer writes, "It's as if suddenly everyone around them removed the milky filter from their eyes and realized what they’d understood all along but couldn’t quite communicate."

Andra Watkins writes: "45’s desperate repudiation changes nothing about Project 2025’s implementation in red state America... Nor does it change the Supreme Court’s decision on Presidential immunity, allowing for Project 2025’s objective to make a Republican President into a dictator/king.

Rick and author Brody Mullins explore how Washington really works, focusing on the power of corporate lobbying and the influence of money in politics. They discuss how corporations often have more power than the government, the incredible amount of time politicians spend raising money, and the role of lobbyists in crafting legislation. Follow Brody Mullins on X @BrodyMullinsDC, and buy his book “The Wolves of K Street” at fine bookstores everywhere.

In this episode, a classic Rick rant taking aim at three primary figures wreaking havoc on democracy: Elon Musk, Nicolás Maduro, and Donald Trump. He critiques Musk's dissemination of deep fake videos, denounces Maduro's fraudulent election claims in Venezuela, and exposes Trump's alarming rhetoric suggesting an end to voting. Additionally, he addresses listener questions about disinformation, Bitcoin, and the political implications of RFK Jr.'s candidacy.

A fun frolic of Fox News meltdowns! What a glorious week to cover Fox. Fox started the week by playing the music the network normally uses for natural disasters under a news story that Biden was dropping out of the presidential race. Multiple Fox News hosts lost their ever-loving minds over Democrats reaction to Kamala Harris’ decision to run for president. Everyone on Fox seemed to forget the role of a vice president. Jessica Tarlov shared her excitement of millions of Democrats about Kamala Harris. Kellyanne Conway said that Trump never called Hillary Clinton names. Greg Gutfeld made a number of assumption’s about the young man who tried to kill Trump. Brian Kilmeade didn’t even pay attention to his own show.

Gen Z is all in for Kamala! That was the message from Santiago Mayer, founder of Voters of Tomorrow. With VP Harris at the top of the ticket, Gen Z voters are tuned-in and flooding to volunteer to get her elected. Has the mood of young voters changed? For sure. Does that guarantee a win? It increases the chances, but there are no guarantees. And, as Santiago points out, the right is decades and billions of dollars ahead of Democrats and sane centrists in building the political infrastructure to create a strong, educated, active, voting base. We've all got our work to do!

Political satire can be the most impactful form of storytelling. In this episode of The Enemies List Rick Wilson welcomes comedian Brent Terhune, renowned for his spot-on portrayals of MAGA characters on social media. Rick and Brent dive into the intricacies of Brent's comedic process, discussing how he captures the bluster and contradictions of the MAGA persona with both humor and sharp observational skills. Brent shares his origin story, from performing stand-up in high school to creating viral videos, and the duo explores the cultural phenomena fueling his comedy. This episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of comedy and political satire.

In honor of that "special relationship" between J.D. Vance and plush furnishing, we're launching a new dating app with @HistoryFalls because J.D. can't be the only one looking for love under seat cushions. Who knows - maybe you'll find love, too, or at least spare change.

It's official - Joe Biden is not running for re-election. Joe weighs in on his historic Oval Office address - and why it should remind all of us why we elected him in the first place. And now that the torch has been passed - what does Joe make of the enthusiasm so far? How can the Harris campaign capitalize on their momentum - and what do they need in a VP pick? Plus - what Joe's seeing in the data that should have Trump and MAGA very worried about Project 2025. And speaking of VP picks, is JD Vance ok?

Fascists want to control what we talk about and how we think about it. To save democracy, we have to weirdify what fascists desperately want to make normal.

On July 24, 2024, President Biden ended his candidacy for reelection, acknowledging it was best for America that he “pass the torch to a new generation” as “the best way to unite our nation.” But, writes Steven Beschloss, "It was much more: This was his profound articulation of what’s at stake that supersedes his personal ambition."

Jennifer Mercieca writes: "Democrats can learn from the Swifties: when you see anti-Kamala content or trending topics, co-opt it and flood their zone with positivity. Re-frame trending topics to lessen their power to control the conversation."

Rick talks to Michael Steele about the candidacy of Kamala Harris and the excitement and energy she brings to the campaign. They also touch on the lack of a “plan B” from the Trump campaign, and the need to prepare for potential election challenges from the right. Follow Michael Steele on X at @MichaelSteele, listen to his podcast - The Michael Steele Podcast - on your favorite podcasting platform, and watch him on The Weekend on MSNBC. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.

America is at a crossroads, starring potential autocracy dead in the face. As the election inches closer, we are forced to consider the implications of autocrats and their impact on society. In today's episode Rick is joined by acclaimed author Anne Applebaum to discuss her new book, "Autocracy, Inc. The Dictators Who Want to Run the World." Anne shares insights into the modern autocratic landscape, detailing how today's dictators prioritize power and wealth over ideology and support each other to maintain control. The conversation covers the troubling rise of authoritarianism globally and its implications for the United States, the role of technology in repression and manipulation, and the potential consequences of a second Trump administration on international democracy and alliances. Anne's book, "Autocracy, Inc. The Dictators Who Want to Run the World," available now.