Episodes

  • Paul Rieckhoff: Trump’s Assault on the Military

    Paul Rieckhoff: Trump’s Assault on the Military
    Feb 25 2025
    Charlie Sykes and Paul Rieckhoff discuss the recent UN vote where the United States sided with Russia against a resolution supporting Ukraine. They explore the implications of this decision, the perception of America as the 'bad guy', and the ongoing military purge under Trump's administration. they also discuss the culture of the military, the importance of values in leadership, and the chaos that is unfolding within the military ranks. They also touch on the impact of these changes on veterans and the 9/11 health registry. Plus, the critical role of veterans in politics, the manipulation of media and information by the current administration, and the implications of recent appointments within the FBI. They also highlight the challenges faced by the Democratic Party, including a lack of leadership and strategy, and speculate on Trump's consolidation of power and its potential consequences for the future of American politics.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    52 mins
  • Ben Wittes: The US Switches Sides in Ukraine

    Ben Wittes: The US Switches Sides in Ukraine
    Feb 20 2025
    Charlie Sykes is joined by legal analyst Ben Wittes to examine the first month of Trump's second presidency and the shocking realignment of U.S. foreign and domestic policy. They discuss the administration’s abandonment of Ukraine, the erosion of DOJ independence, and the broader constitutional crisis emerging from Trump’s unchecked executive power. With Republican capitulation in Congress and Trump’s open defiance of legal norms, Sykes and Wittes explore the implications for democracy, the judiciary’s role as the last remaining guardrail, and whether Europe can step up as the U.S. retreats from its global leadership.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    55 mins
  • Brian Rosenwald: One Month of Trump 2.0

    Brian Rosenwald: One Month of Trump 2.0
    Feb 18 2025
    Charlie Sykes and political historian Brian Rosenwald from the University of Pennsylvania take a look back at the first month of the second Trump administration

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Tim O'Brien: Trump only cares about two things

    Tim O'Brien: Trump only cares about two things
    Feb 16 2025
    Charlie Sykes is joined by Tim O’Brien, Executive Editor for Opinion at Bloomberg, for a wide-ranging discussion on Donald Trump’s latest actions and their broader implications. They explore Trump's fascination with power and control, his influence over U.S. institutions, and his ongoing relationship with figures like Elon Musk and Vladimir Putin. The conversation also delves into the fallout from the DOJ’s attempted intervention in the Eric Adams case, Trump's push for tariffs, and the global consequences of his policies.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    45 mins
  • Olivia Troye: Standing up to Kash Patel

    Olivia Troye: Standing up to Kash Patel
    Feb 13 2025
    Charlie Sykes and Olivia Troye discuss the appointment of controversial figures like Kash Patel, the administration’s authoritarian tendencies, and the global implications of Trump’s policies, including mass deportations and weakened alliances. They also explore the growing influence of figures like Elon Musk and Stephen Miller, raising concerns about the long-term consequences for democracy and national security.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    44 mins
  • Tom Nichols: Decadent America

    Tom Nichols: Decadent America
    Feb 11 2025
    Charlie Sykes and Tom Nichols discuss the chaotic first month of Trump’s second term, examining the administration’s internal distractions, its attacks on the rule of law, and the broader implications for democracy. They explore Trump’s erratic priorities—from tariffs and plastic straws to threats against NATO—while considering how authoritarian tendencies are being normalized. The conversation also touches on Elon Musk’s growing influence, the undermining of U.S. institutions, and the dangerous consequences of an increasingly unserious electorate.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    49 mins
  • David French: A Constitutional Revolution

    David French: A Constitutional Revolution
    Feb 9 2025
    Charlie Sykes and David French talk about the chaotic early days of the Trump presidency. They focus on how Trump's actions affected the U.S. Constitution and the balance of power in government. They explain what a constitutional crisis is, how the courts work, and what could happen if people refuse to follow Supreme Court decisions. Their conversation looks at the challenges facing American democracy and why it’s important to understand the laws that limit a president’s power.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    53 mins
  • To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

    To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes
    Feb 6 2025
    You are not the crazy ones

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 min