Democracy is under siege, and state-sanctioned vigilantes are leading the charge. In this episode Rick speaks with Jon Michaels and David Noll, authors of the upcoming book Vigilante Nation: How State-Sponsored Terror Threatens Our Democracy. They discuss the alarming rise of state-backed vigilante activities, particularly through laws like Texas SB8, and how these efforts are aimed at achieving authoritarian political control. The conversation explores the MAGA movement's tactics, the threats to democratic institutions, and the potential dangers surrounding future U.S. elections. It's a chilling analysis of how private actors, with state approval, are shaping America’s political landscape.
The balance of power in American democracy is being tested like never before. In this episode Rick is joined by legal expert and author Tristan Snell to discuss the latest legal battles surrounding Trump, the Supreme Court’s role in shaping executive power, and the broader implications for American democracy. They break down key cases, including the limits of presidential immunity, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the growing constitutional crisis if Trump defies court rulings. Visit Tristan's Substack at tristansnell.com.
America’s political landscape is shifting in dangerous ways. On today's episode Rick is joined by journalist and author Garrett Graff to dissect the current crisis in U.S. democracy, where unchecked power, disruptive media narratives, and the staggering influence of figures like Elon Musk are redrawing the rules of governance. Graff introduces his incisive newsletter, Doomsday Scenario, which reimagines American news as if it were unfolding overseas—casting a stark light on the nation's mounting instability and the erosion of federal institutions.
Subscribe to Garrett's newsletter at doomsdayscenario.co.
Prolific and multi-award-winning documentarian Alex Gibney, who's responsible for the most impactful documentaries of our time -- i.e., Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley, Totally Under Control, and MANY more --sits down with Rick Wilson to discuss his portfolio of work and how it reflects on the American character.
Alex's most recent project, The Bibi Files, uses never-seen-before interrogation footage to tell the story of an investigation into Benjamin Netanyahu and his inner circle and provides an unflinching gaze into the private world behind the headlines. Petty vanity and a sense of entitlement lead to corruption and the unwillingness of the Netanyahus to give up power. The extreme right senses opportunity in Bibi’s weakness, and the dominos fall.
Can Democrats win back rural and working-class voters before it’s too late? In this episode Rick Wilson sits down with Adam Frisch, former congressional candidate from Colorado, to discuss the state of the Democratic Party and its challenges in connecting with rural and working-class voters. Frisch shares insights from his campaign against Lauren Boebert, emphasizing the importance of dignity, economic messaging, and breaking through the Democratic Party’s institutional mindset. He also critiques the party’s communication strategies and highlights the need for candidate-led campaigns. Together, they explore the impact of Trump’s policies, the role of soft power, and the looming economic consequences that could shift voter sentiment in the coming months.
Al From writes, "The bottom line is this: we cannot expect voters to return us to national power as long as they have no confidence that the government will improve their lives."
