Episodes

  • Nothing Has Changed

    Nothing Has Changed
    Jul 15 2024
    In the wake of an assassination attempt, we remain clear and resolute. In this episode we welcome Bakari Sellers, prominent political commentator, former South Carolina House Representative, and author. They dive into a range of pressing topics, including the attempted assassination of Trump, the political climate surrounding the 2024 campaign, and the broader implications for American democracy. Bakari offers insights from his latest book, "The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn't and How We Can All Move Forward," discussing the ongoing challenges of race relations in the U.S. and the missed opportunities for meaningful change. Rick also gives us a clear directive, nothing has changed. Bakari's book, The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn't and How We All Can Move Forward Now, available now. Timestamps: (00:09:25) Bakari Sellers (00:17:36) Bakari's new book (00:21:58) Where we are? Where we go? (00:27:23) The shooter Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • The Hijacking of American Conservatism

    The Hijacking of American Conservatism
    Jul 10 2024
    How did conservatism in America become the bizarre mess it is today? To help us explore this question, Rick welcomes Joe Conason, author of "The Longest Con: How Grifters, Swindlers, and Frauds Hijacked American Conservatism." Together, they explore the historical trajectory of the conservative movement in America, from the professional anti-communists of the 1950s and 60s to the rise of the Tea Party and the ultimate grift of Donald Trump. Conason delves into the intricate scams and deceitful tactics used by key figures and organizations, revealing how political manipulation and financial exploitation have shaped modern conservatism. Joe's book, "The Longest Con: How Grifters, Swindlers, and Frauds Hijacked American Conservatism," available now. Timestamps: (00:01:49) The Longest Con (00:07:59) The conservative grift culture (00:18:29) The start of the Tea Party movement Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • A Poisoned Republican Party

    A Poisoned Republican Party
    Jul 8 2024
    The old Republican Party is dead. In this episode Rick Wilson welcomes special guest Governor Christine Todd Whitman, former governor of New Jersey, for a discussion on the current state and future of the Republican Party. They dive into the decline of the party’s principles, the rise of the Forward Party, and the impact of the Trump era on American democracy. The conversation touches on critical issues such as the erosion of the rule of law, the importance of civic education, and the repercussions of the Supreme Court’s decisions. Timestamps: (00:01:16) The decline of the Republican party (00:06:23) Do Trump's convictions change the race? (00:16:58) Dobbs vs. Jackson Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • The Front Lines of Democracy

    The Front Lines of Democracy
    Jul 3 2024
    The front lines in the fight for our democracy is taking place at the state level with a battle for the integrity of a system on the brink. In this episode Rick welcomes Jena Griswold, the Secretary of State of Colorado, for an in-depth discussion about the current state of democracy in the United States. They explore the challenges and successes of election security, the rise of election denialism, and the impact of disinformation and deep fakes on the electoral process. Jena shares insights from her experience in overseeing Colorado's elections, highlighting the importance of maintaining a secure and accessible voting system. She also discusses the ongoing efforts to hold bad actors accountable and the resilience of the American people in defending democratic values. Timestamps: (00:02:04) Democracy at code red (00:06:26) Improving Colorado's electoral system (00:09:38) The effects of election fraud (00:23:39) The age of disinformation Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • Trump's Vendetta Against Democracy

    Trump's Vendetta Against Democracy
    Jul 1 2024
    We must not forget the dramatic implications of a 2nd Trump presidency. In this episode Rick interviews Andrew McCabe, former deputy director of the FBI. They discuss the potential consequences of a second Trump presidency, focusing on the threats to democracy and the justice system. McCabe provides insights into the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election and reflects on Trump's use of power and influence. The conversation highlights the importance of protecting democratic institutions and maintaining accountability in government. Timestamps: (00:01:34) Promises of revenge (00:09:01) When a President does the right thing (00:10:35) Trump's vendetta against the DOJ (00:20:53) Protecting America in the Age of Terror and Trump Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • The Black Republican Migration

    The Black Republican Migration
    Jun 26 2024
    There is a shift taking place amongst black male voters in America. In today's episode, Rick speaks with Leah Wright Rigueur, assistant professor of public policy at the Kennedy School of Government and author of "The Loneliness of the Black Republican." They jump into the current state of the 2024 election, discussing the widespread frustration with the repeat matchup of 2020 candidates and the underlying racial dynamics influencing political behaviors. Leah offers insights into the slow migration of Black men to the Republican Party, the erosion of democratic principles, and the troubling rise of grievance politics. The conversation also touches on the potential implications of having a convicted felon on the presidential ballot and the ongoing struggle for true democratic accountability in the United States. Timestamps: (00:01:36) Leah's take on the election (00:10:27) Minorities moving to the GOP Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • "Briefcases Full of Cash, Libyans, Guns, and Drugs"

    "Briefcases Full of Cash, Libyans, Guns, and Drugs"
    Jun 24 2024
    What happens when your PR job is to represent clients including Gaddafi, Assad, and the government of Qatar? Well for one thing, a great many wild stories. In this episode, Rick welcomes Phil Elwood, the author of "All the Worst Humans: How I Made News for Dictators, Tycoons, and Politicians." Phil shares astonishing tales from his career in public affairs, detailing his work with notorious figures such as the Gaddafi family and Assad, and so many more. From orchestrating media strategies in high-stakes environments to confronting his own moral dilemmas, Phil's journey is both fascinating and eye-opening. Phil's book, "All the Worst Humans: How I Made News for Dictators, Tycoons, and Politicians," available now. Timestamps: (00:01:42) All The Worst Humans (00:06:12) Libyans, guns, and drugs (00:11:27) The rules of PR (00:16:20) When the FBI comes to your house (00:23:35) The inside game of PR Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • News is Dead

    News is Dead
    Jun 19 2024
    The steady decline of traditional media seems a near certainty. In this podcast episode, Rick speaks with Margaret Talev, a journalist and head of the Institute for Democracy, Journalism, and Citizenship at Syracuse University. They discuss the evolving challenges in the news industry, including the decline of local news, the rise of misinformation on social media, and the growing distrust in media, particularly among conservatives. Talev emphasizes the importance of reliable news sources for a healthy democracy and describes efforts to rebuild local news and civic engagement. She also shares insights from focus groups and polling on voter behavior and media consumption, highlighting the impact of media sources on public perceptions and polarization. Timestamps: (00:02:20) Margaret's role (00:06:21) The ecosystem of local news (00:16:39) Voting based on vibes Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins