The Latest

America is infected with a fascist streak that imperils our way of life. In today's episode Rick is joined by Jason Stanley, author of How Fascism Works and the upcoming book Erasing History: How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future. They delve into the troubling rise of authoritarianism in the United States, discussing how revisionist history and the manipulation of education are being used to consolidate power. The conversation explores the dangers of erasing marginalized perspectives, the role of tech and media in spreading disinformation, and the ongoing struggle to preserve democratic values in the face of rising fascist tendencies.

We're at the point where the avalanche of good polls for Kamala Harris are just impossible to ignore. What should we really be paying attention to? Joe has his eye on a few of the more eye-popping numbers out there - and why they're real. Plus - Trump's back on Twitter. Why we aren't exactly shaking in our boots after another "perfect" conversation. And what should we be looking for at the Democratic convention next week? Plus - if you're sick of all the BS on Twitter... Sez.us is coming. Check it out and sign up now.

Deanne Stillman writes, "The possibility of now having Tim Walz as Vice President turns the 'white guy as ignorant yahoo/shaman' upside down."

Stuart Stevens writes, "When you begin to grasp the complexity and difficulty of building and executing a presidential campaign, it makes the achievement of the Harris campaign all the more impressive."

Rick dives deep with Brian Tyler Cohen about his explosive new book, "Shameless: Republicans’ Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy." Together, they unpack the glaring hypocrisy between the GOP’s ‘patriotic’ talk and their counterintuitive actions, while also stressing the urgent need for Democrats to stay focused and secure the necessary votes to preserve democracy.

Sarah Ashton-Cirillo writes, "JD Vance says he wants to destroy America’s Constitution while rounding up its citizens and hoping the world can believe his lies long enough for Donald Trump to become the country’s first King".

So how did Trump maintain a stranglehold on the Republican party after his first term? What happened at Mar-a-Lago and what can we learn that we don't already know? In this episode Rick sits with Meridith McGraw, a national political correspondent for Politico and author of the new book "Trump in Exile." They delve into McGraw's comprehensive reporting on Donald Trump's activities and influence during his time at Mar-a-Lago following his departure from the White House. The discussion covers Trump's legal challenges, his interactions with key political figures like Kevin McCarthy, and the strategic moves that bolstered his position within the Republican Party. McGraw also shares insights on the internal dynamics of Trump's team and his rivalry with Ron DeSantis. Meridith's book, Trump in Exile, available now.

The folks at Fox News are still freaking out that Kamala Harris is starting to beat Trump in some polls. Last week was “Let’s Swift Boat Tim Walz” week as multiple Fox News hosts accused the Minnesota Governor of stolen valor even though he served in the National Guard for 24 years. Brian Kilmeade invented Chinese conspiracy theories. Jesse Watters tried to force his Black co-host to wear a “White Dudes for Harris” cap. Laura Ingraham attacked Tim Walz for being an assistant coach. Judge Jeanine Pirro made up crime stats and a Fox guest went rogue.

Rick, Stuart, Joe, and special guest Simon Rosenberg are handing out the hopium! The Harris-Walz ticket is blazing hot, but what does that mean for down-ballot races? And are we actually talking about Texas and Florida? Oh my, yes we are!

Rick speaks with hostage negotiator Mickey Bergman on what it takes to bring wrongly-detained Americans home from Russia and other hostile actors.

Mattie Timmer writes, "Armed only with normalcy, approachability and some hearty, genuine laughter, the Harris candidacy has camo caps trending and red hats, well, not."

Recent years have shown a steady decline in the strength of our democracy. In this episode, Rick welcomes Bob Bauer, a seasoned Washington operative and former White House counsel, to discuss his new book, "The Unraveling: Reflections on Politics Without Ethics and Democracy in Crisis." Bauer shares insights on the ethical and institutional challenges facing American democracy, contrasting the current political climate with the Watergate era. The conversation delves into the critical role of the White House counsel, the dangers of an overpowered presidency, and the corrosive impact of disinformation and treating political opponents as enemies.

Mark Jacob writes: "Journalists need to stop inviting politicians on their programs if they refuse to answer questions. Otherwise it’s not news – it’s just a game of dodgeball."

Steven Beschloss writes: "I will never get over July 16, 2018, the day that Donald Trump betrayed America and sided with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Helsinki."

Andra Watkins describes toxic masculinity as "feeling entitled to a respect one hasn’t earned simply for being born a white Christian man or being indoctrinated in a white Christian Nationalist family and church, irrespective of adult faith."

Stuart Writes: "I’ve said many times that what was at one time the Republican party is now an extremist movement. But I still never imagined that demands of racial purity and ethnic heritage would enter our politics."

Rick Wilson interviews Preet Bharara on Trump’s alleged ten million Egyptian bribe, as well as his ongoing corruption and legal troubles. They also dive into the impact of Kamala Harris’s campaign, attacks on her identity, and the crucial 2024 election. Follow Preet Bharara on X @PreetBharara, listen to his podcast - “Stay Tuned With Preet” - on your favorite podcasting platform, and buy his book - “Doing Justice: A Prosecutor's Thoughts on Crime, Punishment, and the Rule of Law” at fine bookstores everywhere.

Who better to give insight into Trump than his family? In this episode Rick welcomes Fred Trump III, Donald's nephew, to share his unique perspective on the complex dynamics and hidden stories behind one of America's most controversial families. Fred, who consciously chose a path away from the family business and political chaos, opens up about his experiences, revealing a internal and honest narrative. From the lack of support during his son William's medical crises to the manipulative behavior of his uncle Donald, Fred provides a candid look into the personal and often painful realities of being a Trump. He also discusses his concerns for the future of American democracy and his support for Kamala Harris. Fred's book, All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way, available now.

Fox News tried to create a smokescreen of deception to hide the rise of Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president. Fox was outraged by an anti-Christian opening ceremony that wasn’t about Christianity, and a trans athlete who wasn’t trans. Fox also claimed a crowd cheered Trump at a convention for Black journalists when in reality they laughed and jeered at him. Judge Jeanine Pirro claimed white dudes are only supporting Kamala Harris out of white guilty and Dana Perino claimed Democrats are trying to “superglue” Trump to Project 2025.