Texas

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.

Rick talks with Beto O’Rourke and Claire Dewar about the ripple effects of Harris’s entry into the race on Texas politics, sparking a surge in volunteerism and voter engagement. They also discuss the deepening corruption and extremism within the Texas GOP, as well as the crucial role immigrants play in the local Texan economy. Follow Beto O’Rourke on X @BetoORourke, follow Claire Dewar on X @ccdewar, and join Powered By People here http://www.poweredxpeople.org. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com. Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at @ProjectLincoln.

On the two-year anniversary of the historic Dobbs Decision, guest Ryan Hamilton shares the experience he and his wife had, which Republicans continue to claim doesn’t exist: abortion laws endangering the life of a mother. Talking with host Rick Wilson, Ryan relays the harrowing experience of he and his wife losing their baby and the life-threatening circumstances they had to endure in the aftermath of archaic laws in Texas. You don’t want to miss this one.

Joe and Alex answer Trump's insane question - and the answer is yes, we sure are. Joe takes a look at North Carolina again - and why another statewide MAGA candidate is putting the state even more in play for President Biden. What's the mystery state Joe thinks Trump should worry about? And why Ohio Republicans just gave Senate Democrats a huge gift. And what about places like Texas? Where can Democrats go on offense?

David Pepper: "Once you realize that we’re in a battle for democracy itself—and that the front lines of that battle are the very statehouse seats where politicians like Bryan Hughes are spending entire careers advancing extremism unchallenged—you realize that these numbers aren’t just bad. They amount to a crisis, inflicting enormous damage."

From Ruth Ben-Ghiat: "For the authoritarians of the GOP, who no longer see free and fair elections as valid ways of deciding America's leadership, that amounts to an "overthrow," to use Paxton's word. This is where the GOP is now."

Olivia Julianna is a 20-year-old abortion-rights advocate and the Dir. of Politics and Government Affairs at Gen-Z for Change. With the help of her substantial TikTok following, Olivia initiated the takedown of an anti-abortion website that encouraged Texans to inform on their neighbors and raised over $2.3 million after a Twitter battle with Congressman Matt Gaetz.

There's a leadership gap in the Lonestar state, but Rick's guest, Beto O'Rourke, says Democrats can and have become more prominent. In a state with 40 electoral votes, Democratic wins in Texas could drastically change the fate of our country.