Episodes

  • Donald's Hot Mess

    Donald's Hot Mess
    May 8 2024
    Trump is a hot mess, we know this. And while everyone seems to have an opinion, few have the depth of knowledge and insight like today's guest. David Cay Johnston, a seasoned journalist and author known for his deep dives into American politics and economics, joins Rick to discuss the deeply troubling trajectory of Trump’s influence on American politics. Johnston, who has authored several critical books on Trump, shares insights into Trump’s personality, legal troubles, and the broader implications of his actions on the American democratic system. The conversation explores Trump’s history, from his early business ventures to his presidency, highlighting how his conduct in office signaled deeper issues of corruption and potential authoritarianism. Timestamps: [00:01:50] The brand of Trump [00:13:55] A tyrannical administration [00:15:51] Trump's bullying 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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    38 mins
  • A Fraudulent Claim of Voter Fraud

    A Fraudulent Claim of Voter Fraud
    May 6 2024
    For years we've heard from the Trump campaign that the 2020 election was stolen via an elaborate scheme of coordinated voter fraud. On today's show, we speak with Ken Block, author of "Disproven: My Unbiased Search for Voter Fraud for the Trump Campaign." Block shares his experiences as a data analyst tasked by the Trump campaign to investigate claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election. Throughout the discussion, Block details his rigorous process of vetting various allegations, revealing the baselessness of the claims and the internal dynamics among Trump's legal team. He also discusses the broader implications of election denialism and the troubling divide in media coverage. This episode provides a deep dive into the chaotic aftermath of the 2020 election and the challenges of combating misinformation within political and media landscapes. Ken's book "Disproven: My Unbiased Search for Voter Fraud for the Trump Campaign", available now. Timestamps: [00:01:43] Disproven [00:05:46] Donald.win [00:14:44] The math isn't there 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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    33 mins
  • Democracy at Stake in American Exurbia

    Democracy at Stake in American Exurbia
    May 1 2024
    Democracy will be won or lost in America's exurbia. In today's episode, Rick speaks with author David Masciotra, discussing his new book "Exurbia Now! The Battleground for American Democracy." The conversation dives into the transformation of American political life influenced by the migration from urban to suburban and ultimately to exurban areas. Masciotra sheds light on how these shifts reflect broader societal changes, contributing to the rise of authoritarian right-wing ideologies in less densely populated exurbs. They explore historical factors like white flight and infrastructure developments that spurred suburban growth post-World War II and discuss the current political dynamics where exurbs play a pivotal role. Timestamps: [00:01:57] A battleground for American democracy [00:10:11] Generica [00:17:12] Where do they run to next? 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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    44 mins
  • Apocalyptic Partisanship

    Apocalyptic Partisanship
    Apr 29 2024
    American political discourse has become more toxic than ever. In today's episode, Rick speaks with Frank Bruni, author of the new book "The Age of Grievance," which examines the pervasive culture of outrage and grievance driving contemporary American politics. Together, they analyze the roots of this phenomenon, tracing it back to historical and media influences, such as the rise of conservative media figures like Rush Limbaugh and Fox News. They explore how social media has intensified this culture, rewarding anger and performative outrage over substantive dialogue. They reflect on the decline of civility and compromise in political discourse, the rise of apocalyptic partisanship, and the erosion of trust in institutions. Timestamps: [00:01:30] The Age of Grievance [00:16:22] Pessimism sells [00:15:46] Breaking the spell [00:24:40] Strategies for governing 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 Horror of Trump's Potential Return

    The Horror of Trump's Potential Return
    Apr 24 2024
    Trump will be the next president, according to today's guest, if we do not learn the lessons of the past. On this episode Rick connects with author of the book Blowback and a vocal critic of Donald Trump, Miles Taylor. They dive into the potential dangers of a second Trump presidency, particularly focusing on the drastic changes he could impose on American democracy and government functionality. Taylor elaborates on his concerns about Trump's vindictive use of power, the politicization of civil services, and the shift in foreign policy towards autocratic regimes. The episode serves as a warning and a call to action, urging us to recognize and respond to the threats posed by a possible Trump re-election to our democracy. Timestamps: [00:01:26] Blowback [00:12:04] Schedule F [00:15:46] Breaking the spell [00:20:05] Foreign policy 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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    33 mins
  • A Policy Proposal That Could Ruin Your Life

    A Policy Proposal That Could Ruin Your Life
    Apr 22 2024
    In the event of a Republican victory in the 2024 presidential election, there potential implications for the country are darker than you may imagine. Project 2025 is one such outcome. In this episode, Rick is joined by author Andra Watkins to discuss her Substack publication, "How Project 2025 Will Ruin Your Life." Watkins, a former Christian nationalist, dives into the details of Project 2025, a hypothetical policy proposal she believes could dramatically alter American society through strict, moralistic governance. She highlights how the project's definitions of pornography could lead to severe restrictions on various forms of expression and details how its economic policies might adversely affect the middle class. Watkins also addresses the potential rollback of civil liberties, including gay marriage, and the imposition of religious conditions on social assistance. Timestamps: [00:01:38] Inspiration for Project 25 [00:04:50] Christian nationalists and their urges [00:10:47] Economic ideas of Project 25 [00:15:12] Schedule F 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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    28 mins
  • MAGA's Republican Takeover

    MAGA's Republican Takeover
    Apr 17 2024
    The Republican party has changed. On this episode Ricks sits with Isaac Arnsdorf, a Washington Post reporter and author to discuss the profound transformation within the Republican Party instigated by the MAGA movement. Arnsdorf shares insights from his book, revealing how grassroots activism, led by figures like Steve Bannon, has reshaped the party from the bottom up. The episode explores the strategic takeovers of local party positions by MAGA supporters, the creation of a new political narrative surrounding the 2020 election, and the broader implications of this shift on American politics. Timestamps: [00:02:06] Who's running the new revolution? [00:05:54] Karizona [00:10:10] A foundational conspiracy [00:16:34] No enemies to my right 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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    29 mins
  • A Conservative Environmentalist?

    A Conservative Environmentalist?
    Apr 15 2024
    Conservatives in America are not typically known as lovers of environmental advocacy. Well, our guest bucks that trend. Benji Backer, an environmental advocate and author of "The Conservative Environmentalist" joins Rick to discuss the urgent need for practical and innovative solutions to environmental challenges, critiquing both extreme denial and radical approaches currently dividing the political landscape. Backer emphasizes a historical bipartisan approach to environmental issues and proposes a balanced pathway that leverages American ingenuity and respects local knowledge. Timestamps: [00:01:54] Green new deal vs. denial [00:19:09] Becoming a conservative environmentalist 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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    30 mins